Update onTornado Victims~

Here is an update on the Crawford family of Alabama who lost their home in

the tornados this week. You will be in shock at the destruction. This is an interview with

Mr. Aaron Crawford.

Below is an interview with Jordan Lee. He is the oldest son of Mr. Tom Lee

whose life was lost while protecting his family during the devastating

tornados this week. His love for his father and for God overlfows as he

speaks of honoring his father's legacy and his family's desire to honor

and glorify God through this very difficult time.

It is so inspiring to see these familys standing so strong in the

their faith and trusting God in the face of such tragic circumstances.

They are very courageous and steadfast.

What an honor to be part of the body of Christ. What a privelage to belong to a group

of people who will walk side by side, giving of their

material possession and offering all of their love and support

to help people heal and rebuild their lives.

These families will need much support

and continued prayer for many months

as they work through the grief and trauma

of this disaster.



I will be posting information concerning donations and an address

 to which gift cards can be sent.

Please consider what you can give.

Any amount will be a blessing and

very much appreciated

Speaking For the King

Did you realize that God intended for you to
communicate His love, truth and purposes?


Words


Why do I struggle so much?
 Everyday I want to speak uplifting, encouraging words.
You wouldn't think it would be that difficult.

But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
James 3:8


Sometimes I feel that I cannot be changed. But this is not true.
There is always hope in the Lord.
I continue to look to Him who gave me new life.
As I humble myself and submit myself to Him, and meditate on His Word,
my mind will be renewed.
As I pray, and lay down my will, He will
bring wisdom and direction. He answers our cries for help.
He will help me change my course.


I cannot be discouraged. I choose to believe His Word as truth and
not look at my circumstances.
I will walk by faith and not by sight.

epitaph
*****

Beneath this stone,

a lump of clay,

Lies Arabella Young,

Who, on the twenty-fourth of May,

Began to hold her tongue

{I do NOT want this to be me!}

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYX

The alphabet; With theses 26 little letters, words are built.

Words that cut deeply and scar.  Words that bring a heart low,

tear down dreams, or bring discouragement.

Words that stir up clouds of darkness and death in the heart.

What do darkness and death look like?

Revenge...hatred...bitterness...hurt...rejection...

jealousy...envy...wrath...

hopelessness...despair...

loss...worthlessness...discouragement...

When the cup of darkness can hold no more, in all it's fullness,

it begins to overflow. And so begins the cycle.

 When words void of life are spoken,
there is a battle that takes place between our flesh and our spirit.
Our spirit wants to respond according to God's Word, but our flesh fights back and seeks
to protect our heart.
The battle.


When God said. "Let there be light."
There was light. These were words of life.

And then there are words that flow with grace...
Life springs forth. Those who hear are filled with hope.
Inspiration is born. Healing takes place.
People are affirmed and built-up.
Encouragement takes root and people aspire
to be overcomers.


Our words are to be seasoned with salt and grace.

(Colossions 4:6)

________________________________________________________________________
****
Being aware of our shortcomings is the first step to overcoming them.

****
Knowing how to speak to others using affirming words
may not come naturally to us, but we can learn.

****
We can learn by listening to others.
This may sound strange, but I have heard conversations
 from our read aloud books and have
 thought, "I would love to speak with such graciousness."
I need to remember that!

****
Being sensitive to the feelings of others and making an effort to speak
the truth in love can be accomplished through effort and prayer.

****
Have you ever heard anyone say,"That's just the way I am ?"
God will not excuse our excuses!

****
THINKING carefully before we speak will
allow us time to consider what we are saying.
How many times have we said something out of
an emotional reaction?
Self-centered venting in anger will bring destruction
 to our relationships. Careless words can cause hurt feelings
as well as break down trust.


If (when) we fall, the only way to truly bring restoration is
through asking forgivenes.
Humilty goes a long way in healing of relationships.
I have had to apologize so many times.



My dearly loved brothers, understand this:
everyone must be quick to hear,
slow to speak,
 and slow to anger.
James 1:19


****
God's Word does not tell us exactly what to say or what not to say.
It does, however, give us very specific guidelines in how we
are treat one another.
And the Holy Spirit will teach us and through God's grace
 we can grow in self-control.
As we read His Word, it will bring correction if it's needed.

****
If we our heart's motivation is to speak out of love,
we will desire to speak words OF love.

****
Ask your family to  help you. Being accountable to someone is very helpful.
There are times when we may say something
that is hurtful and we aren't aware of it.

