Breaking Glass part 2

Lol ok so I was on Pinterest and saw this cool makeup brush holder. Made from a pickle jar!

So here we go!

Get two pickle jars
Measure cotton twine and tie on jar...tightly

1)Slip of and soak in lighter fluid
2) Slip back on jar
3) Light with a match
4) Turn jar slowly with flame
When twine has a blackness too it
( should take less than a minute)
5) Dunk on ice water, you will hear a pop and the top should break off, if not turn bottom one way and top other. Should come right off
6) soak off label with goo gone
7) mix Modge Podge with glitter
8) paint jar with mixture
9) sprinkle more glitter on top of glue!
10) after 24hrs spray with Modge Podge clear coat sealer

The display!

Resolutions!

Over the years I have made resolutions, made non resolutions and even broke them all! I know so awful! Here are a few from 2011, 2010, 2009 So here I go again making, not making my resolutions.

2013 New Years Resolutions

1) Loose Weight
    I know we all say this, but I have to do this!! I have to do this!! I need it for my health! Seriously
2) I am going to shave at least once a week
    Joke if you want, but sometimes its once a month!
3) Go to Church and work on my bible study
4) Watch my mouth!
    I hear you all being shocked, but its true ,I Carolyn and I have a dirty mouth. I need to clean it up!
5) Spend more time with my kids
6) My schedule is going to be more free and flexible, and if that means less goat shows, then well by golly Less shows it is!
7) I want another baby, or at least be preggors by 12/31/2013. But I need to complete # 1 to do # 7


I think that's it! I do hope your 2013 is better than your 2012, that all your goals and dreams come true.

Love to All,

Carolyn

NKJV Matthew 7-8

Well its new years eve, and as usual we have no plans. I kind of like that idea because we can make our own and go with the flow, we are not obligated to be somewhere for a certain amount of time etc.


Chapter 7-8
7 - Is full of helpful advice, golden rule, not judging other, and giving what is right. This Chapter will give you all the wonderful sayings we grew up with. I always herd people say them but didn't rightly know their or gin.
8- Finds Jesus healing a man with Leprosy and Peters mother of her fever. Jesus and his disciples were traveling by boat, a awful storm came up and started to rock the boat. The men awoke Jesus and told him they were about to drown, he stated "You of little faith, who are you so afraid" and he calmed the storm with his hands.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Matthew 7:1-2
Do not Judge; or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Observation
For if you judge you will be judged the same way with the same intensity.

Application
Its so hard not to judge, we all do it especially women. "Oh what was she thinking with that outfit" or "did you see her hair" and most commonly with women we see an unsavory character and we clutch our purse a little tighter, we pay attention a little more. Now while that can save your life or even help a stranger we tend to do it when no threat is evident.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

I do not judge as often as other, but in saying that I am judging! Go figure! I ask that you help me not to Judge and you know I do...more often then I want to admit!  I ask for forgiveness for my sins and for my judging! I also ask that you be there for Ann, Kim and D and all of my friends and family as we enter this new year. I ask that we keep our resolutions and achieve our goals. Help us not to quit!

Amen

In a slump

November 19, 2011 my grandfather died the day after we did his Thanksgiving meal. Grandaddy had Alzheimer's for 7 years that we know of, and in the end throat cancer is what killed him. Grandaddy always beat what ever odd or prediction they set for him.  Doctors said

Only 5 years in Alzheimer's
Only 6 weeks to live with Cancer
Hospice said only 2 weeks until hes gone.

Grandaddy

Lasted 7 years with Alzheimer's
Almost 8 months after the prognosis of Cancer
Lasted 4 weeks when they said 2

His passing took me by surprise, I knew it was coming. Yes I had time to prepare and during those last few months God blessed me with a few moments of knowing he knew who I was; it had been 7 long years of him not knowing me. Its selfish I know but I really wanted to know he didn't forget me. I expected grandaddy to surpass them all and a cure for Alzheimer's would be found, he would get it and be cured!! I know many of you say that's not realistic expectation but I am sorry I believe in a God where that is totally possible! I am not mad at God in anyway for him passing, I am sad that one of the most important people in my life is now gone.

November 5,  2012 my grandmother (my grandaddys wife) also passed away from cancer. She was an utter surprise, yes she was declining but its par for the course, unfortunately, with Alzheimer's. The quick passing from cancer was a shock. Seriously 3 days from diagnosis to death.

I know that its life, with birth there is death and no matter what..it hurts. I have honestly been in a kind of slump the last few months and haven't been able to pull my self from it. I dont think I am depressed as I survive on little sleep (because I cant quit reading at night, dang Nook allowing me to read in the dark! lol :)  ), I dont feel depressed, I dont cry (well all moms cry but I mean no more than the norm), I dont have dark or bad thoughts, I enjoy life and I laugh all the time, I have been keeping to my self more often and everyone says I have been weird. I have been really busy with family and agriculture obligations the past 4 months and I have drifted from my friends who are not in either of those worlds; so that may contribute to the "weird-ness" they feel.

The only purpose of this post is I guess to put it on paper and maybe putting it there will help me.

Dear Lord,

I ask that you remove this slump from me, I feel as its the devil trying to use the death of my grandmother to make me feel this way. Other than being more of a homebody I enjoy life, my friends, family.  I also ask that you be with Ann as she has to bury her daughter today and be with her step grand kids and her daughters husband.  Also ask that you be with my JB Yolanda as she is dealing with a personal issue that you know all about Lord. I also ask you be with K.P. Lord as she is dealing with personal conflicts and give them all 3 Lord a peace, understanding and comfort that can only come from you. Let them be open to your Love and will for them, help them to see what you have in store for them.  I ask that you be with my step daughter and you know all to well the issues that lye there and the hurts, pains and resentment. That is totally in your hard, and I ask that you will be done on that. I also ask that you find a right place for D in our lives, I know where D fits now is not where D should be, I ask that the process be painless. While i think D is where I want D to be, D should not be there. D is very important to us Lord, but you already know that. I ask that D still be our lives and as much apart of our lives as D has always been but that the feelings and hurts be push aside and D be who D should be. I know that to those reading this it may sound confusing but Lord you know who D is even if I did change the names to Protect them.

Forgive me for all my sin, for they are great as they are wide and I know I am forgiven help me to feel that forgiveness for the old sins that still bother me to this day.

I Love you,
Amen
Me...Carolyn...the one who rambles and is trying to find my way back to you :)

The Big 30

89 Days
51,289 hours
128,160 minutes

Until I am 30 for some reason the big 3-0 is bugging me. Why I cant really say! A good friend of mine said its possibly because I had a plan for my life, and where I wanted to be at 30 and I am not there so its bugging me. Age has always bugged me, I cried when I turned 22; I wanted to be 21 forever.  So why is 30 bugging me? 

I have a good job with an awesome boss and I honestly Love going to work, who could ask for more? I have two beautiful daughters who are everything to me, but I want two more.  I have a husband who don't cheat, beat or does drugs; he holds a steady job and provides for us. I drive a new (brand new) truck that is more than I could ever ask for. I have some really awesome friends who are the best ever.

So...what am I missing? My life isn't perfect, we make messes, mistakes, we get into arguments, we make up but its a good life more than I could ask for.

