Psalm 65:2,4 & 5 (NKJV) “O You who hear prayer, to You all flesh will come…Blessed is the man You choose, and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts…by awesome deeds in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth.”

When we come to God, He hears our prayers, always.  None of our prayers just hit a wall, He is at work!  In fact, His Holy Spirit is always working and moving over our lives and He is faithfully detailed.  You may not see His answer yet, but never give up on what He is doing.  Set your hope on Who He is, His goodness, His mercy, His watchful eye.  After all if He is watching the sparrows and knows when one falls, He certainly has you in His sight.  Even when it seems like we have a sin or fault we can’t seem to get past, He doesn’t give up on us.  He has provided atonement through the blood of Jesus and forgiveness when we ask.  I heard a message a couple weeks ago and the speaker (Steven Furtick) mentioned the fact that Jesus is a carpenter.  He doesn’t mind rough edges, He is always willing to work on us.  How wonderful!  He chose us and made it possible to approach Him in the courts of heaven.  He tells us to come boldly before Him and present our requests.  How is this boldness possible?  It is in relationship.  If we know Him as our Father, then we know He cares and is working all things out for our good and His glory.  As you grow in that relationship, you see His hand more and more and He answers you with “awesome deeds of righteousness”!  Do you have a place of stillness to come and sit at His feet?  Starting with worship brings your heart to the secret place where you can share, ask, and listen to the Spirit of God.  Listening to music, inviting His presence, and getting to know Him are all ways to worship.  Putting Him before everything else and all distractions aside is the best way to connect with Him.  Sometimes, coming apart for a few days of solitude or retreat helps you to hear God undisturbed.

We can have a vital prayer life!  Don’t let your love grow cold.  Ask the Holy Spirit to bring His fire back if you feel distance.  He is there and loves you more than you could ever imagine.  Put away religion and seek God’s face.

May you have an amazing month of joy and abundance!

Laura

Well, it’s been so long since I have written!  As I’m sure you all know we’re in a really weird season right now and my life has changed considerably since my last post.  Covid-19 has interrupted all of our lives and made life more difficult in so many ways!  Things I never thought I would experience have happened this year.  It seems so much has been shaken.  The one thing we can count on that will never be shaken is God’s unfailing love.  Hebrews 13:8 reassures us with this: “Jesus Christ is (eternally changeless, always) the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Amp.)  As the earth shakes and moves in this uncertain time, we can look to the One who will never change.  Hebrews 12:27, “Now this, yet once more, indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.”  Has anyone else noticed this shaking?  It’s as if we are in a giant sifter and only the things that have eternal value will stand.  If you are putting your hope in “things unseen” you are on the right track and can rest in knowing Him and trusting that He’s got you!  If you have found that the things you gave priority aren’t giving you peace right now, then it’s time for a renewal.  God will never disappoint you and He is able to bring calm to your heart in this storm.  Get into His Word, call out to the Lord Jesus, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you.  Then, you can be ready for whatever comes, because He gives you a firm foundation.

During the quarantine I have been led to start an at-home business called “Simply Honor”.  I am making aprons, totes, and gift bags to sell online or in person.  I have different styles and prices and you can get those by contacting me.  Check out my “Simply Honor” Facebook page.  Here are some pics of my designs:

I pray you are all blessed and living under the shadow of His wings with NO FEAR!!

Laura

What a wonderful time of year this is to get together with friends and family and rejoice in the birth of our Savior!  I’m sure you have your share of parties, programs, and events to attend throughout the month. One thing that I love to do is to have tea with my friends.  I don’t know about you, but I love to decorate for Christmas!  If you decide to have a tea you can go simple (like I did) or elaborate, depending on how much time and tea decor you have.  Be sure there is time to slow down share, laugh, and pray for each other.  Spending time with people is so important and so appreciated.  In the midst of our hurry-scurry culture, taking the time to invest in someone’s life doesn’t go unnoticed.  We were born for community and relationship with each other and God.