****
When we pray, God hears and answers. As we repent
 and humbly ask God for His help,
He is so willing to give it; He is just waiting for us.



He has made provision for ALL that we have need of.
That includes speech that builds others up.
If it is a command in His Word, then He has made a way
to help us get there!




 Do not let any 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.
Ephesians 4:29



There is an excellent book that I have read and it
addresses all these issues and
so much more. I highly recommend it
if you desire to grow in the area of communication.
The book teaches how we are communicating for the King and
HOW to make some practical applications.

I believe this will forever change the way you look at
and approach the way you speak.

It is called:

War of Words

written by Paul David Tripp

Transparency-

There is no persuasiveness
more effectual
than the transparency
 of a single heart,
 of a sincere life.

***Joseph Barber Lightfoot***

As I grow in His grace, He is teaching me how to be more transparent,
to have a single heart for Him,
and to live every day
 more sincerely.
~

Family Fitness

Lack of activity destroys the good condition of every human being, while movement and methodical physical exercise save it and preserve it. -Plato

Our family definitely believes in the benefits of regular exercise. Here is the basic exercise schedule

that we follow. There's a walk every Tuesday, Thursday and either Saturday or Sunday. It's about  2 miles. We enjoy our walks SO much. ( so does our dog, Liberty!) They are a great time to

fellowship or just toss a football back and forth. Sometimes our friends walk with us.

I need my walks. They are very therapeutic for me! I guard that time very carefully.

Jeff and I also stretch 3-4 times/ week. The off days we do sit-ups and other various exercises.

We also enjoy yardwork, landscaping, hiking, playing ball or riding bikes. It relieves stress and helps keep our hearts strong, our bodies limber and our minds clear.

Today it was TOO windy to walk and so Mikailah suggested that we watch our exercise videos.

It felt so good! It was fun to do something a little different and we will enjoy the benefits! Everyone was laughing and enjoying the time together.

This is always a great way for the children to burn extra energy on a rainy or snowy day.

We want to take good care of our bodies so that we can be healthy and strong; it is good stewardship to take care of our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit. One of our goals is to be strong and able to do the work that God has called us to do. Whatever that work may be.

Ministry of any kind takes effort, energy and strength; It is our desire to accomplish these tasks

with excellence.

When we exercise on a regular basis, we are also helping our children to build lifelong habits of discipline.

Listed below are the Mayo Clinic's 6 benefits to regular physical exercise.

1. Exercise improves your mood.

Need to blow off some steam after a stressful day? A workout at the gym or a brisk 30-minute walk can help you calm down.

Physical activity stimulates various brain chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed than you were before you worked out. You'll also look better and feel better when you exercise regularly, which can boost your confidence and improve your self-esteem. Regular physical activity can even help prevent depression.

2. Exercise combats chronic diseases.

Worried about heart disease? Hoping to prevent osteoporosis? Physical activity might be the ticket.

Regular physical activity can help you prevent — or manage — high blood pressure. Your cholesterol will benefit, too. Regular physical activity boosts high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol while decreasing triglycerides. This one-two punch keeps your blood flowing smoothly by lowering the buildup of plaques in your arteries.

And there's more. Regular physical activity can help you prevent type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis and certain types of cancer.

3. Exercise helps you manage your weight.

Want to drop those excess pounds? Trade some couch time for walking or other physical activities.

This one's a no-brainer. When you engage in physical activity, you burn calories. The more intense the activity, the more calories you burn — and the easier it is to keep your weight under control. You don't even need to set aside major chunks of time for working out. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Walk during your lunch break. Do jumping jacks during commercials. Better yet, turn off the TV and take a brisk walk. Dedicated workouts are great, but physical activity you accumulate throughout the day helps you burn calories, too

4. Exercise boosts your energy level.

Winded by grocery shopping or household chores? Don't throw in the towel. Regular physical activity can leave you breathing easier.

Physical activity delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. In fact, regular physical activity helps your entire cardiovascular system — the circulation of blood through your heart and blood vessels — work more efficiently. Big deal? You bet! When your heart and lungs work more efficiently, you'll have more energy to do the things you enjoy.

5. Exercise promotes better sleep.

Struggling to fall asleep? Or stay asleep? It might help to boost your physical activity during the day.

A good night's sleep can improve your concentration, productivity and mood. And you guessed it — physical activity is sometimes the key to better sleep. Regular physical activity can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep. There's a caveat, however. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may be too energized to fall asleep. If you're having trouble sleeping, you might want to exercise earlier in the day.

