Today in my journaling, I thought I heard the Lord say He wanted to talk to me about my attitude. I almost didn't begin writing because I thought my attitude was fine. As I wrote, though, thoughts began to come about things I do because I know they are the right things to do and need to be done, or even because I want to bless someone, but then I begin to get resentful and to dread doing them because it takes so much time. Sometimes I realize I'm looking for response and I don't see it, or I am selfishly wanting the time to myself. Sometimes I am overextending my ability to do everything that needs to be done. As I began to think along these lines, I realized I really do need an attitude adjustment.
The realization came (was that the Lord helping me to see?) that I usually start things with the right motivation, but often end up with the wrong attitude about doing them. I know in my head that everything I do can be an opportunity to show God's love to others, but I wonder if doing those things, or helping others with a resentful, selfish attitude even though I start out with the attitude of blessing the person, is actually furthering God's kingdom. He says He looks on the heart. Could it be that doing good things with a wrong attitude in my heart is even less productive for the Kingdom than not doing them at all? Selfishness, resentment, irritation, moodiness, criticism, etc. are not attributes of God's Kingdom, but of Satan's. Am I furthering the devil's agenda by allowing bad thoughts to control my attitude as I try to go about doing good?
Forgive me, Jesus, for not seeing this. Thank you for showing me that I truly have been needing an attitude adjustment. Help me to see that every little thing I do in love can be an offering to You to help further your kingdom--ironing clothes for Country Guy, pulling weeds and mulching my garden to make it more beautiful for all who visit to enjoy, baking cookies for the grandchildren, taking someone to lunch--all can be used for your honor and glory if I don't allow negative thoughts to spoil the offering. Thank you for allowing me to participate with You in spreading Your love to others. Help me to reject the negative, selfish thoughts and to replace them with Your thoughts. Let Philippians 4:8 be my testimony: "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."
Thank you, Lord, for not letting me continue on my merry way thinking my bad attitude was all right because my intentions were to do good.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Doing the seemingly impossible
As you may have noticed I have been rather busy and have not had time to post on my blog. A friend sent me the link to this wonderful video, so I thought I would add it here as a little inspiration until I have time to sit down and write. I pray you are having a blessed Memorial Day weekend.
Click on this link to see and hear an inspiring performance: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9CC1M1NU
Click on this link to see and hear an inspiring performance: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=9CC1M1NU
Friday, May 27, 2011
Sanctus Real - The Redeemer live on 94.9 KLTY
Watch this video to see and hear Sanctus Real talking about--and performing--their new song, "The Redeemer."
Don't miss them at Elevate 2011 on June 25th at the Martinsville (IL) fairgrounds. See http://www.elevatemartinsville.com/ for more information and schedules.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Prayer Changes Everything
One of my favorite verses has always been Jeremiah 33:3, ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ I guess you might even say it is my life verse because I return to it often and believe it as a promise for me. (I even have a cross stitched picture with this verse hanging on one of my walls to remind myself.) Many times when I am alone with God in my quiet time, He will show me great and mighty things I didn't know. These things may come from an impression as I pray, or something I write in my journal as I am waiting on Him, or a scripture that seems to stand out with meaning for the situation I am praying about, and always I have a sense of joy that He is fulfilling the promise of Jeremiah 33:3.
I love to see answers to specific prayers such as we have seen in the past few days with our daughter-in-law, who is alive and home after a terrible automobile accident with only the loss of a finger! My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude! But what really gives me great joy is when God shows me the greater picture--not just the answer, but how He sees the situation--sometimes even how it all fits together in His plans and purposes, and how He will use it for good. I see these as "the great and mighty things" that I didn't know.
Even though prayer has always been a major focus in my life--I have read many books on prayer, gone to conferences and camps with a focus on prayer, and been in many prayer groups--I seem to continue to need encouragement and reminders of how important it is to pray. That's why I'm posting John Paul Jackson's monthly email newsletter. I thought you might find it as encouraging as I do.
May 2011
I love to see answers to specific prayers such as we have seen in the past few days with our daughter-in-law, who is alive and home after a terrible automobile accident with only the loss of a finger! My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude! But what really gives me great joy is when God shows me the greater picture--not just the answer, but how He sees the situation--sometimes even how it all fits together in His plans and purposes, and how He will use it for good. I see these as "the great and mighty things" that I didn't know.
Even though prayer has always been a major focus in my life--I have read many books on prayer, gone to conferences and camps with a focus on prayer, and been in many prayer groups--I seem to continue to need encouragement and reminders of how important it is to pray. That's why I'm posting John Paul Jackson's monthly email newsletter. I thought you might find it as encouraging as I do.
Prayer Changes Everything
May 2011
by John Paul Jackson
My relationship with God changed dramatically in 1978. That was the year I started praying every day. I did so because my marriage was in trouble, my little business was in trouble, my job at a major corporation was in trouble and everything was going downhill.
You know what? I thought. If I'm going to get fired, I might as well get fired because I'm a raving Christian and not because I’m being a bum, like they think I am. So I started praying — not because I was passionate about prayer but because I really, really wanted to keep my head above water!
It is time to pray
Prayer is so important. If you have read my partner letters or heard me speak recently, you know that I am concerned for the well-being of the United States. For three years, I have prophesied a “perfect storm” of dramatic events that will affect every nation on Earth. We have already seen many of these events take place, and unfortunately, this storm is far from over.
Prayer is so important. If you have read my partner letters or heard me speak recently, you know that I am concerned for the well-being of the United States. For three years, I have prophesied a “perfect storm” of dramatic events that will affect every nation on Earth. We have already seen many of these events take place, and unfortunately, this storm is far from over.