I usually have multiple teas to choose from, because I love tea! Cranberry Wonderland and Candy Cane by Celestial Seasonings, are very tasty.  You can also serve a snack to go with it.  Banana, pumpkin, or cranberry bread this time of year is a good choice.  You can add fruit and Christmas candy to the table or whatever sounds fun to you.  Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Pumpkin-Cranberry Bread

1 c. vegetable oil, 1 and 3/4 c. of brown sugar, 3 eggs, 2 c. canned or fresh cooked pumpkin, 3 and 1/2 c. whole wheat flour, 1 t.salt, 1 t. baking soda, 1/2 t. baking powder, 2 t. cinnamon, 1 t. nutmeg, 1 t. allspice (or cloves), 1 c. fresh cranberries chopped.  Mix the first 4 ingredients together. Combine flour and spices and add.  Add the cranberries and stir in only until mixed together.  Bake in greased pans at 325 degrees for 1 hour.  Makes 2 loaves.

At Christmas we have such a reason to celebrate!  “For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor,  Mighty God,  Everlasting Father,  Prince of Peace.”  Isaiah 9:6 (NKJV)  Jesus set aside everything to come and take on our humanity and be “God with us”.  He took the time to intentionally be with us. We celebrate God’s great love for us!   As you make your guest list, remember the ones that are close to His heart, the ones who may never be able to repay you.  Do you know someone new in town?  Someone who is a single parent?  Someone who is struggling that you can bless?  The lonely, the broken?  It’s good to ask the Holy Spirit to lead you to someone who you can make a difference in their lives.  He will, and you will have the best Christmas season ever as you follow His lead in all that you do.  Merry Christmas!

 

Fall is my favorite time of the year!  The colors, the smells, the cozy feeling of gathering the last of the harvest…

Every season has it’s own glory and I’m sure we each have our favorites for one reason or another.  Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (NKJV)  God has planned for every season and His purpose and timing are perfect.  Some seasons are easy to love and some, not so much!  I enjoy the first snow, but by February I’m longing for spring!

We also have different seasons of life.  Some are hard to leave behind and move on to the next season, but when we do, we see that God is in the next season too.  He is always steady and faithful to depend on in the different times and seasons of change.  He is the same “yesterday, today, and forever”.  He is always with us, bringing growth if we allow it and bringing new things into our life.

Maybe you’re a young mom, with little ones to care for and sleep is scarce and you think you may never have a quiet moment to yourself again!  But all too soon, you are in the next season and those precious times rocking your babies changes to listening to your teenager’s heart late at night. God is there with you.

Maybe you’re getting ready for a career.  You’re excited and ready for the next season, but also a little nervous about how it will go. God will guide you if you ask Him, and you will be amazed at His abundance in your life!

Maybe (like me), you’re children are all growing up and it’s time for weddings and grandchildren and more time with your husband.  It’s a season of blessing and beauty, but also nostalgia. God is there helping and guiding you into each season and planning things that you could never imagine!  With God, there are always surprises!  The ones of us who are in a later season are able to come alongside the younger generations to bless and be there for them.  God is always about relationship in every season.

Ecclesiastes 3:14,”I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever.  Nothing can be added to it, and nothing taken from it.”

Many blessings as you move WITH God through the changing seasons!

 

Some  inspiration for fall…

Grandma’s Ginger Cookies

1 c. sugar, 1/2 c. shortening, 1/4 c. cold water, 1/2 c. molasses, 2 eggs, 1 t. each of: ginger, cinnamon, soda.  2-3 c. flour (less to make the dough the consistency for dropping on cookie sheet or more for rolling out and cutting)

Mix sugar, shortening, water, molasses, eggs, and spices together.  Add flour 1 c. at a time.  Bake at 350 degrees for 8 min.

Here is a fun thing to do…use fall garlands to top your cabinets and add that cozy atmosphere!

Hospitality.  Certain people come to mind when I think of this word. There have been family and friends who have given us this very special gift. My mother-in-law, sisters and sisters-in-law, daughters and daughters-in-law, and so many friends are experts in this area. I have learned so much from them and been so inspired down through the years. What a blessing to be welcomed and refreshed! Do the words gracious, inviting, generous, or cordial come to mind when you think of hospitality? Webster’s puts it this way: “Offering a pleasant or sustaining environment, given to generous and cordial welcome.”

What comes to my mind when I have a wonderful time at someone’s house is the fact that they welcome, love, and accept me. The environment is restful, comfortable, and friendly! I don’t usually care if there are expensive furnishings or perfect housekeeping. It’s always fun to pick up a new recipe or decorating idea and to exchange heart to heart inspiration. The times we talk about spiritual, eternal things or pray together are priceless. There was one time we were visiting in a different town doing a service with our ministry and didn’t know the people we went to stay with. They graciously received us into their home, and it was as if we had known them forever! Being a part of the family of God is like that. God did so many miracles for us on that trip, but that was one of the best.