WHY IS TURNING 30 BOTHERING ME SO??? I want to scream this because I simply don't know why!! LOL I know its silly and those who already turned 30 say its easy so I don't know why its so hard for me to turn 30!!

Friends ask if I want a party, no/yes I do. I dont know! LOL


Ok now that I have ranted to the point I am not making much sense I am going to get off here, go to bed and try to not let this bother me.

NKJV 5-6

Still Cold! But only a half day at work for me so yay! Me and my friend Sissy went to see Breaking Dawn part 2 again...yes I say again because I have seen it 5 times in theaters. Ironically I saw Breaking Dawn part 1 in theaters 10 times but only watched the DVD once in the past year. LOL Yes I am a Twi-Hard. New to the series though, I read the books and at first they were quite hard to get into but very PG in everything. While I wont let my girls read them until they are 16 they are mild.  No sex before marriage, no drinking, no cursing, no disobeying parents, talks about respecting parents and responsibilities and yes I know its involves Vampires and Werewolves but seriously these guys don't kill anyone. The violence is so mild its non existent and then there is a sex scene (in last book) there are no details...you just have to use your imagination. So judge me if you want but i am Team Edward kinda Twi Hard. lol

Chapter 5 Jesus traveling by boat when they come upon the region of Gerasenes and find a demon possed man, and man so possessed he is living in a tomb and no restraints can hold him, even chains. He drops to Jesus feet and begs for mercy, well the demon does anyway and Jesus brings the demons out of him and they go into a herd of 2000 pigs, Jesus then has them led to the banks where they drown. The towns sees this and asks Jesus to leave (I find that so odd, why ask him to leave?!). Jesus then heals a sick woman who was bleeding for 12yrs, and raises a dead girl...though he asks no one to tell that.
Chapter 6 John the Baptist is beheaded by King Herod!!! I didn't know that!!! Oh My!! Jesus then feeds five thousand with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread, later he walked on water..that is where my S.O.A.P. comes from today.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 6: 50b
Take Courage! It is I. Don't be afraid!

Observation
Do not be afraid, its listed 365 times in the bible....365 days in a year.

Application
DO NOT BE AFRAID! For God is with you! He will be there for you, protect you and give you guidance. We must trust upon him.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Help us to take courage, to know you are there and to not be afraid. Because you are in your house, you know the plans you have for us and you will give us guidance, forgiveness and everlasting life if we just trust and have courage and faith in you.  I also ask today Lord you be with Ann and her family in the loss of her daughter.

Amen

NKJV Matthew 2-4

The snow has finally melted but our temps are still in the 30's :(
While I love the cooler wether, in the 30's is not my idea of great weather.  I am finally returning to work after a 5 day weekend, it was wonderful and busy!! The days passed so quickly because we always had some ware to be and some one to meet. It passed in a blur


Chapter 2-4 Finds us over many different situations, I know i read more than I should but it sounded so much like Luke I couldn't put it down. Jesus is born and Harrod sends out wise men to find him so Herrod can worship him, when the wise men find him they worship Jesus and do not return to Herrod as the angels commanded of him.  Joseph, Mary and Jesus flee to Egypt to escape Herrod. In their absence Herrod kills all boys under the age of 2 in Bethlehem. The verses about Rachel crying and not being able to be consoled struck me because all us moms know our hearts would be broken just like hers. I wonderful if they were blessed with more children to replace the ones they lost? Not the replacing eases any wounds but it was just thought. John the baptist then baptises Jesus and the heavens open up and the spirit of God can be felt. Jesus then goes into the wilderness to fast for 40 days and 40 nights and during that time the devil test Jesus' faith and claims about who he says he is...each time Jesus responds with Scripture.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Matthew 3: 17
And behold a voice, from heaven said " This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased"

Observation
I know I have choose this verse before but I want God to be well pleased with me!!

Application
In order to be find Gods favor we must live the righteous life or at least try to stay on that straight path. We must first accept Christ as our personal Lord and savior, follow in believers baptism and repent our sins.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

I thank you for this day, I pray for those that need to find you that they will and I also say a special prayer today for Ann, Lord. She lost her daughter this morning and I know her heart is breaking. I ask that you comfort her and give her the support she needs, for like Rachel her crying can be herd and she cant be comforted. Please Lord give her that comfort and support, I know you will. I take a moment to thank you for my two girls Lord, and I ask that you continue to bless them and us with good health.  I pray all that seek you will find you, all those that repent will find forgiveness and all of those who need comfort Lord that they be open to feel it when you give it.

Amen

NKJV Matthew Chapter 1

I told you I was going to keep this going. I want you to hold me accountable.

We actually had a white Christmas and in Texas you know thats a big deal!

Chapter 1 Starts with the Genealogy of Abraham and then the end starts with Mary & Joseph. Just a few short verses and Mary is pregnant, Joesph is going to divorce her and then an Angel appears. Then you find my S.O.A.P. for the day. Also the last verse in the chapter...says " But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son" i wonder if this is because of the customs of the times, or to preserve the miracle from God. Was he instructed not to do that?

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Matthew 2: 21
She will give birth to a son and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

Observation
Before Christ was even born...we were HIS people!

Application
We just spent the last 24hrs opening gifts, eating too much and spending time with family and hopefully thinking about Jesus birth. I know with all that going on it kind of gets lost. For us the celebration was cut really short due to snow, ice and rain. So we didn't get to read the Christmas Story or sing Jesus Happy Birthday. But Yesterday was the start of something Fantastic. FORGIVENESS, EVER LASTING LIFE!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this day, Thank you for sending your son to die for our sins, Thank you for life ever lasting. Thank you for covering all our sins.  I ask now for forgiveness for my sins.

Amen

NKJV Luke 24

Well Its Christmas Eve. We went to the candlelight service, had dinner with the familia, saw lights and a live Nativity scene (with no animals, that's weird) and now eggs are bowling on the stove for my food tomorrow, the Christmas story has been playing on a loop on TBS and Chandler is sitting in her new bean bag ( Thanks Logan) and eyeing the cookies that are set out for Santa. Reindeer food has been sprinkled and our usual call to NORAD to see where Santa is has been made.

Its been busy to say the least, but here I am at the last day in my Luke bible study. Well Its not my last. I have really enjoyed this and I am going to move on the Mathew until I get tired of New Testament. I want to read Psalms and Proverbs as my fav verses come from those chapters so stay tuned as I have learned so much from this experience that I don't want to give up! I am growing as a mother, wife and Christian. I am going back to where I below and while the devil may tempt me I wont let him win. I am asking for you to hold me accountable.

In Chapter 24 we find Jesus is gone from the tomb and in place two Angels who speak with the 3 women who come with spices to the tomb. Once new is spread Jesus makes an appearance to Simon and then the 11 disciples.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 24:5
In their fright, the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but he men said to them " Why do you look for the living among the dead?"6 He is not here, He is Resin.......

Observation
Here is where I have a question. The women were told he would rise on the 3rd day, so why did they go preparing to see him there. Did they doubt? Loose faith? Or did they go to prepare him for when he did rise?