Some of you have felt the effects of this storm, and others of you, by God’s grace, have not. But no matter the current state of your circumstances, I urge you to pray. Don’t wait until you have to pray, as I did. Don’t put off strengthening your dependency on God until your life is going downhill and you are desperate. Now is the time.
God the All-Sufficient One
Something substantial happens in the spiritual realm when we acknowledge God as the All-Sufficient One who is capable of taking care of our every need. When we pray, we promote the spirit and make the mind subservient to the spirit. In other words, prayer helps us come into proper alignment.
Something substantial happens in the spiritual realm when we acknowledge God as the All-Sufficient One who is capable of taking care of our every need. When we pray, we promote the spirit and make the mind subservient to the spirit. In other words, prayer helps us come into proper alignment.
God is Spirit, and He is our Father. We can’t take a single breath without Him (Psalm 104:29), and everything we have comes from Him (1 Chronicles 29:14). As we begin to truly understand this, our prayer lives will transform radically because we will realize our dependence on Him. We pray in the Spirit on all occasions, with all kinds of prayers and requests (Ephesians 6:18). We cast our cares upon Him, because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7).
Most of us have a head knowledge of these truths, but we are still caught off guard when we realize that our Father genuinely does intend us to live care-free lives. He is the All-Sufficient One, and we are the ones He is all sufficient for.
God our Father
As God’s children, we have the full, legitimate right to speak to Him as our Father, to make “all kinds” of requests. If we don't personalize prayer, we won’t get very far. After a while, we will just give up because we won't have the passion for it. It is very difficult to delight in something we don't long for. It is very difficult to desire something that doesn’t seem splendorous to us. We have to personalize prayer in order to have the passion.
As God’s children, we have the full, legitimate right to speak to Him as our Father, to make “all kinds” of requests. If we don't personalize prayer, we won’t get very far. After a while, we will just give up because we won't have the passion for it. It is very difficult to delight in something we don't long for. It is very difficult to desire something that doesn’t seem splendorous to us. We have to personalize prayer in order to have the passion.
When we call upon His name and we understand the position that He has in our lives, our faith will increase, as well as our understanding that whatever we ask of Him, He will do. We can be confident of that: “This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us” (1 John 5:14).
However, the reverse of that is also true. We will not see God answering prayer if we do not pray.
So I want to urge each of you to pray. It is time to pull out the stops and become passionate about prayer. Speak to God on behalf of your people. Speak to God on behalf of the world. What burden has He put on your heart? Take it seriously, and pour it out in prayer before Him, remembering always that He is your Father and your words do not fall on deaf ears.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Home
Amy came home from the hospital about 6:00 tonight. We are grateful!
Right now we are awaiting the severe storms that are forecast for most of the midwest tonight. Pray for the safety of so many people who may be affected.
Right now we are awaiting the severe storms that are forecast for most of the midwest tonight. Pray for the safety of so many people who may be affected.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
A Word from Chuck Pierce
This word seems to be speaking to me directly and is encouraging me much, so I thought I would post it because it might speak to some of you, too.
Dear Triumphing Saints:
Sunday's services were not "easy" services, but were filled with revelation. This seemed to be"the Day of the Plumbline!" Before we reach Pentecost, this is a key time to allow the Lord to cleanse us of anything that should not come into our next season. As I shared Sunday, I am giving each of us an assignment to: find a time of communion with the Lord each day this week. Make it a point to get quiet and listen to what He will reveal the "more" that is required of you. Choose to agree with His voice and submit to His plans. Also make a point to call or fellowship with someone else and encourage them to align with God's best.
Angels Are in Our Midst
Most likely, we would not think of "stillness" as one of the greatest warfare weapons available. Stillness occurs when we become one with the King who rules us. Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and you become perfectly aligned. At that point, no weapon formed against you can prosper!
Psalm 46:7-11 says, "Adonai-Tzva'ot is with us, our fortress, the God of Ya'akov. (Selah) Come and see the works of Adonai, the astounding deeds He has done on the earth. To the ends of the earth He makes wars cease - He breaks the bow, snaps the spear, burns the shields in the fire. 'Be still! Desist, and learn that I am God, supreme over the nations, supreme over the earth. Adonai-Tzva'ot is with us, our fortress, the God of Ya'akov. (Selah)'" (CJB)
In this season where the Angelic Highway is becoming so prevalent between Heaven and earth, the Lord is calling us to get still and know that angels are in our midst, working on our behalf! If we get our spirit still and in one with the Lord, we can recognize His help around us!
This is a time where the Jericho which stands in front of you and seems invincible must fall. Once you quiet your soul over the next seven days, you will move into the next level of strength to unlock the best that God has for you. The time is now for you to go into your next war but the enemy would love to hold you in the warfare that has created conflict in your soul in the last season.
Tell My People to Be Still
The Lord says, "Be still and watch Me seat you in a place to laugh at the enemies that have been in your path. I am preparing a release of joy for My people. They will laugh at their last failures and blockages. This release of joy from you becoming still in your spirit will get you across and to the other side of your storm. I will give you a strength to overtake the enemies that you have been battling.
"My people are filled with dangerous emotions. I want to settle their emotions so that their minds will think the same way that I think. Unless they allow Me to deal with their dangerous emotions, they will miss many blessings that I have for the future. Many will end up striking the rock as Moses did out of a dangerous emotion instead of speaking to the rock, causing them to miss their door of entry for this season.
"Tell My people to be still. I am calling for a Jericho stillness. This warfare call is important for the future of My people. If they will come before Me for seven straight days and allow Me to still their hearts and quiet their spirits, that which has been invincible in their past and has kept them from moving into their future will fall before them. Tell My people to still their hearts before Me."