So, what kind of an atmosphere are you creating in your home? Do people feel the presence of God when they enter your door? If you are spending time with Him, they will.  Matthew 18:20,”For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there among them.” (HCSB) Who knows? You may even entertain some angels and not be aware of it! Hospitality is more than just having a “Better Homes & Gardens” house. It’s about loving people to life and letting them feel welcome. Allowing them freedom to relax and let them be themselves. Providing comfort and counsel when it’s needed. Praying for them, laughing, and weeping with them. Keep things simple and don’t run yourself crazy with cleaning chores! A tasty soup and cornbread with friendship is more enjoyable than a fancy meal with lots of stress and expectations. Let Jesus be in your midst.

Here is a DIY project to help with your hospitality! The other day I was looking for some blue napkins to match my table setting. The only ones I found were very expensive and not the right color. Right beside them were some cotton dish towels that WERE the right color and they were on sale! So, my mind started working…I bought them, cut them in half, and hemmed the side I had cut (you can iron a 1/4 seam and then turn it over again and stitch). The other sides of the towel were already hemmed.  Just make sure that you have the cotton dishtowels and not material that will ravel.  Tada! I now have 4 new napkins for the price of 2. Very easy!

Also, a great cookbook with easy recipes for your family and guests is the “More With Less” cookbook by Doris Janzen Longacre available on Amazon.

Every year for as long as I’ve been married, I’ve always had a garden. This year I am trying something different (and hopefully a little easier!) It is a container garden. So, my deck is laden with different containers in various stages of growth. So far, most are doing pretty good, and I’ve already been having some good salads! If you have some pretty pots, it’s an easy thing to do. I have herbs, radishes, cukes, beets, and even zuchinni(I’ll tell you later how that works out). Just make sure you have good potting soil and water them often, especially now with the hot weather!
Down through the years, the time I’ve spent in the quiet of the garden, mindlessly pulling weeds, have been some of the best times for God to speak to me. As I dig deep on the root of some big weed, He reminds me how sin is like that weed. It may start out small enough and seemingly innocent, but the next thing you know, it has grown out of control and takes a lot of work to get it out! It’s a good idea to keep your”garden” clean and pull those weeds while they are small. He has also reminded me that He is the Master Gardener. Faithfully, tenderly, watering, fertilizing, tilling, and trimming, so that I will yield an abundant harvest. He doesn’t give up on me when I’m droopy or have broken leaves from intense heat or storms. He quietly works in the depths of my heart, reminding me of what lies ahead. Sometimes, when I think things are going great and I have big leaves, He decides I need trimming, so that I can bear fruit and not just shiny leaves. But He always knows best, and fills me with just the right kind of nourishment.
Jesus talked about different kinds of soil and the places seeds would land when they were sown(Luke 8:5). Some seed fell by the side of the road where it was walked on and snatched by birds. Some seed fell on rock. It tried to grow, but had no water and thus, no root. Some seed fell into the brier-patch, and the thorns choked it out. But then, there was the seed that fell in the good soil. It was rich and ready for the seed, and produced a great crop! Jesus went on to explain that the seed is the Word of God, and the different soil is our hearts. The seed on the side of the road are the ones who hear the message, but the devil quickly snatches it away and it is lost. The seed on the rock are the ones who hear the word with joy and quickly accept, but have no real commitment, and when things get tough they fall away. The seed among the thorns are those who hear, but allow the cares and things of the world to choke out their spiritual life. The seed on the good ground are the ones who hear the Word and soak it in. They allow it to go deep into their heart and the Holy Spirit makes it part of them. Then, they bear fruit.
We also must decide what kind of soil our hearts will be. At different times in life maybe you have found yourself in one of the not-so-good categories. Don’t lose heart! You don’t have to stay there. Ask the Holy Spirit to till and cultivate the soil of your heart and help you understand the Word of God. Let it go deep and change you. He is the God of second chances and there is always hope and a future with Him. He is just waiting for your willingness to let Him work and bring an incredible harvest! Happy gardening!