Application
Jesus died for our sins, so we may live again. He paid the ultimate price for all current and future sins all we have to do is ask for forgiveness and we are forgiven! Ask and you shall receive!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Here we are on the eve of Jesus birth, reading about His death and resurrection. From Start to finish, beginnings to end... He was born so I could live gain, all I have to do is ask for forgiveness.  Lord I ask for forgiveness for my sins, they are many and great and too many to list. One in particular is Grouchiness especially towards my husband and kids. I ask that you forgive me for that and the opportunity to make it up to them.  Lord as we celebrate Jesus birth let us not forget the real reason of this season, let us not be blinded by santa and presents and to let us see the gloriousness of this day.

Amen

Luke Bible Study

I know I haven't posted in two days but if you remember I am two days a head and I wanted to read the last chapter on the day it was meant to be read on. So bear with me..I will post.

Meanwhile I hope you all are having the best possible Christmas ! I did my annual tradition..Cleaning of the rooms! Donating old clothes, toys and yes even furniture...Then I go to walmart or the container store and organize organize organize. I know full and well it wont stay that way but a girl can dream cant she?

Preva's Buffalo Chicken Ranch Dip

I have been making this dip for a long time, everyone loves it and I found it off  955 KLOS radio station website...I am not from California and I don't know Preva's. Well I went to make it today and for some reason the page has been taken down. Ugh...I hadn't written it down any ware and I need to make it tomorrow!!!!  So Thanks to the power of goggle I found the exact recipe. I am going to share it with you because its super super yummy. Personally I use more Franks Red Hot.

Preva's Buffalo Chicken Ranch Dip


Ingredients:
8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup blue cheese or ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup any flavor FRANK'S® REDHOT® Sauce
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cans (12.5 oz. each) SWANSON® White Premium Chunk Chicken Breast in Water, drained

Directions:
HEAT oven to 350°F.
Place cream cheese into deep baking dish. Stir until smooth.
MIX in salad dressing, Frank's RedHot Sauce and cheese. Stir in chicken.
BAKE 20 min. or until mixture is heated through; stir. Garnish as desired.
Serve with Tostito's Scoop Chips.

NKJV Luke 23

Its certainly been a busy day! Chan's class Christmas Party (yes they called it Christmas party not holiday party). Then I had a girls night out with a good friend...Love spending time with my friends.

Chapter 23
Finds us with Jesus being arrested and speaking to the leaders, at first they did not want to crucify him because they could find no wrong, I need to do a little more research but some ware along the way they went from being OK with him to getting him ready to crucify. The people requested a murderer be released instead of him. He was nailed to a cross and died.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 23: 34a
Jesus said " Father, Forgive them for they know not what they do"

Observation
Jesus was asking forgiveness for those who were hurting and punishing him.

Application
We were given forgiveness before we knew right from wrong, God is willing to forgiven and is ready to give it to you all you have to do is ask and turn from your sinful ways.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

I do thank you for all you have given to me, for I know I do not deserve them. I Thank you for your son you sent to die on the cross for my sins, I am thankful for second, third and even million chances and your willingness to forgiven me again. I ask that you forgive me for my sins and help me stay on the right path.

Be with my family as we go through this busy holiday season and help us not to loose sight of whats important and why we are celebrating.

Amen

NKJV Luke 22

I am blogging from my phone today so forgive any mistakes ;)

In Chapter 22 we find Jesus preparing for the last supper at Passover. We find out Judas is possessed by Satan and has betrayed Jesus by working to have him arrested. He is given money for this act. Jesus also performs the last supper and tells Peter that he will deny him 3 times before the rooster crows. Jesus is taken into custody after healing a guards ear. When Jesus goes before Pilate & the Board is where I fin my verse for the day.

S. O. A. P

Scripture
Luke 22:67-69
If you are the Christ, they said, tell us. Jesus answered, 'If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if i asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.

Observation
There is a quote that says " For those who believe no proof is necessary, for those who don't believe no proof is possible"
Even if Jesus told them, and he did, they did not believe him.

Application
Our Faith in our heavenly Father needs to be that so no proof is ever necessary.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I thank you for your Son, and his gift to us from you...Salvation and everlasting life. I ask forgiveness for my sins and have the faith that no proof is ever necessary to know you are there.

Amen

NKJV Luke 21

Well I am feeling better just sluggish..made 40 cake pops till 1am last night and I am exhausted!

Hope your days are going well, things are quite busy around here! Come on Dec 26th...ya know when things finally calm down and we can appreciate the joy of Christmas.

Chapter 21 Finds us in the temple and the widow offers up all her money she had to live on..Jesus noticed this and praises her.  The remained of the chapter talks about the end of ages. Found it kinda funny that Chapter 21 was to be read on Dec 21 (I am a few days ahead) and that's when they say the world is going to end. While I know we wont know the day or hour...I have to say in the back of my mind...the devil is playing around and trying to gain ground. I found Comfort in this chapter. Then the devil started giving me thoughts. Ugh. Seriously don't he know by now to leave me alone!?

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 21 8-9
He replied " Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he ' and 'The time is near'. Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. Theses things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.

Observation
We wont know the date, time or hour

Application

Have faith! Trust! Don't believe false prophets!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for this day as we know it is a gift from you, we ask that those who don't know you will soon find you.  We thank you for the comfort of your word, when others predict the end of the world and while we try not to notice it...it sneaks into our brains and we cant help the doubt but your world is always solid and secure.

Amen

NKJV Luke 19 & 20

It was hard sending my girls to school today, but I wasn't the only parent giving extra hugs, kisses and i love yous. I am feeling better today, yesterday was the absolute worst! But today I am doing good, a little shaky from the steroids but other than that I  am feeling better or on the mend.

Chapter 19 Finds us with Zacchaeus the tax collector - Zaccheaus was a wee little man and a wee little man was he, he climbed up in the sycamore tree to see what he could see. LOL ok I haven't through of that song in years! So Jesus orders him down from there and Zaccheaus gave half his possessions to the poor and gave back 4 times as much from those he robbed from. Jesus gave him salvation. He has his disciples to go into Jerusalem and find a colt that hasn't been ridden and bring to me. When it was done he rode towards Mount Olive and was greeted with cheers.
Chapter 20 Jesus authority is constantly questioned...his Crucifixion is coming. They are looking for reasons to arrest him and try to trip him up on his words.

S.O.A.P.  --- For Two!

Scripture
Luke 19 : 45-46
Then he enenterd the temple area and began driving out those who are selling.  " It is written," he said to them " my house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers"

Luke 20 : 46-47
Beware of the teachers of the law. They life to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.

Observation
19  After a speaker at church finishes..he/she then sells. I have always thought that was quite distasteful! I don't know why but I always have, can you not preach the good word for free? Can you not help others with out making a gain your self?

20 First thing I thought of when reading this scripture was our current elected officials. They do all of those things and yet don't help anyone in return.

Application
19 How can I apply this to my life? Well I wont buy from a speaker who speaks at church then asks me to buy on my way out. Sorry but this really annoys me.
20 Pray for our elected officials that God gets a hold of their heart and that they actually fulfill the promises they were elected apon and actually do good for the people of the office they represent.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I ask that you be with the nation today as we send our kids back to school and be with the family of the shooter and those who lost loved ones. I also ask that you soften the hearts of the elected officials and in hope they follow you and do right by their office. I ask that our churches not be filled with "robbers" as you put it, that Church be what you meant it to be.  I thank you for your faith fullness and love Lord.

Amen

Dont give up on me!