6. Exercise can be — gasp — fun!

Wondering what to do on a Saturday afternoon? Looking for an activity that suits the entire family? Get physical!

Physical activity doesn't have to be drudgery. Take a ballroom dancing class. Check out a local climbing wall or hiking trail. Push your kids on the swings or climb with them on the jungle gym. Plan a neighborhood kickball or touch football game. Find a physical activity you enjoy, and go for it. If you get bored, try something new. If you're moving, it counts!

Are you convinced? Good. Start reaping the benefits of regular physical activity today!

The Last Days of Christ Outreach~

                                                               



The Last Days of Christ

For the past eighteen years a local church has invited the community to be a part

of a passion play during Holy week.

It is a powerful re-enactment of Christ's last days before He is raised from the dead.

It is something to experience.

Our family has been privileged to be a part for the past ten years.

It is an amazing experience. Words can hardly express the emotions that one feels in being a part.

The children gathered around Jesus singing You're a Great Big God, is a wondrous sight.

There is a Jewish song playing while several ladies dance in honor of their Lord.

The disciples sleeping in the garden puts me in mind of myself.

As Jesus is sentenced to death, the cry of the crowd and the look on Mary's face

is heart-wrenching.

Barabbas runs away, free.

Jesus is then beaten and taken away.

As He enters the sanctuary, in the dark, there are sounds of soldiers yelling. One can hear the blows of the whips as He is struck.

As the lights dimly glow, Jesus comes into view...bearing a cross.

It is almost as if we were there-

HE IS BEATEN ONCE AGAIN AND NAILED TO THE CROSS.

As Mary watches her Son hang on the cross, she begins to sing a song.

Is this the boy I raised, Is this son I knew?

Is this the one I loved? Why can can't they love Him, too?

*****************************************************

There is an element of reality as to what it must have been like for Mary, His disciples

and others that loved Him.

_________________________________________________________

Being a part of this production has brought even more meaning to the Resurrection.

It has also provided an opportunity for our children to grow in relationships with others.

Working together with so many other churches to present this Gospel message has been a powerful

lesson in being part of the "body of Christ." Setting aside differences to minister to the lost and hurting

is so needful.

All of our children have been given the opportunity to serve through this ministry and we are grateful.

It has been a chance for them to grow in leadership skills and humility.

Most importantly, at the end each evening, there is an altar call.

 Through the years, many people have been drawn to the Lord!

***************

Included are some photos of some of those who were able to serve during this month long

 commitment to ministry.

Grace, Mikailah and Charlotte

Our girls 



Grace

This is Anita.

 She made ALL the costumes. It was she and her husband, Dave, that

put the play together almost 25 years ago! They oversee all the details 

of costumes, sets, props, practices and schedules. They do such a wonderful job! 

Jeff as Pontius Pilate

Sara, Mikailah, Lee, Jen and Mellisa

Daniel, Jeff, JR and Brian

Jake

Dave, Neil, Tyler, John, Lee and John

Jen

It was such a joy to work with all of these people. Again, our family is grateful

for the opportunity to serve in this wonderful ministry.



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Connecting With You~

           Making connections is very important to our family; we love people and the richness that they add to our lives. Aren't people what life is all about?  I used to think I was seeking affirmation, but I found that we enjoy our time of solitude and quiet as well. We don't HAVE to be with people; They just bring us a lot of joy.

We are excited about blogging and the new friends that we will make. It is something new to us and so we are learning as we go. One of things that we have learned has been while checking our blog stats.

In the past couple of weeks, there is a simple little post that has been viewed quite a few times. It was written almost a year ago; it includes a picture of our four youngest daughters and a granddaughter.
What we have learned from this is that our readers enjoy connections as well.

We want our blog to be very personal but not ALL about us and sometimes it's difficult to know how MUCH of ourselves to write about. But in an attempt to make it more personal, we are going to begin to include more family posts, personal information, and photos.

We are not exactly sure how to accomplish this but hope it will be a blessing. We know that God has touched our lives in a million ways and that is what we ultimately wish to write about. Because, after all, it's all about Him! Christ is The Beautiful One.

Our journey has been one of extreme joy to intense pain. At times looking to the Giver of Life for the
very next breath. There has been an abundance to the fullest measure as well as losses that have kept us, literally, on our faces before Him. But through it all, He has been ....faithful and He has kept us.  

                         **Blessed be the Name of the Lord!**




We also want to get to know YOU! Please, please, please...let us hear from you! We would appreciate your input and opinions. Learning from your experiences with the Lord and sharing in the richness and fullness of YOUR abundant life would be a blessing to us!