Our family is getting ready to celebrate a very exciting event! Our oldest son is getting married in Louisiana and we will be traveling down to rejoice with the happy couple. Our youngest daughter got married last July and what a blessing that was! The picture above is from her wedding (photo credit Greg Basel Photography) Don’t you love weddings? The beauty, the joy, the love, the family and friends? Did you realize that marriage is a beautiful picture from God of the relationship He desires to have with us? Marriage is a covenant with God and each other. A time of commitment and celebration of love. Marriage is a picture of Jesus and His Bride, the Church. It’s all about relationship. Jesus desired relationship with us so much that He gave Himself for us (Eph.5:25).
How do people prepare for a wedding day? The bridegroom prepares for his bride by making provision for her. He plans for a honeymoon, a home, and how he will support her. The bride makes herself beautiful and finds out how she can please him. Of course, there are other ways they prepare and they spend lots of time together learning about each other. They are focused on each other! What if the bride never spent time with the groom? What if she knew every fact about him, but didn’t take the time to know him personally? What if she didn’t care about his likes and dislikes, his dreams and plans, or what they really enjoyed doing together? If she never really searched for his heart would she be his bride? What kind of relationship would that be, if any? What about us? Do we search for our Bridegroom’s heart with sweet abandon? Do we learn to know Him and not just about Him? Do we listen to Him and find out His dreams and purposes for us? Do we rejoice to spend time with Him or do we rush off to our day with barely a word?
What do you enjoy the most about a wedding? It’s always exciting to see the dress, the decorations, the food, but I think the best part is seeing the way they look at each other! Are people drawn to Jesus by His light in your eyes? Let’s prepare our hearts for Him each day. Nothing can separate us from His love for us!
I pray these things for each of my children in their marriages:
1. A love that is patient and kind.
2. A love that keeps on loving when life is not beautiful and in the process finds the greatest beauty of all.
3. A deep companionship that grows deeper through the years, joy, and trials.
Love is a choice and one of the most worthwhile you will ever make. As life moves in it’s rhythm of joy, sorrow, laughter, and discovery, you find that person beside you through it all and you are grateful to God that you can share this journey together. 1 Cor.13:13(NKJV) And now abide faith, hope love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
Loving wishes of joy and blessing to Josh & Kim!

As you attend showers & weddings this summer why not make a recipe book for the bride and groom? We all have favorite recipes and you can type them up and get creative by compiling them on card stock and decorating with photo’s or card making supplies. I also like to put rings from the office section in the top of the recipe book for easy turning:) The couple will appreciate a personal touch and tried and true recipes!

(Photography by Joyful Image Photography-Tiffany Woelber)

Are you the type of person that loves to run? Do you join races in your community or travel to marathons? I respect the dedication of runners, but I am not a runner! I like to walk and sometimes jog, but running is definitely NOT a passion for me. However, my oldest daughter has loved running since she was young. When my husband and I would go on walks when she was little, she would run ahead of us with her long, blonde hair flying behind her. She has continued to enjoy running and enters long races(even with a jogging stroller!). Even though I am not a runner, there are things that I know about disciplined running. Runners train, focus, build muscle, get rid of extra weight and distractions, and they trust the coach. People who run need endurance and they aren’t halfhearted. They don’t spend a lot of time running around frantically using up their strength on other pursuits. They don’t indulge their flesh, they master it!
In 1 Cor.9:24-27, Paul tells us the Christian life is a race. To enter the race, first we must know the Master of Ceremonies, we must come to God through Jesus Christ the Son John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through Me.” NKJV Then, the race begins! We must train. Training takes effort, it involves pain, sacrifice, long hours. Our Coach may allow us to go through some things to build spiritual muscle, but He has our best in mind. An athlete expects that & trusts the coach to know more than he does. But there is reward! We begin to see progress…we get stronger and can run longer and faster! Our training involves getting to know God better and listening for His voice. It’s important to read His Word, pray, fast, worship, and fellowship with other believers. This all has to be based in RELATIONSHIP, not religion. God has always wanted relationship with us and the deeper we go in that the more joy there is!

