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Only One Life
Hi everyone! This is not a poem I wrote, but it’s been a blessing to me and I hope will be to you as well! Only One Life has been attributed to C.T. Studd, a missionary to China and Africa in the early 20th century. Studd was a star cricket player in England, heading for fame when the near death of his brother brought him face to face with the realities of eternity. Although he was already a Christian, Studd realized he was not living for what truly mattered. He later said, “I know that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would…
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Book Review: Shadow of the Almighty
“God, I pray Thee, light these idle sticks of my life and may I burn for Thee. Consume my life, my God, for it is Thine. I seek not a long life, but a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.” So wrote Jim Elliot in his journal in 1948. After his death at the hands of the Waodani natives of Ecuador, Jim’s wife Elisabeth compiled many of his letters and journal entries into a book called “Shadow of the Almighty: the Life and Testament of Jim Elliot.” I received this book as a birthday gift and read through it this summer. It’s been one of the most spiritually challenging and…
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Chicken Veggie Bake
This is the way that my mom got me and my siblings to eat our veggies when we were younger (now we do that voluntarily! š) It’s an adaption of my paternal grandma’s recipe. This casserole is really easy, making it the perfect recipe for a busy weekday night. It pairs well with the recipe for homemade rolls found in my post, The Gifts of His Grace. Enjoy! Serves about 8. 3 13 oz. cans of chicken breast 5 c. frozen mixed veggies (we buy in bulk at BJ’s) 1 10 3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup 1/2 c. mayonnaise 1 c. shredded cheese (we usually use frozen mozzarella)…
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Give Him More
āBy and by, when I look on His face, Iāll wish I had given Him more.” So goes the song that I remember noticing as a little girl, and even then, I was challenged by those words. They make me think of the day when I will stand before Jesus and finally, fully understand what it cost Him to redeem me. I will see His nail-pierced hands and know that they were pierced for me. Will regret and shame fill my heart, or will I be able to fall on my knees and rejoice that I spent my life in whole-hearted service to my Savior? Oh, this world we live…
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Feelings or Faith
When you feel… Alone or forsakenāremember that Jesus is always with you. Hebrews 13:5, āLet your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.ā Afraidāremember that Jesus tells you to fear not, because He is by your side. Isaiah 41:10, āFear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.ā Discouragedāremember that with God, all things are possible. Philippians 4:13, āI can do all things through…
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Treasures
The smile on a babyās cherub face, The touch of dimpled fingers round your own; The daintiness of crystal and of lace, The grandeur of a pine tree standing lone. The sunshine sparkling on the dewy grass, The bird that flutters past, trilling a song. Grace of a sweet and care-free little lass, The springtime after weary winter long. The family gathered round the table full, Each dear face full of shining love and joy, The quietness; the peaceful evening lull, The unity of siblingsāgirls and boys. The sound of crickets in the evening air; Music of stream a-trickling over stones. The glow of moonlight, silvery and fair; The stars…
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Instant Pot Beef Stew
This is a take on our original stew recipe that we used to make in the crockpot. When we got an instant pot, the recipe was easily adapted for a much quicker meal! Of course, you could certainly make this recipe in the crockpot if you donāt have an instant pot. This serves five of us with enough for three or four people to enjoy leftovers the next day. If youāre new to using an instant pot, be aware that it does take about 15-20 minutes to warm up before it starts the pressure-cooking countdown, and then another 15-30 minutes (or a good 20 minutes longer sometimes) for natural release.…
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This Is the Time to Stand
Do you ever feel discouraged at all that is going on around us? Do you ever wonder how weāre supposed to live for Christ in a culture where to do so is not only unpopular but becoming increasingly difficult? Do you ever get just a bit scared at the thought of all that we may be facing? I know I have. But the word of God reminds us that it is āfor such a time as thisā that we are on this earth. Iām not saying that weāre facing persecution here in the U.S. or that weāre going to anytime real soon, although of course that is possible. But itās…
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The Gifts of His Grace
Sometimes, especially around this time of year, I just like to step back and review the workings of God in my life. As we approach Thanksgiving, I begin to think about the many ways in which He has been gracious to me. Somedays, the realization hits me so strongly: I am blessed. Unfortunately, my focus isnāt always on the blessings. Life has hard things, tooāand this year has been no exception. Repeatedly, God has brought to my attention the need to accept His grace in walking through it all. The grace is thereāfreely offered and always sufficient. But the choice is mine whether I will accept it. When I surrender…
