A Direct Line

Emergency Telephone Numbers

When...
You are sad, phone John 14
You have sinned, phone Psalm 51

You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91

People have failed you, phone Psalm 27
It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139

Your faith needs stimulation, phone Hebrews 11

You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23
You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34
You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13
You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18
You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39
You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30
It feels as if the world is bigger than God, phone Psalm 90
You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30
You are leaving home for a trip, phone Psalm 121
You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87

You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1
You are depressed, phone Psalm 27
Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37
You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13
It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15
You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126
You want to bear fruit, phone John 15
Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17
With big opportunity/discovery, phone Isaiah 55
To get along with other people, phone Romans 12

Alternate Numbers
For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47
For security, call Psalm 121:3
For assurance, call Mark 8:35
For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18

ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY.

NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY.

ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY.

FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH

 

* I wish I knew who wrote this so I could give them credit, but there was no author listed (but God knows)!

Also, since it is Word-Filled Wednesday, I wanted to share a verse that I received from a friend yesterday that spoke to my heart:  

"Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word."

Don't you just love God's Word?!?! What a wonderful encouragement and reminder of our Lord's love for us! May you find comfort and a hope as you continue to seek God daily.

Melodic Monday: All I Need

Happy Melodic Monday! Been a full day, but good. I wanted to share with you one of my favorite songs. I love the acoustic guitar and Shawn's unique style and sound. But most of all I love his heart for the Lord, his complete surrender, and desire to share his faith with others. He has a great testimony and is living proof of God's amazing grace! I was not able to embed the video of  his performance on my blog, but here is the link to this soulful song! Just click and be blessed! And just try not to sing or hum along... (impossible)!



Shawn's testimony:



Be blessed and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Servant's Heart Sunday: Dear Riley

This week I didn't have to search for a service project for our family or for this blog post, it found me! The homeschooling forum I belong to is always a wonderful potpourri of ideas, thoughts, opinions, requests, resources, recipes, stories, laughs, inspiration and more. This weekend as I tried to catch up and read the accumulating messages in my inbox, I came across Riley's wish. Riley Philpot is 9 year old girl who has been battling a rare form of cancer since she was six. Her cancer has returned and so have the hospital visits. Riley's wish is to have the mailman bring a bag full of get well cards and wishes. As I read a posting from her father regarding her "race" I was so touched by their faith during such trying times. Please join me and my family as we sign, stuff, seal , and stamp as much love and encouragement as possible into letters for Riley. Also, please consider praying with your children for Riley and her family.

Send your "love letters" to:
Riley Philpot
206 Slaney Loop Rd.
Winterville, N.C. 28590

Have fun and be creative! Pour out your love in a drawing, poem, card, collage, or letter and seal it with a kiss! Perhaps you can even include a picture of your family. You could draw a big get well sign or banner and take a picture of your family holding it. I'm sure it will delight Riley to see the smiling faces of those lifting her up in prayer! I know that Riley will be blessed, as will you and your family as you share the love of God with a little girl that is still running the race.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

Dollars & Sense: Homemade Glass Cleaner

I don't do windows... with expensive cleaning products. Ever notice how expensive cleaning products are? Of course you have! I'm sure you're gasping for air like me... either from the sticker shock, the fumes - or both! They are way overpriced and excessive. I mean do we really need a special cleaner for every housekeeping task? Keeping the house clean is overwhelming enough for me without dozens of different cleaners that clutter my cabinets and empty my wallet! So, over the last couple of years our family has transitioned to making homemade cleaning products to aid us in our chores. I wanted to share several recipes for homemade glass cleaner. These will work great for windows and mirrors. In my opinion, they streak less than the commercial cleaners and are definitely cheaper.

Recipe #1
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon clear, non-sudsing ammonia

Recipe # 2
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Recipe # 3
1 part vinegar
1 part water
1 part rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol

I purchase the large jugs of vinegar and ammonia. I also buy large bottles of the rubbing alcohol sold at the dollar stores. You can purchase all of these very inexpensively. I then place the "ingredients" into a plastic spray bottle (you can also purchase these at a dollar store or in the gardening section of a store like Wal-Mart). I always write the name of the cleaner and the "recipe" directly on the bottle using a permanent marker. Never use these spray bottles for any other purpose. These cleaners are easy, effective and inexpensive. Being a good steward with our resources just became a little easier. Happy housekeeping!

Word-filled Wednesday: New Every Morning

"But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope; The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." Lamentations 3: 21-23

I have been thinking a lot about the New Year. Why is it that people are so drawn to this new beginning? As the calendar page turns, many embark with well-intentioned resolutions, refurbished dreams, renovated optimism, restored goals and renewed hope. This annual phenomenon just confirms to me that God-shaped hole in each of us that can only be filled by our one true hope, Jesus. I too love new beginnings, second chances, clean slates, fresh mercies. Thankfully, I don't have to wait to the turn of each year to find renewal and restoration. Every sunrise, every daybreak... His mercies are new every morning. And therefore I have hope.