Next, we must not lose focus. A runner has a goal and disciplines mind and body to achieve that goal. In this race there can be many distractions and we have an enemy who is always waiting to trip us up! We need to be alert to the terrain and the dangers. Just as a runner would study the course, so we need to be aware of the pitfalls and traps laid for us. We don’t want to use up valuable time and energy on trivial pursuits. Going down the rabbit trail towards the temporary, material things of this life leads to a dead end. God offers so much more! He has lasting peace, joy, and contentment waiting at the finish line. The best part is anyone who enters this race can win! You just have to finish. Instead of competing, we run together! If someone falls, we help them up. We offer encouragement and strength to each other. We might even carry them for a while!
A runner needs sports drinks and protein, etc. to give them energy. We have the empowerment of the Holy Spirit! He is our “second Wind” and Breath of Life! Isaiah 40:31 says “But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength.They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint.” NKJV
So, run with joy and encourage your fellow runners!

Need some inspiration to exercise? Grab your dog and go for a walk! Put some exercise DVD’s on. Spring is on the way, gardening is a great way to get in shape!
Book ideas for “spiritual exercise”: “Unstoppable” by Christine Caine. Go on a prayer walk or run and pray for your neighbors! Watch the amazing things God will do in response to your acts of faith.

This is a brand new year!  It’s like a shiny new page to write on.  What will you do with it?  It is time to put away the things that have weighed you down in 2016 and begin again with God.  He says His mercies are “new every morning” Lam.3:23 (NKJV)  What does His new mercy look like?  Mercy is a beautiful thing!  Mercy is forgiveness, kindness in excess, compassion, refraining from punishment.  The mercy of God is given to us freely.  The costly sacrifice of Jesus on the cross made this possible.  So, every morning of this new year, God’s mercies are available to you.  When you are tired and worn from the work you do. When you are lonely.  When you feel betrayed or sorrowful.  When frustration wants to steal your peace, or anything else that you may come up against.  He is there to give you His mercy in place of your weakness.  He has good things for you!

Look to Him in hope and expectation of what He has for you in this new year.  God loves to do new things!  He is a God of incredible variety, beauty, and joy.  Look at creation to see how He enjoys things that are new and growing.  That’s what He wants to do in you.  He desires to help you bear fruit in your life as you draw your strength and nourishment from relationship with Him.  As this happens in your own life, share what He has done for you!  Make time to get together with your friends, family, neighbors, or someone new that God places in your path.  Share a meal, some tea or coffee, or just your time.  Let God put His love in your heart for those around you.

“Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.” Rev.21:5(NKJV)

When God reveals truth to us, he wants us not only to soak it in, but to get moving!  Basically, applying the truths we have learned.  You will find yourself in a very dead and dry place if all you do is live in a constant state of doing Bible study, but never activating it in your own life.  What are some ways to pursue God when you are caring for your family’s needs?  Or when you are single and desiring to do His will?  Does God want you to take risks?  Be willing to step out on faith?  I think He does.  When God called my husband and I into prison & rehabilitation ministry, our children were very young and there were those who thought we were being foolish and putting them in danger.  We were moving to a town away from where we had grown up and ministering to people we had never met.  Our parents, for one, were not impressed!  We also had Christian friends who couldn’t believe it.  We continued to receive confirmations from God that we were on the right path, but sometimes it felt like going way out on a limb.  When God calls you to something, He prepares you and your children.  He provides and He protects.  The very safest and most fulfilling place to be is in the center of God’s destiny and purpose for you.  Our children all survived and not only that, they thrived!  Their little hearts were filled with compassion from Jesus and they gained new Christian family in the process.  As teens & adults, they are now pursuing their own adventures with God unafraid, and seeing Him do amazing things in their life!  Ask the Holy Spirit what He has for you to do.  For those of us with families, God calls us to minister to them first and it is such a high calling!   He has called you to shape eternal lives and to have influence for His kingdom.  I was so blessed to be able to stay at home with my children.  It was the hardest and most worthwhile thing I have ever done!  I realize not everyone has that privilege, but God will continue to lead you and give you grace in the things He has for you. He gives each one of us gifts and callings to be used for His glory.  Be ready!  Be alert and listening to His voice.  Don’t be “guilted” into doing anything.  Be purposeful and move in His timing, it’s perfect.  You can walk in the freedom and guidance of the Holy Spirit and let the condemnation of perfectionism go.  Something I’ve done to put into practice what I’m learning is write a verse that God has brought to my heart on a 3×5 index card and put it in a place I will see it everyday.  Meditating on it, praying it over myself and my family, and asking God to put it within me and in my life.  Col.3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not to men.”(NIV)