I want to encourage you to find a daily place of communion over these next 7 days. We each must find a new personal communion with the Lord. Pulling aside to commune with the Lord over the next 7 days will be a sanctification process like was described in the service yesterday morning. This is very key for moving forward.
Blessings,
Monday, May 23, 2011
Coming Home
It sounds as if they are going to release our daughter-in-law to come home from the hospital tomorrow. We so appreciate all your prayers! If she comes to mind, please continue to pray for her and the whole family.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
God's War On Terror
I am currently reading, God's War On Terror: Islam, Prophecy and the Bible, by Walid Shoebat with Joel Richardson. I have been surprised at how interesting and compelling I have found this book because Islam and prophecy are not topics to which I am usually attracted. It is a book I believe everybody should read because it shines a bright light on the very evil Islamic religion. Before you get upset with me and brand me a racist, Islamaphobe, or whatever other name is currently politically correct when someone points out the truth, I recommend you read this book. It will open your eyes to a very great deception that is being perpetrated on the world and particularly on the West. If you need more convincing, read these reviews of the book on Amazon.
Walid Shoebat was born and raised in Bethlehem, Israel. His mother, an American Christian, was held captive by his father, an Arab, who never allowed her to return home. She spent 35 years in a Muslim society trying to escape to America. Walid grew up a terrorist, but when he married a Christian he began to read the Bible and the Koran side by side in an attempt to convert his wife to Islam. Instead, he was converted to Christianity. He said he began to see that the Muslim's "good guys" were the Bible's "bad guys", and the Bible's "good guys" were Islam's "bad guys".
The cover of the book says that Walid's "life mission and driving passion is to bring the truth about the Bible, and the persecution of Israel and Christianity by Islam."
When I googled his name, as I expected, there were some negative things said about him. With a book like this, I'm surprised he doesn't have a bounty on his life--maybe he does. I recently saw an article on World Net Daily in support of him which refuted some of the rumors that have been circulated. Here is the article if you want to read it.
I must say this book is the most convincing expose of Islam I have seen, but what is even more interesting is that it has an entirely different perspective on Bible prophecy than I have ever heard.
If you decide to read it--and I hope you will--let me know what you think. I would love to discuss your thoughts and opinions.
Walid Shoebat was born and raised in Bethlehem, Israel. His mother, an American Christian, was held captive by his father, an Arab, who never allowed her to return home. She spent 35 years in a Muslim society trying to escape to America. Walid grew up a terrorist, but when he married a Christian he began to read the Bible and the Koran side by side in an attempt to convert his wife to Islam. Instead, he was converted to Christianity. He said he began to see that the Muslim's "good guys" were the Bible's "bad guys", and the Bible's "good guys" were Islam's "bad guys".
The cover of the book says that Walid's "life mission and driving passion is to bring the truth about the Bible, and the persecution of Israel and Christianity by Islam."
When I googled his name, as I expected, there were some negative things said about him. With a book like this, I'm surprised he doesn't have a bounty on his life--maybe he does. I recently saw an article on World Net Daily in support of him which refuted some of the rumors that have been circulated. Here is the article if you want to read it.
I must say this book is the most convincing expose of Islam I have seen, but what is even more interesting is that it has an entirely different perspective on Bible prophecy than I have ever heard.
If you decide to read it--and I hope you will--let me know what you think. I would love to discuss your thoughts and opinions.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Please Pray
Please pray for our daughter-in-law who was involved in a head-on collision yesterday evening. She was sent to Union Hospital in Terre Haute and then helicoptered to Methodist in Indianapolis, where they performed surgery on her hand. She lost the index finger of her left hand, and has a large cut on her neck, probably from the seat belt.
She is doing well, but the doctors are still concerned about infection. She was moved from critical care to a private room this morning.
Please pray for our son and their children, and everything involved with the accident--her healing, the insurance and any other issues that present themselves.
We are all grateful for your prayers! Thanks so much!
She is doing well, but the doctors are still concerned about infection. She was moved from critical care to a private room this morning.
Please pray for our son and their children, and everything involved with the accident--her healing, the insurance and any other issues that present themselves.
We are all grateful for your prayers! Thanks so much!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friends
I love meeting new people from all walks of life and I also love making new friends. It is so interesting to learn about different cultures and traditions and to taste new foods--some I had never heard of. That is one reason I enjoy traveling so much!
When our children were younger I wanted to invite foreign exchange students to live with us, but because we travelled much between Illinois and Nebraska to visit family and for business, it didn't seem possible. Now that we live in Illinois my dream of meeting people from all over the world is being realized. As I was looking at our guest book the other day I was amazed at the number of places our guests have come from. We have had the opportunity to host new (and old) friends from many different cities and states in the U.S., plus Australia, Hungary, Kenya, Belgium, the U.K, Norway, Uganda, and the Caribbean. What a blessing to now have friends all over the world! I guess I'm never satisfied though, because I am always eager to meet someone new.
Several people have visited this blog which not only makes me curious to know who they are, but where they live and also how they discovered the blog. If you are reading this, but don't know me personally, I would love to get to know you, too. I feel almost as if we are friends already because you know much about me, but I want to know you, too. I would love to hear from you, either from comments left on the blog, or through email. I would find it so interesting to know what your life is like, how you found this blog, and what you enjoy reading on it. (Of course, I'm always eager to hear from old friends, too.)