Melodic Monday: Free To Fly

"But drink deeply of God's Spirit. Speak one to another in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord." Ephesians 5: 18-19

Okay, just curious. Are there any of you ladies out there that are ministered to by children's music and books? I'm not sure exactly what kind of commentary that is on my faith walk or me, but the Lord often uses "kid music" and children's books to speak and minister to me! Even though we are not in the preschool years anymore, my elementary-aged son, still enjoys being read to. Sometimes its advanced chapter books and other times its one of his old picture books. As I was going through some of our old tapes, books, and dvds to use in the preschool class I was teaching at a homeschooling co-op, I came across my copy of a Jana Alayra music cd. As I listened to it, my spirit was refreshed and I was reminded how much God longs for us to have a simple child-like faith and to just take His hand and love and be loved by Him! Jana Alayra has an amazing and touching testimony. I saw her at a MOPS conference several years ago and was blessed by the story of her journey with the Lord. She has a heart for worshiping the Lord and an annointed music ministry. Check out her website, her testimony and her music:

http://www.janaalayra.com/

more about Jana, her faith, her music...



Be blessed and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!

Servant's Heart Sunday

"Then the King will say to the people on his right, 'Come and possess the kingdom which has been prepared for you ever since the creation of the world. I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me.' The righteous will then answer him, 'When, Lord, did we ever see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink? When did we ever see you a stranger and welcome you in our homes or naked and clothe you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you, whenever you did this for one of the least important of these followers of mine, you did it for me!" Matthew 25: 34-40

Oh, how I desire to raise children that have loving hands and willing hearts to serve and honor the Lord! As we find volunteer opportunities where we can serve together as a family, our Heavenly Father teaches us about compassion, mercy, love and extending grace. It is then that His light shines brightly like a city on a hill! As this New Year unfolds, let us look for ways we can minister to others and demonstrate the love of Jesus to the world and let our lights burn brightly.

Check out these websites with me! How can we help?
Let's pray about how we can let our light shine before men!

http://www.compassion.com/
http://www.biblesunbound.com/
http://www.feedingamerica.org/
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/
http://www.worldvision.org/
http://www.cefonline.com/
http://www.kidscare.org/


"You are like light for the whole world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bowl; instead it is put on the lampstand, where it gives light for everyone in the house. In the same way your light must shine before people so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16

Recipe Swap: Oatmeal Pancakes

Oatmeal Pancakes

3 cups of quick-cooking oatmeal (uncooked)
2 cups of vanilla yogurt
1 cup of fat free milk
2 eggs
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon imitation vanilla
2 tablespoon honey or honey granules
1/2 cup mini-chocolate chips
(Yields 20 - 22 pancakes)

In a mixing bowl, place oatmeal, vanilla yogurt, milk, eggs, baking soda, salt, vanilla and honey (also the chocolate chips if you would like). Stir these ingredients until they are blended well. Let stand for 5 minutes. Spray pan or skillet with non-stick spray. Cook over low-medium heat. They will take a little longer to brown than traditional pancake mixture made from flour.

These pancakes are great topped with real maple syrup, yogurt or applesauce! Also, consider serving with a mixed berry medley such as strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. These pancakes freeze and reheat well in the microwave. So I suggest making a large batch so you can freeze some for future breakfast and brunch meals. Finally, I use the generic brand oats and yogurt - no compromise in taste and it save moo-lah! :)

Where's the Line for Jesus

"You shall call his name Jesus/Yeshua (Hebrew name of Jesus, meaning salvation), for he will gave his people from their sins." Matthew 1:21

Okay, given that we spent the Christmas holiday at the doctors, urgent care, then hospital, I am admittedly a little behind on things... but I just came across this beautiful, thought-provoking song/video. I know the calendar says Christmas is over and it is a New Year, but should not we marvel daily in the gift of salvation that was made available through Jesus/Yeshua, the promised Messiah? When my kids were little we did do the "Santa" thing. But at a tender age, they began to ask questions about Jesus versus Santa. I was ambivalent about the situation and wavered in what to say. I did not want to lie to them. Finally, my little Kenzie tilted her precious head, looked me in the eye and asked me point blank! I paused and thought... Jesus is truth, Santa is imaginary - a tradition. I wanted them to trust me with the truth and not confuse fantasy with the Word of God. So when they questioned me, I thought it was best to just come clean. Fortunately, I had been trying to plan the best way to clear up the confusion and I found a book Santa, Are You For Real? by Harold Myra (on sale at www.cbd.com currently). It is a lovely story that retells the legend of Saint Nicholas. I like that it emphasizes St. Nick's desire to honor Christ through his giving and concern for others. We explained that St. Nick is no longer alive, he is now with the Lord. We also explained that "Santa" is a tradition loosely based on the legend of St.Nick and has evolved to what it is today. They quickly grasped the difference... that Santa is fantasy, fun & fiction and that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. If you and your family are have wondered about how to handle the whole "Santa" thing and are struggling with how to separate the fantasy from the facts, this book may be helpful. Hope you enjoy the video. It was written by a grandpa who was inspired by his grandson who asked this very question, "Where is the line for Jesus?" as he observed the long line winding its way to Santa. Out of the mouths of babes...

