3/17/09 Our World, Save At Home, Healthy, Budget-Conscious, Kids' Quotes, Easter Edition
Posted by: jhbreneman <jhbreneman@...>
ENCOURAGEMENT TO WOMEN
Compiled especially for you with love by Lois Breneman
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3/17/09 Our World, Save At Home, Healthy, Budget-Conscious, Kids' Quotes, Easter Edition
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WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR WORLD?
MY WAYS ARE NOT YOUR WAYS
LEMON-GARLIC CHICKEN
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR WORLD?
By Barbara Rainey - © Copyright 2009 by FamilyLife - http://www.familylife.com - Used by permission
Since the U.S. economy started its sharp slide last fall, I've done a lot of thinking about what this all means to me, to my family, and to our nation and world. While watching this downturn, my thoughts have gone from, "This is interesting" to "This is perplexing." If it keeps falling, the prevailing emotions could inch nearer to frightening.
For now, the word "perplexing" accurately describes my vantage point. My family has been affected in several ways. My husband, Dennis, is working harder than ever here at FamilyLife, putting in 50-hour weeks trying to find ways to cut expenses and increase revenue. I just talked to one of our sons who said they are living hand to mouth, barely making ends meet. And I know it's true. Their pantry was bare when we visited last month. Another son and our son-in-law are both doing the same, working harder than ever trying to keep their families fed and their payments made.
These are not "business as usual" days. What our country is experiencing clearly isn't a brief downturn where things will return to normal in a few months.
What complicates it even further is that the American economy is a global issue. This leads to the question, What is God up to?
While I do not have the answer, I think it's good that we ask questions like this. We who claim to belong to God must be measuring our experience against the truth. We know that God is not passive. He is not sitting idly by just watching. That is not His character. Instead, God is intricately and intimately involved in the rise and fall of nations and in the comings and goings of all people.
Yesterday in my Bible study class I heard a verse that I do not think I've ever noticed before. It was as if lights flashed around it, dramatically grabbing my attention. This one short phrase fits this season of our American life perfectly: "And He will be the stability of your times" (Isaiah 33:6).
That's the bottom line. No matter what God is up to in the world today, no matter what course the current economic crisis takes, no matter what the political leaders in Washington do, God is the stability of our times.
It reminds me of the first line of an old hymn: "My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness." Our hope cannot be in money, a job, our house, our friends or family, and certainly our hope cannot be in Washington, D.C. All of those will disappoint.
Our hope must be in Christ alone for only there will we find true stability as individuals, in our marriages and in our families. In Christ alone, and in the power of His Word, we can find the strength we need to face the challenges of today.
I remain perplexed at our current state. And at the same time I am cautiously optimistic and even hesitantly excited at what God might be doing. Could this be part of the end times? It's possible. Will our businesses and families be better for this pruning and winnowing work of God? If we cooperate with Him in this there is no question we will be better for having been pruned.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:8 that he was "perplexed, but not despairing" when he was in the midst of trials and troubles. I have found great comfort in recent seasons of suffering in that short phrase. It is okay to be confused, baffled, and even mystified at the circumstances of my life. I can be perplexed and still be found having faith. Only when I move to despair, which means hopelessness, am I not living in faith.
We cannot know what tomorrow will bring but we know the One who will bring it. And that alone can keep us from despair as He brings stability to our times.
He was just a little boy, on a week's first day.
Wandering home from Bible school, and dawdling on the way.
He scuffed his shoes into the grass; he even found a caterpillar.
He found a fluffy milkweed pod, and blew out all the 'filler.'
A bird's nest in a tree overhead, so wisely placed up so high.
Was just another wonder, that caught his eager eye.
A neighbor watched his zig zag course, and hailed him from the lawn;
Asked him where he'd been that day and what was going on.
'I've been to Bible School,' he said and turned a piece of sod.
He picked up a wiggly worm replying, 'I've learned a lot about God.'
'M'm very fine way,' the neighbor said, 'for a boy to spend his time.'
'If you'll tell me where God is, I'll give you a brand new dime.'
Quick as a flash the answer came! Nor were his accents faint.
Lord, Your plans were higher than ours. Only You knew that soon You would take this little life back to Yourself.
While You so carefully were forming this little one, You made the eyes, not to see earths fading beauties for a time, but to see only Jesus face and Heavens glories. The tiny toes were never intended to walk on our grass and wade through mud puddles. They were intended only for Heavens floor. The small fingers never had a chance to grasp no-nos. They know only the touch of Jesus hand. The ears have never heard earths clamor, only Heavens joy. The little voice needs never ask, "Mama, where does God live?" because that voice is praising God in His presence. And that soul was never given to us to guide since it is already Safe In the Arms of Jesus.
Lord, the grief is not only in what was, but for what might have been. Then I remember the beauty and perfection of what is, and I am comforted in knowing that You do all things well from beginning to end.
(Lord, what name did you give our baby?)