I guess I am just a naturally curious person, but you must be, also, to have found this blog. That means we already have one thing in common that I know about.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
When our children were younger I wanted to invite foreign exchange students to live with us, but because we travelled much between Illinois and Nebraska to visit family and for business, it didn't seem possible. Now that we live in Illinois my dream of meeting people from all over the world is being realized. As I was looking at our guest book the other day I was amazed at the number of places our guests have come from. We have had the opportunity to host new (and old) friends from many different cities and states in the U.S., plus Australia, Hungary, Kenya, Belgium, the U.K, Norway, Uganda, and the Caribbean. What a blessing to now have friends all over the world! I guess I'm never satisfied though, because I am always eager to meet someone new.
Several people have visited this blog which not only makes me curious to know who they are, but where they live and also how they discovered the blog. If you are reading this, but don't know me personally, I would love to get to know you, too. I feel almost as if we are friends already because you know much about me, but I want to know you, too. I would love to hear from you, either from comments left on the blog, or through email. I would find it so interesting to know what your life is like, how you found this blog, and what you enjoy reading on it. (Of course, I'm always eager to hear from old friends, too.)
I guess I am just a naturally curious person, but you must be, also, to have found this blog. That means we already have one thing in common that I know about.
I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Cruising in the Woods
Our daughter and her boys are here for a few days. We love it when they are able to come for a visit. Not only do we enjoy spending time with them, but it seems we get to see our other kids and grandkids more often when they're here. It's always great to have a reason to bring the whole family together!
I have gotten lots of exercise following the boys as they cruise on the driveway, and in the yard, and through the woods, and over the bridge while riding the "over-the-road trike" and driving the "F150." What a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature!
Fortunately, they each have a cruising mode preference, so there haven't been too many arguments about who rides what.
Aren't grandchildren a blessing? They help us slow down and see the world through children's eyes at an age when we can appreciate it! I always seemed to be too busy to 'let things go' when I was younger, but I love having a reason to do that now!
I have gotten lots of exercise following the boys as they cruise on the driveway, and in the yard, and through the woods, and over the bridge while riding the "over-the-road trike" and driving the "F150." What a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the beauty of nature!
Fortunately, they each have a cruising mode preference, so there haven't been too many arguments about who rides what.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Additional horses
A couple of weeks ago Country Guy and our oldest son went to Nebraska to pick up two additional horses from a feedlot out there. I have been trying to get a good picture of them, but they have been somewhat camera shy. Also, it has been raining so much that I just haven't found a good time.
Here's the best I could do. Their names are Mango and Dan.
The horses in the picture to the right are our original horses. Their names from left to right are, Jeremiah, Smoke, JoBee, who is now 33 years old, and Nick.
We've learned a little about horses' pecking order from watching them relate to one another. Country Guy tried to put the new ones in with the other four, but Smoke--the gray mare--was determined she would no longer be at the bottom of the pecking order. We were told that at the feed lot, Dan, the buckskin, was the dominant horse, but here he just ignores them all and lets Jeremiah and Nick, the two who have been dominate here, continue. Smoke picked on, and aggravated the new ones till they had to be separated. We have decided that seniority plays an important part in the pecking order. The longer they have been here, the more seniority they have until they get too old--like JoBee--and then they move to the bottom. Sounds a little like humans, doesn't it?
Here's the best I could do. Their names are Mango and Dan.
The horses in the picture to the right are our original horses. Their names from left to right are, Jeremiah, Smoke, JoBee, who is now 33 years old, and Nick.
We've learned a little about horses' pecking order from watching them relate to one another. Country Guy tried to put the new ones in with the other four, but Smoke--the gray mare--was determined she would no longer be at the bottom of the pecking order. We were told that at the feed lot, Dan, the buckskin, was the dominant horse, but here he just ignores them all and lets Jeremiah and Nick, the two who have been dominate here, continue. Smoke picked on, and aggravated the new ones till they had to be separated. We have decided that seniority plays an important part in the pecking order. The longer they have been here, the more seniority they have until they get too old--like JoBee--and then they move to the bottom. Sounds a little like humans, doesn't it?
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Do I Spend More Time Reading the Bad News Than the Good News?
This is such a good reminder, so I am posting it to help me remember. I spend entirely too much time hearing the news of the world, discussing the news of the world and being concerned about what is happening--and not nearly enough time reading the "Good News" in God's Word. My goal is to hear, and to meditate on the Good News, not the bad.
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Monday, May 16, 2011
What is happening with the weather?
The sun is shining this morning after 3 days of rain. Please, Lord, let it continue to shine until the farmers have their crops planted.
The weather this year has been extreme in every part of the world, hasn't it? Tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, droughts and fires! The swings in temperature in our area have been amazing! This morning it is 42 degrees, with 36 degrees forecast for tonight. Wednesday or Thursday of last week it was nearly 90!
It seems that nature is conspiring to bring us all to the realization that only God can help us. We cannot help ourselves when faced with such overwhelming power. Sometimes it seems as if God is mocking the global warming enthusiasts, who try to convince themselves they can make a difference in the weather patterns of the world by drinking organic tea.
The temperature today seems more like we are in global cooling, but whatever the weather pattern, it seems to me there is a much greater Power at work who set laws and principles in motion long before we were on the earth, and the sooner we acknowledge Him the better off we will be.
The weather this year has been extreme in every part of the world, hasn't it? Tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, droughts and fires! The swings in temperature in our area have been amazing! This morning it is 42 degrees, with 36 degrees forecast for tonight. Wednesday or Thursday of last week it was nearly 90!
It seems that nature is conspiring to bring us all to the realization that only God can help us. We cannot help ourselves when faced with such overwhelming power. Sometimes it seems as if God is mocking the global warming enthusiasts, who try to convince themselves they can make a difference in the weather patterns of the world by drinking organic tea.