I know I know I have been lagging behind in my posting this weekend. I have/am sick with phenomia so its hard for me to sit here for long periods of time. Dont worry I am doing my daily reading and will do my daily updates as soon as I am feeling better...but please dont give up on me!

NKJV Luke 18

* This Post was originally written on Saturday Dec 15th, but due to illness wasn't posted until today. Doc says its phenomena. The Observation - Prayer was recited and written here today Sunday Dec 16th*

Well here I am still sick but determined to feel better! I honestly don't htink I am sick enough to go to the doctor but the hubs is forcing me. Today my heart is also heavy for those who lost their kids.If you like most the people I know you still hugging your kids.

Chapter 18 Finds Jesus telling lots of parables, he speaks often through them and sometimes its easier to find his true meaning in them. Today's verse is not the one that really stuck out to me but the one that touched my heart. Possible due to recent events in the news.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 18: 16-17
But Jesus called the children to him and said , " Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth , anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.

Observation
Children were just as important if not more to Jesus...you cannot enter into heave with out child likeness.

Application
We must have child like innocence to accept and receive God and to enter his Kingdom.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

Given the recent events I ask for your healing power for the parents in CT, I ask that you wrap your arms around them and hold them when they cry. I ask that while no pain will ever feel greater than a loss of a child I ask that they don't forget you in this time Lord. Give them the strength to go on, and the faith to know you are always there. I thank you for my children who came home safe and sound Lord and to help me not to take advantage of that ever again.  Heal them Lord.

Amen

NKJV Luke 17

Sickie here reporting for duty!! I don't feel bad, its just really in my chest. So serious if I am not well by Monday I will go to the doc.  Hope you all read my blog on serving two masters I posted late yesterday...I woke up this morning feeling like a weight had been lived!


Chapter 17 finds us learning about Sin, Faith & Duty. Jesus talks about forgiving your brother as long as he repents...always forgive, then my fav parable..Mustard Seed. I don't know why this is my fav thing but it simply is!! Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem he sees 10 men with leprosy and heals them only one comes back to praise him. Then he gives a parable in verse 30 - to the end of the chapter that I don't quite understand. If you read it, comment and let me know.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 17: 6
6 He replied " If you have faith as small as a mustard seen, you can say to this mulberry tree. 'Be uprooted and plated in the sea' and it will obey you"

Observation
Faith is stepping out where no step is and finding a solid ground. Having that blind faith can move anything.

Application
I do not profess to be prefect...because i am so not. BUT i do have faith...sometimes stronger than others and sometimes...not so much.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

Mustard Seed? Ok I ask that you help me to have the faith of a mustard seed. Faith to step out and find you. I am not asking for trials and tribulations to help me find this faith, please no I am not asking that. I ask that you help me strengthen the faith I have.

Most importantly I ask for forgiveness for my sins...they are many and I ask that I can be forgiven for them and help resist temptation to do them again.

Be with my daughters today Lord as they go about the day at school, help them have faith of a mustard seed and can resist temptation. They are my whole life Lord, and I thank you for them. Keep them safe.

I love you,
Amen

2 Horses, 1 Butt

After today's Bible Study I realized something. I cannot serve two masters, I cannot dedicate my self to two things that are so far removed from each other that they only touch in likeness. I cannot keep my self this busy, this worried, this this this stressed over two things. One is a passion that she good at..the other something from my past I guess I haven't exactly let go yet.

 

Today I am....1 Ass..Riding two Horse

 

I know kinda crude saying ass when I been doing bible study post, but i am actually quoting from one of my fav movies...Sweet Home Alabama (ya know next to the twilight moves...of course).

 

So here it is... I am trying to play two games at one time, I cant I can only commit to one. Market Goat or Dairy Goat. I know your probably thinking...ummm all of this is about goats? Well when you spent 8,890 a year on them ya...its kinda about goats.

 

 

Market Goats- I ruled this, no big major win but this was my domain back in the day that I knew, and now 13 years later I don't know it so much. This particular division is new to us, my daughter has shown and kicked some major butt in the other division and honestly that's where her heart is. So this division is where I am putting most of my effort into when my loyalty lives with the other.

 

Dairy Goats- For 5 years now we have raised, shown and done really well with these little guys. My girls love them, show them and well the little one eat sleeps and breaths a particular wether in this division named Oreo. My loyalty lies here, we enjoy it here and the market goats while nice and big are causing a rift in our family unit.

 

So my decision...we choose one horse.  Dairy Goats. I have put the market goats up for sale, and I spent an hour just on my does tonight...do you know how long that has been? It felt good to get back to what we love the most.

 

So thanks for hanging with me for a bit..I pray that this is the path God wants us to go down. I think I had to start down this market goat path to close a door and to shut off a part of my life I hadn't really done yet. Everything Happens for a reason. The president of our club & leader of my daughters 4H dairy club wife (Jill @ blessed beyond a doubt) suggested this bible study on her blog...so I accepted the challenge. That bought me here to more revelations than I imagined possible. So see..we are all connected in God. 

NKJV Luke 16

I just thought I was feeling better. I have a love hate relationship with this time of year, I hate that I am so busy and everything cost so much but I love that its Jesus birthday.

Chapter 16 Finds Jesus talking to his disciples about the evilness of money and how you can only serve one master not two, that money is the root of all evil. He goes on also to discuss adultery and how if you marry a divorced woman you your self are committing adultery. The story of the Rich man & Lazarus and how Lazarus was now in Heaven and the rich man in hell.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 16: 10 & 13
10 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
13 No Servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and Love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money

Observation
Those who are honest are honest and those who are not are not no matter how big or little you have. Just as 13 say, you cant serve both! Though we all are guilty of trying.

Application
We all have been dishonest at one time in our lives, if we are truly honest here we can admit it. What we want and strive for is to be honest with what ever is given and epically with other peoples property. While we tend to worry about money and how bills will be paid and how we will do this or the other what we really need to be doing is praying that God will provide and having faith and trust in Him. Money is a master, it controls our thoughts and minds but we must give that up and serve only God and trust in him to provide. He will.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
I am just as guilty as the next guy about serving two masters. I try and try not to be and I know that's where the devil is playing his games.  I ask that you help me serve only one master, You.

Amen

NKJV Luke 15

Well I feel some better today, my throat isn't as sore and the rest of the stuff seems to be lifting! Thank you Lord!! I posted a recipe for a roast on here, go check it out and give it a try. Seriously one of the most requested things I make...it was going to be dinner tonight until the hubby called and told me hes taking me out! He said maybe the hot sauce will clear up on my allergies and make me better.


Chapter 15 find us with tax collectors and sinners waiting to hear Jesus speak. Jesus speaks in parables for most of this chapter and from them we learn he values the repentance of the lost one over that of 100 who are found and don't have to repent. We hear the parable of the young son who squander his inheritance and came home to a celebration because he was lost and now found.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 15: 7 & 10
7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heave over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

Observation
God is happy when one sinner repents than when a hundred who don't need to repents.

Application
Instead of turning up our noses at some one who is of "savory" character we should witness to them and let them know God rejoices in the repentance of sins! He wants us in his fold and He will tack down the one and leave behind a hundred of saved souls for the one who isn't. I know some think it might seem cruel but we were once that one and he left the flock to save us. Don't we want the same for others. He is still there for the ones He left, he hears their prayers, sees their needs and loves them all the same.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

I thank you for this day and on that day you found me by my self and saved me I thank you that you did. I thank you for this extraordinary life. Help us find the lost souls and preach your word to them.