We look forward to walking this road less travelled with you. God bless you!

Here to serve,
from our house to yours~

Jeff, Tamara and family

Because of Love

        Trying So hard to get it right..

And feeling so weary...

                                   feeling like giving up...

                                                                      
                           Going to the River.. a place......Living Water flows....seeking rest...

Listening ....

 closer to the edge... I am drawn in..

I feel the grip of expectations loosening as I wade

in the coolness of the healing waters...

The grace...the mercy...forgiveness...

There is strength...love...compassion...

SALVATION

The reality of Truth flows here;

Lies and deceptions are exposed.

Freedom becomes an existance; it surpasses being a hope..

I am no longer wading... The River is engulfing me...

I am overcome.... with It's goodness...

********

   Peace     

Love  

Joy  

*********************************

This is why He..

**********************

humbled Himself..

became a servant..

was scorned...

was beaten...

was mocked...

spit upon...

and bruised

***********

He suffered and died-

To save us from our sin.

That we may have Life...

of the richest and fullest kind..

Why?

Why did He not save Himself?

Because of

~Love~

for you and me.

We are so grateful for the love that was spilled out for us.

 May God Bless you and your family on this

Resurrection Day.

Inspirational Reading for Boys (and girls)

                                            
As a family, we have always enjoyed gathering together, snuggling down and reading a good book.
Snuggling up with those you love and listening to a good story is one of life's simplest, but richest joys.

Reading aloud to children is such a wonderful way to have a quiet family time. To come together after a busy days activites and to settle the children before bed is such a peaceful way to end the day.


While travelling, we have also found that on many occassions, when we were far from home, there seemed to be a restlessness in their spirits. It brought an element of familiarity and was comforting. We most generally had a book that went along with us. Before bedtime, we would pull the book out, get close and listen.



The benefits of reading aloud go far beyond just enjoying a good story and sharing warm family time. It helps children learn to sit and be attentive and to develope their focusing abilities. Their imaginations are developed as they listen and try to picture the scenes of the story in their minds.

The facts about people about places are only limited to the stories themselves. This makes the time so perfect for learning history, science and many other subjects while listening to a story.

It is a time devoid of conflict when their hearts are open to learning truths about Biblical character quailites. The practical applications are often played out in the stories which provides undestanding of practical applications.


Having five boys, of course, we tried to locate literature that would encourage our boys to grow. Books that would bring courage, truth, honor, justice, love, compassion, and more to life. This was not an easy task. We were searching for realistic stories that did not portray ungodly character qualities as acceptable and the norm.

One of the resources we discovered was Lamplighter Books. We found these to be uplifting, humorous, and great teaching tools. All this wrapped up in GREAT stories!

Highlighted below are two of our favorites.

                                                                    The White Knights

Three boys in the White Knights Club take on the challenge in their day-to-day lives, just like the knights of King Arthur's court, to prove their faith by their works—protecting “damsels in distress,” defending the weak, and honoring their God and King.

                                                                  Clean Your Boots, Sir?


How often does God use tragic and painful circumstances to mold, test, and direct believers to fashion more effective tools for His work? Robert Rightheart has to face testing at every turn of his life, but the testimony of his life reveals how enduring trials yield maturity

                                                         
 
                                                              Recommended for ages 9 -14.

Order Lamplighter Books Here

If ordering here, you will receive 15% off your order.
Please mention code Guild 13.
Thank you very much.

TV.

 If children are entertained by two letters,

 imagine the fun they'll have with twenty-six.

 Open your child's imagination.

 Open a book.

 ~Author Unknown


Please write to us and let us know what some of your favorite read-a-louds are!

The Word of God

The entrance of Thy Word giveth light;

it giveth understanding to the simple.

Psalm 119:30

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Psalm 119:105

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Feelings come and feelings go, And feelings are deceiving;




My warrant is the Word of God--Naught else is worth believing.



Though all my heart should feel condemned For want of some sweet token,



There is One greater than my heart Whose Word cannot be broken.



I'll trust in God's unchanging Word Till soul and body sever,



For, though all things shall pass away,



HIS WORD SHALL STAND FOREVER!"



Martin Luther

 

A Voice to Pray... II

I hope you were encouraged by the first part of A Voice to Pray.

            There is nothing that can take the place of that time of communing and fellowship.


The more I pray, the more I find I want to just be with God.