The temperature today seems more like we are in global cooling, but whatever the weather pattern, it seems to me there is a much greater Power at work who set laws and principles in motion long before we were on the earth, and the sooner we acknowledge Him the better off we will be.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
Another Favorite Plant
I thought you might enjoy seeing how beautiful the rhododendrons are right now. 
I always think the pink one is my favorite until I see the red one, and then I can't decide. The red one really brightens up the front of the house
I always think the pink one is my favorite until I see the red one, and then I can't decide. The red one really brightens up the front of the house
Speaking of pesky animals, yesterday I noticed a wren coming out of our bluebird house which I knew had a nest of baby chickadees in it. I shooed it away, opened the door to the birdhouse and found 5 dead babies. I looked on the internet and discovered that wrens regularly kill nestlings, or destroy the eggs, and take over the nesting boxes of bluebirds and chickadees. I already knew they tried to establish their nests in bluebird houses because I have had an ongoing war the past couple of years with wrens, who insist on nesting in the bluebird house even though I have provided them with their own houses. But I didn't know they would kill the babies of birds who were already using the nests.
Two or three years ago we had a pair of bluebirds nesting in the house, and so loved watching them! But now every time they come near, the wrens chase them away. I do not like wrens!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Awake America
Awake, America. That is the message Pastor Moses (not his real name) came to tell us last night at a meeting at our church. We don't usually have a church meeting on Tuesday night so a special meeting was arranged because he was passing through the area and our pastor thought we needed to hear first hand how Christians were treated in Pakistan.
Pastor Moses said he had come to America, fleeing Pakistan, because he found out the Taliban were trying to kill him and had put a bounty on his life. He was not using his real name because his life would be in even more danger if someone put his name on the internet, such as on Facebook. He showed photos of his friend Bhatti's funeral. Bhatti was the only Christian member of Pakistan's federal cabinet. He was assassinated March 2. See article here.
Because Pastor Moses loves Jesus and feels called to help the Christians in Pakistan, he will be returning soon. He asked for our prayers for protection. He has a wife and three little children, but said he is ready to die for Jesus if it must be.
He said that America and the West are asleep to what is happening all over the world. Islamic extremists put to death 200,000 Christians every year, and yet we are allowing them to make inroads into our country and our lives. He said he has studied the Koran, and then he proceeded to quote several verses that say Muslims are to persecute and kill Christians and Jews, the infidels. Yet we continue to believe the publicity that Islam is peace loving and to invite them into our communities to build mosques and attempt to change our laws to implement sharia.
He said he was grateful that Usama Bin Ladin had been killed, but that there are thousands of Bin Ladins in Islamic countries.
His message was that we must wake up before it is too late. We must pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and killed. We must teach the Bible to our children so that they have a foundation to stand on when persecution comes to us. He pointed out that Muslims pray 5 time a day. Their children study the Koran from the time they can read. This indoctrinates them into being ready and willing to live and die for their religion. We, too, must be prepared.
It was a very sobering meeting. He mentioned the freedom he felt in the U.S. I found myself feeling embarrassed for the way we Americans take freedom for granted and how we abuse it. I left the meeting thinking how trivial so much of our lives have become because of the freedoms we enjoy. I found myself praying that we will wake up before it is too late.
Pastor Moses said he had come to America, fleeing Pakistan, because he found out the Taliban were trying to kill him and had put a bounty on his life. He was not using his real name because his life would be in even more danger if someone put his name on the internet, such as on Facebook. He showed photos of his friend Bhatti's funeral. Bhatti was the only Christian member of Pakistan's federal cabinet. He was assassinated March 2. See article here.
Because Pastor Moses loves Jesus and feels called to help the Christians in Pakistan, he will be returning soon. He asked for our prayers for protection. He has a wife and three little children, but said he is ready to die for Jesus if it must be.
He said that America and the West are asleep to what is happening all over the world. Islamic extremists put to death 200,000 Christians every year, and yet we are allowing them to make inroads into our country and our lives. He said he has studied the Koran, and then he proceeded to quote several verses that say Muslims are to persecute and kill Christians and Jews, the infidels. Yet we continue to believe the publicity that Islam is peace loving and to invite them into our communities to build mosques and attempt to change our laws to implement sharia.
He said he was grateful that Usama Bin Ladin had been killed, but that there are thousands of Bin Ladins in Islamic countries.
His message was that we must wake up before it is too late. We must pray for our brothers and sisters who are being persecuted and killed. We must teach the Bible to our children so that they have a foundation to stand on when persecution comes to us. He pointed out that Muslims pray 5 time a day. Their children study the Koran from the time they can read. This indoctrinates them into being ready and willing to live and die for their religion. We, too, must be prepared.
It was a very sobering meeting. He mentioned the freedom he felt in the U.S. I found myself feeling embarrassed for the way we Americans take freedom for granted and how we abuse it. I left the meeting thinking how trivial so much of our lives have become because of the freedoms we enjoy. I found myself praying that we will wake up before it is too late.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Elevator Update
I worked outside all day today, and Country Guy didn't come home for lunch, so I didn't find out what was happening at the elevator till now.
The guys got one leg running so they were able to finish loading the train. It looks like we can continue moving grain even though the process is now slowed down substantially. We are grateful.
A millwright is coming tomorrow to estimate how much it will cost and when they could begin to replace the damaged leg. The insurance adjustor came this afternoon and will be communicating his estimate of the damages to his company.
I thought you might be eager to hear how things are going--I was. And so I will continue to post any updates that seem to be news worthy when I receive them.
The guys got one leg running so they were able to finish loading the train. It looks like we can continue moving grain even though the process is now slowed down substantially. We are grateful.