Amen

3 Packet Roast -- CrockPot!!

I love this roast...simply love it.
Its easy, simple and anyone can do it!

1Roast (see my tip below no what to buy)
1Pkg Brown Gravy
1Pkg Dry Ranch Dressing
1Pkg Dry Italian Dressing
1/2 cup water


Place roast in crock pot, mix all 3 packet together and stir into 1/2cup water. Pour over roast and place on low for 5-7hrs (depending on the size of your roast).

Once roast is done I generally take roast out and shred, during that time I put some flour into the juice on the crock pot, 1/2 cup water and let it thicken. I have been known to take it out and do it on the stove top. Once it taste and is the thickness you will like place the shredded roast back in, stir and then enjoy.

On Buying a roast...I generally go to our Latino meat market and getting are more expensive cut (always cost less there) and I don't go with the trimmest cut either. I generally pick one that has fat running through it.  When you cook it put the fattest side up and it will flow though the meat while cooking and tenderize it. Trust me on this...you don't want the leanest.

Enjoy...I know we will be doing it tonight!

NKJV Luke 14

Better Late than Never! I am still sick and the wether makes me want to stay in bed!!! I got up late, took a shower late and I even took my bible to work to try and get this done there....work had other plans :(
But here I am! In my living room listening to my mother read my kids a bed time story via cell phone...every night, dogs are snoring and the hubs flipping channels but I am here and I am not going to skip a day. I am quite proud of my self ...I haven't stuck with something like this....yay!

Chapter 14 Finds us on the Sabbath at a Pharisee's house having dinner, again the discussion of healing on the sabbath comes up as he heals a man with dropsy ( had to look this one up, but its a condition basically swelling in legs, usually associated with congestive heart failure). He then gives several parables on how to honor those who cannot do anything for you, that's were you will find our riches.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 14: 11
For everyone who exalts him self will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.

Observation
Well those who don't expect it will be exalted, and those who expect it will be humbled.

Application
Too many people in this days society expect the best and think they deserve when they don't. That being said they are often humbled and humiliated but those who do what they do and don't expect to be exalted or praised will be. Maybe not right then but later. So we must do what is required of us and what is right even when no one is looking. Which is often hard to do.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Far too often we expect praise for our works, but instead we need to do them and forget about being praised. We need to do them because its right and what you want us to do. Help me in that Lord, help me to do what you command and want us to do even when no one is looking. Help us to be humbled and not expect exaltation.

Amen

Easy Peasy Dinner

I am all about the easy dinners, especially when they involve vegetables. I also love taking this to new mothers, grieving families, and anyone you are taking a meal to.

Easy Peasy Chicken Dinner

5 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast -Thawed
2 Cans Green Beans - Drained
3 Cans Sliced new potato's - Drained
1 Pkg Italian Dressing Mix (have used 2 before...still yummy)
1 Stick Butter Melted


Heat Oven to 350

Place Chicken in the middle of 9x13 pan, put green beans on one side and new potato's on the other. Sprinkle with Dressing mix, cover with melted butter and cook for one hour covered.


Now the great thing about this recipe is...you can use fresh, frozen any green vegetable. If you go with fresh or frozen use a tad more butter and 15 mins longer.  If you dont they wont be completely done.  You can also use fresh or frozen new potato's...slice them. Also use more butter and longer time in the oven.

I also sprinkle on a little garlic salt...you know us Italians.

Doritos Chicken Bake

A Few years ago a coworker gave me this recipe, made it a few times. Fell in love and posted it here on my blog. Well last week I came across it and made it tonight. Ummm Yum!! Check it out..Seriously one of the best I have ever eaten.

I did make a few adjustments to it. I marinaded the chicken all day as I had to leave for work and i used store brand Doritos like chips. Worked great and cost me even less :) Now that makes me smile

Check it out!
Doritos Chicken Bake

Tiger Butter

I married a large Mormon family with sisters, aunts, cousins that sure know how to cook. Seriously its so good you will be asking who's single so you can attend every family function where we cook. Traditionally all 7 siblings would come down with their kids, and their kids kids and spouses and for a week they would either stay at my mother in laws home, bring their camper or stay at my brother in laws house next door. Generally these week could never come soon enough for me. I always loved the togetherness and time spent with one another. I have 5 cousins on both sides of my family and 1 brother and none of my friends had large families so when we married we eloped and I didn't get to meet all them until a few months later at Thanksgiving. It was quite intimidating but one of my most fave times ever.

Now days with families spread even further apart, finances the way they are we haven't been able to come together like we normally would. But one year...after my father in law died my sister in law Shelia made this fudge...my daughter (age 5 at the time) ate the ENTIRE pan. So when I make this I get the warm fuzzes of remembrance and then the not so warm fuzzes of cleaning up puke from a little girl who ate too much sweet fudge and got a sour stomach.


Tiger Butter
By: Shelia Gift & Janice Aoyama

1pkg White Almond Bark
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 pkg semi sweet chocolate chips

1) Melt Almond Bark, 30 seconds at a time and stir between heating

2) While Bark is melting, line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper or a light dusting of Pam

3) Once Bark is melted, stir in the peanut butter and blend.

4) Place the Chocolate Chips on to melt, follow same routine with 30 second intervals and stirring

5) While Chips are melting, put the Bark & Peanut butter mixture into the lined or sprayed pan

6) Take melted chips and spoon several dollops over the bark & peanut butter mixture. On how much you use is really up to you. I like less chocolate and some like more. When you have placed the amount you want, take a butter knife and swirl. I stop when i get the pattern I want on top. OK or until I quit playing with it!

7) Place in fridge for a few hours to harden, slice and serve.

Enjoy!

NKJV Luke 13

We had snow this morning! Well Flurries anyway and it only last for a second but regardless it snowed :)  Cant believe it was 80 on Saturday and 29 degrees today. Its no wonder everyone has been sick...speaking up I am still suffering with a sore throat and head congestion and I have Christmas parties and such to get ready for.  I got dinner started in the fridge and now its me and God's time.

In Luke 13 Jesus is talking about who sins more and who is more guilty the Galileans who blood Pilate mixed their blood with their sacarficces or those who listen and wont repent..for they too will perish. Jesus heals a crippled woman on the sabbath and receives from flack from the synagogue ruler but Jesus said You hyprocites! Don't each of you on the sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not his woman, daughter of Abraham, whom satan has keep bound for eighteen long years be set free on the sabbath day from what has bound her"  I bet it was quite for a while.  In Verses 31-35 we find  my S.O.A.P. of the day but you get a glimpse of Herod wanting to kill Jesus.

S.O.A.P.
Luke 13:34
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent tot you, how often i have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate, I tell you, you will not see me again until you say " Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord"

Observation
Jesus & God want to draw us near to him, but we are not letting him.

Application
Call me broken, but for some reason I haven't ever really felt God's love. I know its their, I can see evidence of it and I know its something in my past that has created a barrier ( I am sure the devil had a hand in that one) in me from feeling it. I have sought counseling and worked though most of it and basically I know just what Jesus is saying... How long has he wanted to gather me and put me under his wing. I know that and I can feel his love more than I could in years past. I know the devil is using that to further widen the space between me and God...but i am not going to let him!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

You know me more than I know my self, you know my struggles and reservations and my walls that i put in place to keep me safe but you are also the one who can knock them down. I thank you for the battles you won for me, and I pray that I will always know you are by my side in the next one.