_____________________________________________________________
Sometimes there is just silence with a powerful awareness of His presence.
_____________________________________________________________

And the beautiful thing about that, is that there is a revelation of the scripture in

Hebrews that says," I will never leave you or forsake you." (13:5)



"Prayer is not overcoming God's reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness." Martin Luther.
___________________________________________________________________________________


 As you read and pray the following verses, ponder this quote by E.M Bounds.

"Prayer breaks all bars, dissolves all chains, opens all prisons, and widens all straits by which God's saints have been held."


*****************************************************************************************                  
                                                                                     Colossions
 
Please turn me away from all immorality, passion, greed and, idolatry. (3:5)
 
Cause me to put aside anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from my mouth. (3:8)
 
Help me to always be honest toward others.(3:9)
 
I pray that my life will have compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.(3:12)
 
Give me a forgiving heart and patience with others, remembering how You have forgiven me.(3:15)
 
Please help me choose to have a heart of love, which is the perfect bond of unity.(3:14)
 
I pray that Your peace will rule in my heart.(3:15)
 
I pray that Your Word will dwell richly within me.(3:16)
 
Help me, as a wife, to give honor and respect to my husband.(3:18)
 
Help me, as a husband and father, to grow in love for and understandinf of my wife and children.(3:19,21)
 
I pray that my children will be obedient to us as parents in all things because this pleases You.(3:20)
 
In whatever I do, show me how to perform my work happily for You, rather than for people.(3:23)
 
Help me, to devote myself to prayer, keeping alert in it, with an attitude of thanksgiving.(4:2)
 
Teach me to be wise and to make the most of every opportunity to share the gospel with those I meet.(4:5)
 
Fill all the words I speak with grace, so that I edify the people in my life.(4:6)
 
Lord, help me to be faithful to whatever You have called me to, and help me fulfill it in faithfulness.
(4:17)                                                                                                Prayers by Terry Gooding
 
 
 
 

Hold the Fort!

In days of old, frontier settlements were protected by forts. Forts consisted of protective walls often surrounded by moats, cannons for defense and housing, food and water sufficient to withstand a long siege. In the center in a strongly guarded and protected building stood the armory where ammunition was stored. The enemy knew that if he could breach this center core and destroy it, the battle would be over and the fort defeated.

Our lives as Christian men are much like this.

Our homes are our forts.

They are to be places of safety and protection from the onslaughts of worldly thinking and philosophies. The core is our relationship with Jesus Christ. The next area of importance moving out from the core is our relationship with our wives. If we continue to move outward we have our children and extended family, our church or ministry, our jobs, our possessions, hobbies, sports, etc. Think if it as concentric circles surrounding a central core with the outermost being the farthest from the core and the least important.

One of the enemies most successful ploys at taking the fort is to draw the captain (that’s us guys!) to focusing his PRIORITIES on the outer circles (hobbies, recreation, possessions, jobs, etc.) and neglecting the core. It is a subtle ploy and one of the oldest tricks in Satan’s book but it continues to devastate families and destroy homes.

I hope to encourage husbands and fathers to draw close to the core which is Christ and to stay there.

Draw close to your wife and nurture her spirit by being a Godly man and attentive father.

Don’t allow the things in the outer circles to slowly win your affections and distract you from what is truly important.

Remember, the enemies missiles are aimed at the core. If he can destroy that, the rest will soon begin to crumble and the fort will be lost.

Protect the Core!!

Hold the Fort Men!!

Jeff

Intimacy With God

Oh.. I just love this.. I got so excited when I read it. It reveals so much about the character of God that I know and love so much. If only we, as His children, could grasp the depth of His heart. He has made provision for all that we have need of.

                      It speaks of deep fellowship with Him.

                                                          Intimacy...Surrender...Trust... Faith...Humility
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

                                                                             



Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend.


Tell God your troubles, that God may comfort you; tell God your joys, that God may sober them;


tell God your longings, that God may purify them;


tell God your dislikes, that God may help you conquer them;


talk to God of your temptations, that God may shield you from them:


show God the wounds of your heart, that God may heal them.

 If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say.

 Talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration say just what you think.

 Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God.

--Francois Fenelon

A Voice to Pray II to follow

Family Picnic

                         

Old quilts spread on the ground...

All integrated and enjoying the difference. ..Little people, middlers and big people all mixed together and being understood....

A spoon duel between a daddy and his baby girl and so much laughter.... Precious.....


Good conversation....


Serving one another....