While You so carefully were forming this little one, You made the eyes, not to see earths fading beauties for a time, but to see only Jesus face and Heavens glories. The tiny toes were never intended to walk on our grass and wade through mud puddles. They were intended only for Heavens floor. The small fingers never had a chance to grasp no-nos. They know only the touch of Jesus hand. The ears have never heard earths clamor, only Heavens joy. The little voice needs never ask, "Mama, where does God live?" because that voice is praising God in His presence. And that soul was never given to us to guide since it is already Safe In the Arms of Jesus.
Lord, the grief is not only in what was, but for what might have been. Then I remember the beauty and perfection of what is, and I am comforted in knowing that You do all things well from beginning to end.
(Lord, what name did you give our baby?)
Granite Countertops ~ Rather than purchasing a special cleaner, mix equal parts of rubbing alcohol and water in a spray bottle with about a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid.
(Something very interesting: Our son had been signing his e-mails and cards with Zephaniah 3:17 for several years. I looked up the birthverse for his baby boy, who is just now turning a year old, and it is Zephaniah 3:17! "The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing." What an encouraging scripture verse!)
QUICK, HEALTHY AND BUDGET-CONSCIOUS, TOO
From Mary Hunt's newsletter, Everyday Cheapskate - http://www.cheapskatemonthly.com - Used by permission
If there's one thing readers of this column do well, it's give feedback. In recent weeks, you've told us that you enjoy the columns devoted to all things food related and that you want to see more emphasis on healthy eating along with help for special dietary needs that won't break your budget.
I am happy to introduce Brenda J. Ponichtera, registered dietitian, author of several award-winning cookbooks and long-time friend of Everyday Cheapskate. Brenda will be contributing to this column on a regular basis in the future, offering her healthy recipe of the month as well as tips to prepare meals that are quick and budget-conscious.
As a medical professional and a nutrition and diabetes counselor, Brenda says that healthful eating doesn't have to take a lot of time in the kitchen. Good nutrition starts with smart choices in the grocery store.
Produce. Spend the most time in the produce section, the first area you encounter in most grocery stores (and usually the largest). Buy what's in season. Try a new fruit or vegetable each week. Organic foods are a good option, but they can be pricey. Eating plenty of produce is more important than choosing organic foods.
Breads, Cereals and Pasta. These items offer opportunities to work whole grains into your diet. To make the transition, start out with whole-wheat blends and slowly transition to 100 percent whole-wheat pasta and breads.
Meat, Fish and Poultry. The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week. When serving meat, choose lean cuts like round, top sirloin, and tenderloin. Opt for skinless poultry, and watch your portion sizes.
Dairy. There are plenty of low-fat and nonfat options to help you get two to three servings a day. If you enjoy higher-fat cheeses, just keep your portions small.
Frozen Foods. Frozen fruits and vegetables (without sauce) are a convenient way to help fill in the produce gap, especially in the winter.
Canned and Dried Foods. Keep a variety of canned vegetables, fruits, and beans on hand to toss into soups, salads, pasta and rice dishes.
The Edge. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store, where fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat and fish are usually located. Avoid the center aisles where junk foods lurk.
Keep it real. Choose "real" foods, such as 100 percent fruit juice or 100 percent whole-grain items with as little processing and as few additives as possible. If you want more salt or sugar, add it yourself. Avoid foods that contain more than five ingredients, artificial ingredients or ingredients you can't pronounce.
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 4 portions
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1/4 cup cornflake crumbs (finely crushed cornflakes)
1/8 teaspoon salt (optional)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
lemon slices (optional)
Place chicken breasts in a plastic bag. Add lemon juice and garlic. Be sure the lemon juice and garlic mixes with all of the chicken. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425 F. Spray a 9-inch by 9-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Drain the lemon juice from the chicken and discard. Pour cornflake crumbs onto a plate. Roll chicken in corn flake crumbs to coat evenly.
Arrange chicken pieces in the baking pan so that they are not touching. Top with any garlic remaining in the plastic bag. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked.
For an attractive presentation, serve topped with a thin slice of fresh lemon. Serves: 8.
Each Serving: Carb Servings: 1; Exchanges: 1 starch; Calories 78, total fat 0g, saturated fat 0g, cholesterol 1mg, sodium 196mg, total carbohydrate 16g, dietary fiber 2g, sugars 6g, protein 2g.
"...I remembered my experience with my new house. I could not make the living room seem homelike. I would move the chairs here and there and change the pictures on the wall, but something was lacking. Nothing seemed to change the feeling of coldness and vacancy that displeased me whenever I entered the room.
Then, as I stood in the middle of the room one day wondering what I could possibly do to improve it, it came to me that all that was needed was for someone to live in it and furnish it with the everyday, pleasant thoughts of friendship and cheerfulness and hospitality.
We all know there is a spirit in every home, a sort of composite spirit composed of the thoughts and feelings of the members of the family as a composite....This spirit meets us at the door as we enter the home. Sometimes it is a friendly, hospitable spirit, and sometimes it is cold and forbidding. .....
COST VS. VALUE
Copyright Effective Parenting - All rights reserved -
Do you focus on the "value" of your children, or do you spend most of your time considering how much they "cost?"