Freedom from Fear

Abba Father,

I come before you Lord seeking freedom from the fear that hinders my spirit. In your Word, you have commanded us to be strong and of courage, to not be afraid. You would only ask this of us if it was possible. And with you all things are possible! It is not your will for me to be ruled by a spirit of fear. Through You, I have access to a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. May my thoughts be held captive to Christ! As I begin to have anxious thoughts, may I be reminded that You are the One who goes before me. As my worries threaten to consume me, may the Holy Spirit stir my heart with your promise that you will never leave or forsake me. As I walk through the darkness of this world, may I recall that the Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Strengthen me, Jehovah-Tsur. Hold my hand, Heavenly Father, and deliver me from my fears. Let not my heart be troubled, Adonai. I thank and praise you that Your perfect love casts out fear! I will take refuge in you, my strong tower. In the shadow of your wings, I will find comfort and peace that surpasses all understanding. Because you are my Lord and Saviour, I will not fear or be dismayed.

In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

The Sword of the the Spirit:

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid."  Psalm 27:1

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind."2 Timothy 1:7

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of courage, do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear or be dismayed."  Deutoronomy 31:8

"Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strenghthen you. Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with  my righteous hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"For I the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, Fear not, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."  Psalm 34:4

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Family Photo Shoot

Thought you might like to catch a glimpse of our fun, family photo shoot (circa December 2009). Picture days are always entertaining. I am not sure who is most unruly and high-maintenance on these days... the kids, the dogs or the husband. Of course, I am sweet as pie during these picture perfect moments. Okay, my nose is growing...

Each Step of the Way

Today we move forward into the New Year. I am looking ahead with hope while also glancing in the rearview mirror at days gone by! In the past few weeks our family has celebrated and remembered the birth of our promised Saviour, visited with extended family, camped out at the hospital with our son and remembered an almost forgotten wedding anniversary in the midst of it all. It was not the Christmas holiday I had planned or envisioned, but it has all been part of our journey. As I recalled the past few weeks, the past year, the past fifteen years since my husband and I said, "I do," I am reminded that walking with the Lord is a journey that sometimes takes me down roads I did not anticipate. Or would have chosen. But He never leaves me or forsakes me. He is with me as I travel the narrow path. Though I stumble often, His Word is a lamp unto my feet. He directs me despite my doubts and feet dragging. As I sought the Lord this Advent and Christmas season, I was reminded of a young woman on an amazing journey that took her from a manger to a cross. She followed the Lord each step of the way, even when the road seemed beyond bearable.

Before our unexpected stay at the hospital, our family had snuggled down with blankets, pjs and pillows as we watched the movie, The Nativity. As we watched the film, I really began to think about Mary and her journey with the Lord. It made me really wonder about her faith and walk with the Lord. I was reminded how young she was. I was amazed at how readily she submitted to God's will for her life, even though it would probably cause her to be misunderstood, mocked, shunned, possibly even killed. How do you explain being with child even though you are a virgin? How do you convince others that you have been chosen to carry the promised Messiah and deliver him into the world? While it is not uncommon today to see women pregnant outside of marriage, in the world Mary lived in, a woman could be stoned for such things. How did she tell Joseph and her parents? How did she endure the inevitable stares and snickers from those in her village? Did she delight at all times in being chosen to be the mother of God? Or did she momentarily slip into doubt or fear? I marvelled over willingness to go wherever God sent her. To Bethelehem while in her last weeks of pregnancy. On a donkey. No rest stops. No grabbing a bite at a nice restaurant. No hotel. As she made this journey, did she ask God why? Could not the Creator of the Universe and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob have smote King Herod? What about the timing? Travel to Bethelem right before she was due to deliver...and in a manger?

And then having to leave her homeland and flee to Egypt in the dark of night to protect the life of the promised King. Did Mary ever doubt? Did she question the Lord? Did she ever cry out and plead? Or did she just quietly take refuge in the Lord and rest in His promises? The Scriptures do not reveal Mary's thoughts during these times. What we do know is that Mary willingly became a handmaiden of the Lord. Even as she struggled to understand in the first moments following Gabriel's announcement ~ all that she was chosen to be and do ~ Mary magnified the Lord. Her spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour! Where God led, she followed.

"And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." Luke 1: 38

"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in
God my Saviour." Luke 1:46-47

As I continue my walk with the Lord in 2010, my heart's desire is to have the kind of faith that without hesitation readily submits to God and declares let it be according to your word. My hope is that as I follow the Lord on this continuing journey, my soul with magnify the Lord and my spirit will continually rejoice in my Saviour... each step of the way.