A millwright is coming tomorrow to estimate how much it will cost and when they could begin to replace the damaged leg. The insurance adjustor came this afternoon and will be communicating his estimate of the damages to his company.
I thought you might be eager to hear how things are going--I was. And so I will continue to post any updates that seem to be news worthy when I receive them.
Monday, May 9, 2011
It Is A Miracle!
Firemen poured water into the pit to extinguish any grain that was on fire. 
They determined the fire started with a spark probably from a motor at the top of the elevator leg, which then exploded through the leg to the basement. Notice the right side of the leg in the above and below photos. The one on the right used to look like the one on the left. Can you imagine what power went through that--and the damage and injury that could have been done if it had exploded into pieces!!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Baked Beans
Since we're having a cook-out tomorrow I thought I would make the baked beans according the recipe I posted several weeks ago. It was one of those I had to measure how I do things to be able to write it into a recipe, so I wanted to be sure it tasted right. Well, good thing I did, because I discovered I left out the 1 1/2 T. brown sugar per can ingredient. I have now corrected it and reposted the recipe, but thought I might mention the omission on the chance that someone may have made the beans, or printed off the recipe and not been happy with the results.
I also discovered this week I had left out 2 c. flour from the Coconut Crunch cookie recipe. I reposted it under the name Almond Joy Cookies because I think that name is a better description of how they taste.
Sorry. :o(
I would love to hear your comments, or suggestions (or mistakes you've found) when you try the recipes, as I'm sure would other readers.
I also discovered this week I had left out 2 c. flour from the Coconut Crunch cookie recipe. I reposted it under the name Almond Joy Cookies because I think that name is a better description of how they taste.
Sorry. :o(
I would love to hear your comments, or suggestions (or mistakes you've found) when you try the recipes, as I'm sure would other readers.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Chickens
Country guy has lost several chickens this spring to a chicken hawk, and possibly, also to a fox, although we have not seen it happen--the only evidence are the feathers that have remained. I guess that is the hazard of freedom. The chickens roam wherever they choose during the day, but sometimes they get a little too far from the safety of the chicken coop.
It seemed to be time to replenish our supply, so last night we drove to Rural King and picked out 20 baby chicks from the various kinds they were selling. (Country guy could tell you what kind they are, but I forget every time he tells me.)
I believe he also had another motive than just to replace some of the chickens we've lost. I think he also wanted them in anticipation of grandchildren's visits. We grandparents are always looking for ways to please our grandchildren with little surprises, aren't we? I think that's the way God is, too. He loves giving us gifts and surprises because He loves us so much. He loves to see our delight in the things He plans for us!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
John Kilpatrick's Dream
I first read this dream a couple of years ago and have read it a few times since. After the tornadoes in Alabama and the rest of the south, and in light of the flooding of the Mississippi river, I re-read it yesterday. It seems to have been a prophetic dream since "wind" and "water" are very prevalent in the news today. I believe we need to be praying about the "earthquake" part of the dream--that it will not happen, if possible, or at least that lives and property will be protected and damage minimized. I would also recommend making sure you have earthquake insurance. You might even want to review my post on 2-21-11, Preparing for Disaster, Natural or Otherwise. Obviously, having extra supplies would not have helped those directly affected by the tornadoes or floods, but it would have enabled their neighbors to be able to help them now.
As I was approaching the Daphne Civic Center for Sunday morning service at Church of His Presence, I had a vision which lasted for about two or three seconds. In this vision, I saw the ground buckling before me. It was so real that I actually moved aside to avoid what I was seeing. I knew immediately that it was an earthquake, and the thought crossed my mind that the damages of this earthquake could have the potential to exceed those of Hurricane Katrina of 2005. Please understand that I am not saying that the Lord told me this. It merely crossed my mind.
Pastor Kilpatrick wants to share with his partners and friends the following vision and dream he had in April and May 2008. He has never posted a vision or dream on the internet, but after talking with some close friends, intercessors, as well as those in prophetic ministry he has agreed to do so. His intentions are not to alarm the Church or the public, but to forewarn us to pray concerning what he has seen. At this time, we do not have the full revelation or meaning of this vision and dream, but know that the Lord is trying to warn us and prepare us for the days ahead. Please help us pray to the Lord concerning this matter.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 - Vision As I was approaching the Daphne Civic Center for Sunday morning service at Church of His Presence, I had a vision which lasted for about two or three seconds. In this vision, I saw the ground buckling before me. It was so real that I actually moved aside to avoid what I was seeing. I knew immediately that it was an earthquake, and the thought crossed my mind that the damages of this earthquake could have the potential to exceed those of Hurricane Katrina of 2005. Please understand that I am not saying that the Lord told me this. It merely crossed my mind. Tuesday, May 20, 2008 - Dream
I awoke trembling and shaking at 5:00 in the morning after having a startling dream. This was one of the three most profound dreams that I have ever had during the ministry the LORD has called me to. I feel that this dream is an addendum to the vision I had on April 27, 2008.
In this dream I saw the words "wind and water." I only saw the words but did not actually see any wind or water damage. I then found myself overlooking a river which instantly became so wide that I could no longer see either of its banks.
The dream then shifted, and I was with one of my parishioners running through what appeared to be an old abandoned school house. This empty building began to shake. The shaking was so violent and severe that it was like the bucking of a wild horse tossing us around. My teeth were clapping so hard from the impact that I tried to clench them to prevent this from happening.
In this dream I knew I was experiencing a massive earthquake. The sounds were so catastrophic that the thought crossed my mind that the devastation could likely exceed Hurricane Katrina of 2005. I did not see the devastation behind me; I only heard it. In all of my life I have never heard such catastrophic sounds. These were the scariest sounds I have ever heard.