One woman had a table worth $600. She valued the table but decided to sell it and set the price at $400. A man came to
purchase the table and liked it very much. He offered her $300. The woman explained to the man that the table was worth
$600 and that she couldn't reduce the price any more. The woman felt as if she had reduced the price too much already.
The man thought about it and said, "Lady, we would both be happy if you would just change the price." The woman knew the man was right. She went back to the price tag and crossed out $400 and wrote $600. The man was shocked. The woman
said, "The table is worth $600."
"But it costs so much."
Parents often do this with their children. Raising children has a high price tag that includes loss of sleep and fewer choices for your free time and money. You transport them from here to there and back here again. Children cost much more than parents ever imagined. If you focus too much on the cost, you miss the value. Parents who realize the value of their children conduct themselves differently and closeness is the result.
The man valued the table so he bought it. He took it home and put it in a special place. If anyone put a drink down on it, he quickly offered a coaster, wanting to protect that table. Why? He knew its value. It was worth a lot to him.
Children aren't possessions, they're treasures. Most parents don't realize what they're getting into when they bring that little
bundle of cuteness home from the hospital. They may get irritated or lose some of the joy of parenting over the years. Part of the solution is to get your mind off the cost and onto the value of your children. They won't be around too long.
--This tip comes from the book and CD series entitled, Say Goodbye to Whining, Complaining, and Bad Attitudes in You
and Your Kids, by Dr. Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller RN, BSN. You can sign up to receive parenting tips yourself at their website: http://www.effectiveparenting.org
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Johnny's Mother looked out the window and noticed him "playing church" with their cat. He had the cat sitting quietly and he was preaching to it. She smiled and went about her work. A while later she heard loud meowing and hissing and ran back to the open window to see Johnny baptizing the cat in a tub of water. She called out, "Johnny, stop that! The cat is afraid of water!" Johnny looked up at her and said, "He should have thought about that before he joined the church." ~ Karen Coughlin in Florida
When my brother was 3 or 4, he used to baptize his Teddy bears. He would get behind our sofa...it sat in front of a "fireplace" with a mantle. The fireplace was for looks only, not usable. At any rate, that became his baptismal pool. He would ask each teddy if they had accepted Jesus in their heart. The answers were always tiny little affirmative squeaks, after which he would announce that he now baptized (Old Teddy, New Teddy, or Smokey the Bear) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This would be followed by much shouting and praising the Lord from the teddy bears and lots of little giggles from the rest of our family. ~ Cheryl Fischer in Virginia
Our Little Leaders class, ages 3-7, were studying the story of Joseph and how his brothers threw him in a pit, and then he was sold at the market as a slave. At that Sunday evening service, I asked if anyone could tell me, "What did Joseph's brothers do to him after he got out of the pit? Mitchell, age 4, pipes up and says, "They sold him at the yard sale!" ~ Rhonda Creger in Virginia
It was Palm Sunday, and because of a sore throat, five year old Billy stayed home from Church with a sitter. When his family returned home they were carrying several Palm Branches. Billy asked what they were for? His parents replied "People held them over Jesus' head as He walked by." "Wouldn't you know it," Billy fumed, "The one Sunday I don't go to Church, HE showed up!" ~ Jean Breneman, a great-grandmother in Pennsylvania
One Easter Sunday as the minister was preaching the Children's Sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg. He pointed at the egg and asked the children, "What's in here?" "I know," a little boy exclaimed, "Pantyhose!" ~ Jean Breneman in Pennsylvania I was reading a copy of an older newsletter and reading the little things children say, and I was remembering what my oldest child who is now 34 said when she was 5 years old. Melissa has always been a child who is interested in God. When she was 5 years old she came to me one day and asked me to call Jesus on the phone so she could ask him into her heart. Not knowing what to do I called our Pastor who talked to her for some time. At the end of the call, she told me that our pastor told her what to do and that he was helping Jesus at that time to explain it to her. Our precious little girl then bowed her head and asked Jesus into her life and has kept him there for the past 29 years. ~ Jackie Schlageter in New Mexico
Sunday school lessons from a child's perspective: Two children were asked what they had learned. Here are their answers:
"We learned about John the Cactus." (Meaning John the Baptist)
"We learned about Gladly, the cross-eyed bear!" (Meaning gladly the cross I'd bear)
When my oldest was almost two years old, he was visiting on the front porch with two older ladies in the community. One of the ladies asked if he would like something to eat. Not knowing the word "thirsty," he said, "No, I'm just juice hungry. ~ Diana Harper in Texas
My son-in-law was trying to get our 4 year old grandson, Jubal, to eat his dinner but he didn't want to. So his daddy shared his wisdom with him about all the little children around the world that did not have anything to eat. Later Jubal came to him and said very sincerely, "Daddy, I will go to those places where little boys and girls don't have any food and I will share mine with them!" ~ Elinor Wright in Virginia
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So many ladies are going through very tough times and need our prayers!
Some have lost loved ones and others have lost jobs, homes or their good health.
Pray each day for the protection of our troops, as well as for their families left at home!
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