Amen

KNJV Luke 12

I am writing this blog..sick...I wish my sore throat would go away but I don't see an end to it anytime soon. :( Furthermore I missed church this morning...I don't like that but I cant help it I have a Christmas thing at my moms church and when my church lets out and where and when this starts I will miss the start of moms thing and she wont be happy.  Regardless....Here is my next daily entry of my Study of Luke

Chapter 12

We find Jesus speaking to crowds and his displicles, this chapter he talks in parables and some give good explanation but others I am left scratching my head, so I am going to look at a different translation of this particular chapter, not all just parts. It also maybe because i am sick I am not fully grasping it.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 12: 22-23
Then Jesus said to his disciples: Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat: or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food and the body more than clothes.

Observation
Jesus is telling you quite simply that worrying is useless trust in God, and that material things don't matter in life.

Application
Material Things are not something I tend to worry about..well expect when my kids might no naked due to lack of funds but worrying about every little things is what I tend to do alot of.

Prayer,

Dear Lord,

I thank you for everything you have given and blessed us with. As your word says help me not to worry about the material things in life, help me to trust you that our needs will be met. Help me not to become such a worry wart and lean on you.

Amen

NKJV Luke 11

Chapter 11 is where we read may of the passages we so commonly hear and see on pictures and such.

Hope you all are enjoying your weekend, its a beautiful Saturday here in the south and I am making feed runs and have birthday parties and Christmas celebrations to attend to.
If you know me personally you know Christmas is not something I go all out on. I grew up with a mother who saw the Hallmark store as a challenge and we would spend a solid week putting up decorations and a week after taking them down. My house now is simple, a tree, stockings and a few sentimental decorations. For me Christmas isn't about the decorations, Santa or the traditions its about a big birthday party and celebrating the life Jesus lived and that he died for our sins.  We don't go see santa at the mall, we do the Elf on a Shelf because the book talks about saying your prayers. Santa does visit and we have a birthday cake for Jesus.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 11:2-4
He said to them When you pray say, Father Hallowed be your name your Kingdom come. Give us your day our daily bread, forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us and lead us not into temptation.

Observation
We are to ask for our daily bread, forgiveness for our sins, and forgive those who have sins against us and ask him to lead us away from temptation.

Application
Lead me not into Temptation...because I can always find it my self and usually know a short cut. Not something to be proud of and I am not boasting just stating the simple truth. I need to pray this prayer because while I am strong willed and don't fall prey to peer pressure (sound like a teenager saying that) I can find it on my own. Usually I am the leader...So praying for that and forgiveness for my sins is a big one for me.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I ask for your forgiveness for my sins...they are great and many and I ask for the help to forgive those who have done wrong to me. You and me and have been working on a big one of those and I have faith that I will be able to forgive. I also ask you help me steer clear of temptation.

Amen

NKJV Luke 10

In Chapter 10 Jesus is preparing his seventy two people to go out and spread his word, they are to banish evil spirits from people, heal the sick and spread the word. He goes on to give detailed instructions on what to do in certain situations and what to say. From that comes my verse today.

I am doing better today actually, I want to do my bible study instead of anything else. :)

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 10:27
He answered: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and love your neighbor as your self.

Observation
Its pretty plain and simply the observation, but God wants you to love him with your Mind, Heart, Soul and Strength...everything

Application
Later in the chapter it talks about who is your neighbor and the story of the man who was robbed, stripped and beaten and how the man cared for him and took care of it. Jesus asked who was that mans neighbor...the victim he replied. So do unto other and love your neighbor..so everyone. :)

Prayer

Dear Lord,

I struggle with loving my neighbor and doing unto others  as I would want done to me. I ask that you help me in that area...help everyone on the world in that area please. I also ask that you help me love you with all my mind, soul, heart, and strength Lord...for I want your favor and your will for my life.

Amen

NKJV Luke 9

Chapter 9 is the intro to the end the disciples do not understand what is to come but you can see it in the pages that yes His Crucifixion is coming. He sends out his 12 disciples to towns and gives them power to drive out all demons and cure diseases. He feeds a crowd with 2 fish and 5 loads of bread, he breaks them and in turns into enough for 5 thousand. Jesus goes to pray alone and when he comes back he gives a small glimpse into what is to come from him. No verse really stuck out to me today, the Devil is planting seeds of doubt into my head and I am trying hard to resist him!!! So today I took a verse that didn't really make since to me and then applied what I thought it meant. Please if I am wrong...correct me!!! I welcome it!!


S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 9: 62
Jesus replied " No none who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God"

Observation
If you choose to follow the Lord or become a minster and look back upon your life with longing or wish for sinful times, you are not fit to become a teacher of God.

Application
We are to share the good works of God, share Jesus sacrifice and Forgiveness.  If we follow Christ but keep looking back to the life we once had and then long for it...we are not fit for service in the kingdom of God. We will be forgiven if we fall back or look back..but we must not let the devil get the best of us.

Prayer

Dear Lord,

The devil is trying had to plant seeds of doubt in my head, hes trying and trying to get me to look back. Please Lord i ask that you help me defeat him today. I pray for your guidance, forgiveness and favor Lord.  Help me to not look back upon my sinful ways and long for them.

Amen

NKJV Luke 8

Chapter 8 talks about the works of Jesus as he traveled from town to town, healing people and talking to large crowds.  He raised a dead girl, healed a man with evil spirits and those spirits went into a set of pigs who drowned them self's (at this point the town people asked him to leave, can you believe that?!). Also I believe the favorite children's song "This little light of mine" comes from Jesus's words on lighting your light and hiding in , Verse 16-18

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 8: 5-8
A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on and the birds of the air ate it up. Some feel on rock, and when it came up the plants withered because they had no moisture. Other seed fell among thorns, which get up with it and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, it came up and yield a crop a hundred times more than was sown.

Observation
Luke 8:11-15
This is the meaning of the parable. The seed is the word of God. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive e the word with joy when they hear it, but have no root. They believe for a while but in the time of testing they fall away.  The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil strands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it and by persevering produce a good crop.

Application
While reading Chapter 8 I thought it was incredibly cool that the observation to my scripture was found in the word. No miss understanding him there!! We need to be the good soil that the seed falls upon. So that His word may grow in our hearts and produce a good crop

Prayer
Dear Lord,

I ask that you make my heart like the good soil in your parable, I ask that all who hear it will be like the seed in the good soil. I want your word to take root in my heart and flourish. I want to be who you designed me to be and I need you to help me with that.

Amen

NKJV Luke 7

In Chapter 7 we see the works of Jesus, healing the blind, raising the dead and forgiving the sinful woman. She anointed his feet with perfume and wiped his feet with her tears. My Verse today come after this one..Luke 7:47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven - for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little. This verse intrigued me, Can you explain it to me? Please comment and give me your insight

S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 7:48
Then Jesus said to her, "Your Sins Are Forgiven"

Observation
Our Sins They are forgiven..just like that...all we have to do is ask!