The dream then shifted once more and concluded with two names on what appeared to be an old Spanish map. One name read Indianola and the otherEuropa. When I awoke, I was shaking as if I had chills and a fever. I could not stop trembling. All through the day I felt as if I had just had the dream 10 minutes ago.
This dream so shook me that my wife and I immediately went to the internet to do some research. I also contacted some close friends in the ministry and reliable intercessors concerning this dream. What we found was startling. There are towns called Indianola, IL; Europa, MO; and Indianola, MS. These towns run in a line from North to South with Europa, MO being near the middle of them. The Mississippi River runs between them with Europa, MO being by the epicenter of the New Madrid fault.
After seeing this, I believe the dream could be concerning a devastating earthquake on the New Madrid fault. Many reputable friends in ministry have felt that this dream was not to be interpreted as a spiritual dream because they felt that it has literal implications. Even now the intensity of this dream is the same.
I do not want to come across as an alarmist concerning what I saw. I also don't want to put fear in the public or the Body of Christ. However, I cannot help but feel that God gave me this as warning to prepare us for the days ahead and to pray concerning this matter.
Please know that I did not see any timeframe as to when this may happen. Please pray with me concerning this vision and dream.
If you have any comments, you can send them towatch@churchofhispresence.org.
John Kilpatrick
Church of His Presence
Church of His Presence
John Kilpatrick pastored Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, FL for 22 years. During his tenure there, he had the privilege of pastoring the Brownsville Revival which began on Father's Day of 1995. Currently, he is the founder and senior pastor of Church of His Presence in Daphne, AL and president of John Kilpatrick Ministries. In addition to pastoring, he continues to preach across the nation and fulfill his apostolic call to mentor and pastor other ministers.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
As I was looking through my recipes to post to the Recipes page, I found the recipe for homemade ice cream that I used to make all the time when the kids were growing up. It came from my Mom who got it from her brother, Harold. Although it has raw eggs in it, I did not worry about salmonella--that's something we hadn't even heard about when I was a kid. Now with so much publicity about it, I think twice about making ice cream with raw eggs for company because I don't want to be responsible for making little kids sick--even though I have not heard of one instance of someone getting sick from eating homemade ice cream, except when they ate too much because it was so good! :o) The media has taken a lot of fun out of eating, haven't they?
Anyway, I have found a couple of other recipes that we like, too, which either don't use eggs, or the mixture is cooked before it is frozen. So besides adding them here for reference, I posted them all on the Recipes page under Desserts.
The main reason I'm writing this, though, is to recommend the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. Our daughter gave us one for Christmas a couple of years ago and we love it! Since it only makes 6 servings, she also gave us an additional Freezer Bowl so we can make 12 servings per day. It works with no ice or salt, but by freezing the bowl for 20 hours--hence the reason for 2 freezer bowls if you want to serve more than 6 people at a time.
I have modified the basic ice cream recipe from their recipe booklet and use it most of the time because it only takes cream, or half & half, milk, sugar, and vanilla--all ingredients I have on hand most of the time. (I have also reduced Uncle Harold's recipe to fit the machine, too, when we get nostalgic.) We like homemade ice cream so much better than that bought in the store and it only takes about 20 minutes to freeze, so I just pull out my machine and make it whenever I want--or need--ice cream. This little machine is so convenient to have on hand!
Here is a link to it on Amazon, if you're interested in more info: Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Anyway, I have found a couple of other recipes that we like, too, which either don't use eggs, or the mixture is cooked before it is frozen. So besides adding them here for reference, I posted them all on the Recipes page under Desserts.
The main reason I'm writing this, though, is to recommend the Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker. Our daughter gave us one for Christmas a couple of years ago and we love it! Since it only makes 6 servings, she also gave us an additional Freezer Bowl so we can make 12 servings per day. It works with no ice or salt, but by freezing the bowl for 20 hours--hence the reason for 2 freezer bowls if you want to serve more than 6 people at a time.
I have modified the basic ice cream recipe from their recipe booklet and use it most of the time because it only takes cream, or half & half, milk, sugar, and vanilla--all ingredients I have on hand most of the time. (I have also reduced Uncle Harold's recipe to fit the machine, too, when we get nostalgic.) We like homemade ice cream so much better than that bought in the store and it only takes about 20 minutes to freeze, so I just pull out my machine and make it whenever I want--or need--ice cream. This little machine is so convenient to have on hand!
Here is a link to it on Amazon, if you're interested in more info: Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
Grandma’s Ice Cream
For 6 quart freezer
8 eggs
3 c. sugar
3/8 t. salt
1 ½ T. vanilla
3 c. whipping cream
2 qts. milk
Cream eggs, sugar, and add remaining ingredients, mixing thoroughly.
For 4 quart freezer:
5 eggs
2 c. sugar
¼ t. salt
1 T. vanilla
2 c. cream
1 1/3 quarts milk
For Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
2 eggs
¾ c. sugar
1/8 t. salt
1 c. whipping cream, or Half & Half
2 c. milk
½ T. vanilla
Cuisinart Ice Cream
2 ½ c. chilled milk*
¾ c. granulated sugar
1 c. heavy cream*
½ T. vanilla extract, or to taste
dash of salt
dash of salt
Mix together and add to ice cream maker to freeze.
* I sometimes use 2 c. half & half and 1+ c. milk
Vanilla Gelato
12 egg yolks
3 c. sugar
8 c. whole milk
1 qt half & half
2-3 T. pure vanilla extract
1/8 t. salt
Combine egg yolks and sugar in large mixing bowl. Beat at med-high speed till very thick and pale yellow.