A mom playing "anything ball" with her girls.... The object was to get the volleyball to someone in whatever fashion worked.   Expressions of  aagghh... good try... ouch...oh, get it....and lots of laughter...

Just plain fun...enjoying each other....


A baby girl wearing a sunhat..

Eating boxed donuts and mini chocolate bars for dessert.....no time to bake a cake....


Listening to the birds sing....


Walking through the grass....


Spotting a tiny hummingbird nest in a tree...

                          



A man-to-man talk between a father and son-in-law as they throw the football....


Warm embraces shared by all....


Enjoying the warm sun on our faces...


Working together to pack everything back in the van.....



Family
                                                                            

Sacred....

Uncommon....

Consecrated....

Dedicated....

Devoted....

Entitled to reverence....

A Voice to Pray... Part I

God has given us the means to reach His throne with our words.

 I want to be example to my children.

An example of a mother who believes in the power of prayer.

It is important to Jeff and I that our children know that God

 is a loving Father who listens to the cry of their hearts.

 We want to teach them that 

they can go to Him anytime about anything.

We cannot just teach them about prayer.

Practicing it with them will engrave it on their hearts and minds.

 When I am speaking to my Father, there is such an assurance that

He is listening with His Father's heart.

A sense of peace surrounds me.

This is part one of a list of scriptures worded as prayers.

I have been driven many times to my knees

 by the overwhelming conviction that I had absolutely no

other place to go.

Abraham Lincoln

{God occupies every moment and dwells in every place.}

There is confidence in knowing that God's presence is always around me

 and that nothing happens beyond His knowledge.

One of the things that I love so much about God is that

 He is always available and ever-watchful over my life.

I am in the palm of His hand.

*Praying God's Word is praying His will.*

When I am praying His word, there is power and life going forth to accomplish His will.

Below is a list of scriptures that you can pray for yourself and for others.

From the book of Colossions

Lord God, help me to remember to give thanks to You, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, in all things and to maintain and attitude of prayer. (1:3)

Build in me a strong faith in You and a love for all the saints. (1:4)

Fill me with the knowledge of Your will in all areas of my life. (1:9)

Teach me to walk worthy of  You and to please You in all things. (1:10)

Help me to bear fruit daily in the work I do and increase in the knowledge of  You. (1:10)

Help me to be strengthened with Your power that I may have endurance and patience.(1:11)

Help me always to remember that, as a believer, I have been delivered from darkness and brought into the kingdom of Your beloved son. (1:13)

I pray that You will have first place in everything in my life. (1:18)

Father, I ask You to make my faith strong, stable, and fixed on the truth of the Your Word. (1:23)

Create in me a good discipline and stability of faith in You. (2:5)

Cause me to be firmly established in You, with a heart of gratitude. (2:7)

Thank You, Lord, that through Your Son I have been made complete. (2:10)

Teach me to keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at Your right hand. (3:1)

Help me to focus my thoughts on Your purposes and not on worldly circumstances. ( 3:2)

                                                                                                       (Prayers by Terry Gooding)

~* He hears and answers *~

The intense prayer of the righteous man is very powerful.

James 5:16

~* Be blessed with peace in the knowledge of His faithfulness *~

        

Easy, Hot & Tasty~ Baked Oatmeal~

Baked Oatmeal

Have you run out of hot breakfast ideas? Here is one of our family favorites.

 It is economical, fast and easy. Our children love it. It's a great way to cook something different but


 with ordinary ingredients.

 

                                                                  1/3 C. oil

                                                                  1 C. brown sugar

                                                                  2 t. cinnamon



                                                                      

                                                                  4 eggs beaten

                                                                  6 C. oats

                                                                  4 t. baking powder

                                                                  2 C. milk

Add ingredients in order - mix together

Use parchment paper to cover or butter a 13 by 9 casserole dish.

Fill with mixture and bake for 30 - 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

This is a delicious way to prepare a hot, healthy dish.

Our family enjoys topping the baked oatmeal with vanilla yogurt and chopped walnuts.

Hard boiled eggs add a little extra protein.

Fresh or canned fruit compliments the meal perfectly.

Baked oatmeal is perfect for feeding a large group of people while costing very little. On occassion,

we will double the batch and freeze the extra if we know we are expecting company.

If using parchment paper, just slip the cooled oatmeal out of the dish.

Then you can divide the batch and place in freezer bags. 

Place on a cookie sheet and put in the freezer.

After the oatmeal is frozen, the cookie sheet can be removed and

and the freezer bags can be neatly stacked in your freezer.

We hope your family enjoys this dish as much as ours has!