Application
Our Sermon on Sunday was about "Re-Do's", we would all love one of those one time or another and sometimes no matter how bad the experience they made us grow. Think of the sin that makes your cringe the most, come on I know you got them. I do! Maybe it was being rude to a lady who didn't deserve it, or cheating a friend, or a bad breakup. Even the smallest sin can keep us up at night. All We have to do is ask...then our sins are forgiven. Accepting Christ into our hearts and lives transforms us and gives us that redo we all need..and most importantly forgiveness for our sins. We can live eternally because of God's sacrifice of His son for our sins. I spent may years on the Rodeo/Livestock Circuit and I am there again now with my kids...one of my fav memories is when the show starts...a prayer is prayed and most likely its the cowboys prayer. At the end it says "Welcome to Heaven Cowboy...your entry fees have been paid" that part always gave me chills and a tear would come to my eye. Because if we believe in God, accept Him into our hearts and ask forgiveness...our entry fees are paid!!!

Prayer
Dear Lord,

My sins are great, my heart heavy, and my list long. I ask that you forgiven me for my sins..I have so many..I ask for your forgiveness and help to not repeat them again. I ask that you help me forgive those who have trespassed against me...I need to forgive them even if I don't want to .

Amen

NKJV Luke 6

In Luke 6 we see Jesus on the sabbath, his disciples are eating from a field of grain and Jesus is questioned why they are eating on the sabbath. Jesus later goes on to do healing on the sabbath and some Pharisees were quite unhappy with Jesus healing the mans hand and went on to discuss what they might do to Jesus. Jesus went on to pick his 12 Apostles. My fav part of Luke so far is Chapter 6 because Jesus lays out the Blessings and Woes of life.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture Honestly too many to pick one!
Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied, Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
The second part of that verse is my fav
Luke 6:27-31 Bit I tell you who hear me: Love you enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak , do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Observation
Well its kind of self explanatory, its black & white (or my bibles its lime green and purple), its how we should treat people even if we don't get treated that way from them,.

Application
I love Christmas just dislike the people during this season, i swear everyone looses their heads and goes crazy a little bit. Regardless of how they treat us we need to treat them as Jesus demands us to. We want God's favor and blessings, so we must do as he says. Not just this time of year but every day of the year.Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. I have spent alot of tears the last 30 days for events that have happened in our lives...the promise of laughter again warms my soul. The promise that I will one day be able to smile through the pain and laugh where I once cried. That's a promise I can take to the bank.


Prayer
Dear Lord,

You know me, I am quick to temper and quick to repay. I ask that you help me to not be so quick to temper and to repay and do as you asks. Help me to do unto others as I would wants doneto me. I thank you for the promise of laughter one day. I do laugh but I have been cover come with sadness the past few weeks BUT with you I will one day laugh again. I ask that you protect us Lord and those who put their lives on the line for us every day, for those who come home with "battle rattle" and are now fighting a war inside them self's for peace of mind. I ask that you be with everyone on my prayer list, you know their needs and I ask that you wrap your arms around them. Help me try to be kind and forgive those who have trespassed against me, help me to turn the other cheek. (that ones going to be hard). Ps...I am NOT praying for patience :)

Amen

Day of Rest

I am doing the book of Luke bible study with Blessed beyond a doubt and I started the study early..I know right that down...I AM EARLY. LOL

I haven't done my S.O.A.P. for the day simply because I didn't get around to it. I know I know so bad. I did spend time in God's word today through the sermon at church based on Genesis 6-9 (various verses) and how we can be forgiven and start over.

I also got to see my wonderful beautiful step daughter Shelbie. I love her as she was my own flesh and blood. In my daily prayer list is Shelbie and her grandparents..I am asking for softened hearts...with out shelbie in our lives their is a void..a piece of us is missing constantly. I know there are many children of divorce who suffer through this and I know I am not the only step parent out there who feels helpless.

I want to scream sometimes, I miss her and I cant do anything to change that. I am the Step parent, I have no rights and my wishes are never herd. Chandler is missing a sister, Shelbie is missing a sister and I am missing a daughter. My heart is heavy.

So today I ask for prayers. This is in God's hands and only He knows the future. Only God knows the outcome of this. Only He can fix this.

Please pray for peace among the parents and God's will be done.

I am taking a day of rest...as I am so tired and drained.

I miss my two girls under one roof.

Carolyn

NKJV Luke 5

In Chapter 5 we learn about God calling is first disciples, Simon's net filling to the brim with fish and almost breaking, Jesus calls them to follow and they do. He heals a man with Leprosy, a paralytic and forgives the mans friends sins because of their faith in Jesus. Jesus also calls out Levi the tax collector (in this section comes my verse for the day). In the last verses of Chapter 5 Jesus is questioned about John's disciples fasting and the disciples with Jesus not fasting.

The Devil sure don't want me reading the word of God or spending much time in prayers today but I wont let him win...I wont! It maybe 2:20pm and I maybe late in doing this, but by golly I am .


Scripture
Luke 5: 31-32
Jesus answered them, "It is not he healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

Observation
How many times do we shy away from witnessing to those who are not desirable? How many times we do judge a member of the church for their clothes and think they are not worthy of attendance? How many times we do go toward the more approachable instead of those we don't want to approach?

Application
Jesus wasn't calling the righteous people out in that dinner, he was with those that everyone considered evil or not worthy and bringing them to repentance. We are quick to believe bad news of those who look like they deserve it than those who look like they don't. How many "Good" men do bad things and get away with it because they look like they are good or in high with the church? We need to stop judging a book by its cover, and see that we are all equal in Christ we all are worth salvation and forgiveness for our sins.

Prayer
Dear Lord,

I thank you for the forgiveness of my sin for I don't deserve it, help me to spread your word to everyone who will hear it and to look past the outer cover and see the person you made inside.

Amen

NKJV Luke 4 S.O.A.P.

In Chapter 4 we learn about Jesus 40 day trip in the dessert where he was Tempted by the devil. The devil asks him to do several things and Jesus comes back to him with scripture on why he cant or wont. Jesus was then rejected at Nazareth, drives out evil spirits in Capermaum and heals many.

I am going to be honest, its been a heck of a day (as you can tell its nearly 3pm and I am finally getting around to doing this) and no particular Scripture really spoke to me. I did read it twice and took a break came back and read again. I wont give up!

Scripture
Luke 4:12
Jesus Answered "It Says: Do not put the Lord your God to the test"


Observation
How many times have we put God to the test? How many times have to tested the love or faith of someone we love only to do that to God?

Application
I don't know if we know we do it or not all the time, but we do it. We all have, some more than other and some more obvious than others. We test God, non believers test God or us Christians as well or ask us to test our God. In high school I learned a verse "Ask and you Shall Receive" well I found my self saying "Ok God, you said ask and you shall receive and I am asking so now I expect to receive." We cant test God, we know He loves us and forgives us, Look at Jesus on the cross or a rainbow in the sky..that's a promise from Him. So why do we need to test him?

Prayer
Dear Lord,

Help me not to test you, but to trust you have my best interest at heart and that you will always be there even when I doubt that.

Amen

NKJV Luke 3 S.O.A.P.