In large saucepan heat milk to simmer. Add half of milok to egg yolk mixture, whisk till blended. Stir in remaining milk. Cook over low heat stirring constantly till mixture coats back of spoon.
Remove from heat; stir in cream. Pass mixture through a fine strainer into a large bowl set over and ice bath to chill. Stir in vanilla.
Freeze in an ice cream maker.
Gelato For Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
3 egg yolks
¾ c. sugar
2 c. whole milk
1 c. half and half
½-1 T. pure vanilla extract
dash of salt
Prepare according to above instructions.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Watchmen/Gatekeepers, cont.
The idea of Jesus waiting for the gatekeeper to open the gate for Him is still rolling around in my mind today. I guess you could say, I am meditating on it. I once heard a definition for meditation as to do to the Word what a cow does to her cud. For those of you city folk--here is a technical explanation of how a cow chews her cud. As you read it I'm sure you can see the similarities to meditating on the Word of God.
Today I was thinking that another interpretation of John 10:3 is that since we are called watchmen (gatekeepers) and Jesus said He is the gate, not only can we help to open the gate for Him to come in to others' lives, but that on a personal level we must open the gate of our own life, our mind, our will to Him. He waits for us to do that before He comes in. He gives us the choice, so it is up to us to make the decision to open the gate whenever we see Him ready to come in. This obviously applies to our decision to become a Christian, but I think it also has to do with every situation in which we find ourselves. Will we invite Jesus in to be the Lord of our lives, or just to help us get to Heaven?
"Chewing a cud is a process by which some animals, called ruminants (camels, goats, sheep, deer, and cattle), thoroughly digest their food. The cow, for example, has a stomach organized into sections to take care of hard-to-digest food. When the cow first takes in food, it chews it just enough to moisten it. Once swallowed, the food goes to the stomach’s first section, where it is mixed with chemicals and softened. This softened food is called the cud, small balls of food. Next, the stomach’s muscles send the cud back up to the cow’s mouth, where it is re-chewed and swallowed again, this time going to another section of the stomach, where moisture is squeezed out of the cud. Finally, the food enters the last section of the stomach, the true stomach, where digestive juices mix with the food and start it on its way to the intestine to be completely digested." (http://www.bigsiteofamazingfacts.com/why-does-a-cow-chew-its-cud)
Today I was thinking that another interpretation of John 10:3 is that since we are called watchmen (gatekeepers) and Jesus said He is the gate, not only can we help to open the gate for Him to come in to others' lives, but that on a personal level we must open the gate of our own life, our mind, our will to Him. He waits for us to do that before He comes in. He gives us the choice, so it is up to us to make the decision to open the gate whenever we see Him ready to come in. This obviously applies to our decision to become a Christian, but I think it also has to do with every situation in which we find ourselves. Will we invite Jesus in to be the Lord of our lives, or just to help us get to Heaven?
I guess you can tell I am enjoying 'ruminating' on John 10:3.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Watchmen/Gatekeepers
Today I was reading John, chapter 10. In v. 1-4 He says, “1Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice." (NIV)
Jesus continues through verse 18 to explain this parable by saying He is the door, and He is the shepherd. How can He be both the gate and the shepherd? This is difficult for me to understand unless each is taken individually as a picture of who Jesus is.
As I was reading this passage this morning, though, I was struck by v. 3. For some reason I had never read that Jesus waits for the gatekeeper to open the door for Him to go into the sheep, so I read it in several translations. Some of them say "watchman", or sometimes "doorkeeper," instead of "gatekeeper." I looked up the meaning of the Greek and Hebrew words for watchman, and discovered they mean: to hedge about, guard, protect, attend to, keep, observe, preserve, save, to await, to keep watch, to guard, to peer into the distance.
Doesn't the Bible say that we are to be watchmen? This passage seems to indicate that Jesus, as the shepherd, has given us the privilege of working with Him to watch over and guard the sheep by tending the gate.
But I was also thinking that since Jesus is also the gate, then the Holy Spirit is the gatekeeper. As the Holy Spirit works in hearts to prepare them, He opens the way for Jesus to come in.
The Bible is rich in revelation, isn't it? Oh, that my eyes would be opened to see! How I want to go deeper and understand more! I remember Agnes Sanford comparing the Bible to an onion. She said there are many layers--as one is peeled off, another is revealed. I love that, don't you?
Please help me, Lord, to peel off the layers.
Jesus continues through verse 18 to explain this parable by saying He is the door, and He is the shepherd. How can He be both the gate and the shepherd? This is difficult for me to understand unless each is taken individually as a picture of who Jesus is.
As I was reading this passage this morning, though, I was struck by v. 3. For some reason I had never read that Jesus waits for the gatekeeper to open the door for Him to go into the sheep, so I read it in several translations. Some of them say "watchman", or sometimes "doorkeeper," instead of "gatekeeper." I looked up the meaning of the Greek and Hebrew words for watchman, and discovered they mean: to hedge about, guard, protect, attend to, keep, observe, preserve, save, to await, to keep watch, to guard, to peer into the distance.
Doesn't the Bible say that we are to be watchmen? This passage seems to indicate that Jesus, as the shepherd, has given us the privilege of working with Him to watch over and guard the sheep by tending the gate.
But I was also thinking that since Jesus is also the gate, then the Holy Spirit is the gatekeeper. As the Holy Spirit works in hearts to prepare them, He opens the way for Jesus to come in.
The Bible is rich in revelation, isn't it? Oh, that my eyes would be opened to see! How I want to go deeper and understand more! I remember Agnes Sanford comparing the Bible to an onion. She said there are many layers--as one is peeled off, another is revealed. I love that, don't you?
Please help me, Lord, to peel off the layers.
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