John the Baptist comes into the book of Luke in Chapter 3 , it talks about Herod of Galilee and all the teaching and advice John had handed out and what he spoke of Jesus. Luke 3:20 it says " Herold added this to them all: He locked John up in Prison" And that's all it said on that! So after this bible study...maybe before I am going to read up on John the Baptist! I want to know what happened...that's kind of a cliff hanger at the end of a book!
It goes on in Luke 3:21 to talk about Jesus being baptized as well, and how the Heavens opened up and God spoke to Jesus...and that's where we pick up on my S.O.A.P.

Scripture
Luke 3:22b
You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased

Observation
Keep in mind that the verse that's listed above is not the full verse but the part that made me tear up. Why did i tear up? I think for one of many reason...
1) I want to God to be pleased with me and I want his favor
2) As a mother I know the love that if felt for a child, and to know God was going to send his only son to die for our sins so we could live again..well that's a love so strong. I can only imagine the strength of His love for us!

Application
- Side note here, I kept on writing and writing on Observation, and realized that it was actually my Application. So I had to inject this in between paragraphs! -

After writing my reason I found that number two while writing made me tear up again, I believe God is trying to show me the ultimate depth of His love. I know I love my Kids...its such a powerful kind of love that I don't need physical reminders that they love me back. I would do anything for them, move mountains and wow I just realized that my rant was bringing me to this : Gods love for us is the same as we have for our kids. Powerful, boundless, and abundant! Our Physical reminders of His love can be found in the fact that the Sunshine's, forgiveness is given, prayers are answered and that we are given second, forth, fifth and 100th chances!! All we have to do is open up our self's and eyes to it. Accept it and its there...with out asking.

Prayer
Dear Lord

I know your love for us as your children can never be measured and is boundless. I know I have a history of thinking that I cant feel you love, I believe that it wasn't that I couldn't feel it, but that I couldn't open my self up to it or accept it. Lord I ask you open my heart and mind to feel the love you have for me. I ask that you help me with my daily dances with the devil, and help me be the person you want and intend me to be. Help me lead my children to you as well Lord. I want you love and your favor.

Amen



-While writing this I couldn't believe the beautiful sunshine that was flowing into my bedroom window. So much that I found my self staring at it and listening.

NIV Luke Chapter 2 S.O.A.P.

Here we are at Chapter 2. Caesar has issued a decree that a census should be done and Mary & Joseph head back to their home town to register. During that time she gives birth to Jesus and the Shepard's get visited by an Angel, Jesus goes Jerusalem to fulfill the Law of the Lord where they encounter Simeon & Anna. As Jesus is growing up in Chapter 2 they go every year to the Feast of Passover and at the age of 12 he got left behind but was found in the Temple with teachers listening and asking questions.

I kept looking for a verse that would stick out to me, and one did.

S.O.A.P.

Scripture

Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rest.

Observation
Glory to God! Peace on Earth to men who are in his favor. I know I know here I am back at Favor again. I think hes trying to tell me something!

Application
I tell my girls in good time Praise Him, in bad times Praise Him. Win or Loose PRAISE HIM. This would be a case of I need to practice what I preach!! I will pray and ask for God things or situations to work out etc but I forget to praise Him! I do get around to it..but I need to praise Him not only then but when things don't go as I would have them planned. I don't give Glory to God like i should in all situations. Then of course I am back to the Favor part. I do want God's Favor, I need to give the Glory to him!

Prayer

Dear Lord,

Glory be to you! I need your help today..I am stumbling and struggling and the Devil is sure in my way today. I want to do better in Praising and Glorifying you, I also want your favor Lord. Help me to do better in giving Glory to you.

Amen

NKJV Luke Chapter 1 S.O.A.P.

Must admit when I think or read about the story of Jesus birth I skip right to the days leading up to his birth..the shortened story we get in Sunday School...not all the events leading up to it. I know some of them but not all of them. I am quite excited about my adventure!

S.O.A.P.
Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer

Scripture
The verse that stands out to me is Luke 1:28 & 30
28 Rejoice! Highly Favored one, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women
30 Do Not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God

Observation

Mary has been favored above all others! Out of all the God fearing women, who lived their lives like God instructed, praised Him, Worshiped Him, Rejoiced in Him..she among all women was found favored!!

Application
I want to be highly favored! I want to find favor with God! I need to get back to where I started as a Child..in God house, reading His word & Praising Him! I have stumbled along with this life of mine trying to do things my way because well I am hard headed and I don't ever like to give up. I need to let go and let God so I can too gain His Favor.

Prayer

"Dear Lord, I want to find Favor with you, I need you more than I need air to breathe. I need help getting back to you, finding a balance in my life and being the woman You meant and want me to be. I want to be highly favored, help me be that with you. Amen

Walk through Christmas with the Book of Luke

As Usual I am taking something from www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com She is doing a free bible study on the book of Luke for this Christmas Season. It starts on 12/1 and goes through 12/25..she will be using the S.O.A.P. Method (see links below). Now I started this bible study today...early...because I need to feel God's presence in my life and to find some grounding in it. My life feels like a mess and I have been looking for a good way to do my morning reading with Him...this opened up and I went right into it.

I am going to try each day to document my S.O.A.P. from my reading right here on this blog....but please go to www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com starting 12/1 to see the discussions with them. She is much more knowledgeable than me and while I hope you read my blog too...hers is where the study will really be at. Also check out the rest of her blog...shes got some really great stuff going on there.


Jill Craft is the owner and blogger of Blessed Beyond a Doubt, Shes a wonderful mother who homeschooling her kids and is a God Fearing Woman. And by personally trying all her recipes...shes an awesome cook as well. So Check out her blog daily if your looking for inspiration, home school advice, recipes or free giveaways! Shes really the total package.
Her Husband is my daughters 4H Leader and President of Lone Star Goat Club, and at the Louisiana State Fair..she Showed her First Goat!

Thanks for reading and check back later today for my SOAP on Chapter 1...I am running late for work...but I been talking with God...so that's a good excuse.

www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/free-luke-bible-study-daily-schedule-and-notebook-pages
www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com/intentional-quiet-time-day-3-tos-5-day-blog-hop
www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com

( you may have to copy and paste the links, sorry)

Spicy Ranch Chicken Sandwich's....in the crock pot!

Well I love my crockpot, ok that's putting it mildly. I am not a SAHM so making sure dinners that are quick, easy and nutritious are so important because the time I spend in the kitchen is time spent away from my family.

Spicy Ranch Chicken

1 package Boneless Skinless Chicken breast- Frozen
1 bottle Franks Red Hot Sauce Thick
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch (dry mixture)
Mozzarella Cheese, 1 cup Shredded

Place chicken in cockpot, cover with franks and sprinkle ranch on top.
Cook on low for 6 hours

Once done shred chicken ( see my tip on this in earlier post). During this time I take some corn starch or powder and try to thicken sauce up before I return the chicken (only if needed)
Return chicken, mix in shredded cheese and let melt.

Serve on buns and enjoy!

Kitchen Tips from a Betty Crocker Wanna Be

Like my makeup tips this is a list of things that changed my life (ok maybe not but serious helped it!) these tips are tried, true and most importantly...tested!
So they are Mom, June Cleaver, Paula D, Rachel R and Southern Chef approved!

1) Baking Soda & Hard Boiled Eggs
Place 1 teaspoon in the water with the eggs....makes peeling them easier!
2) Wooden Spoon & Pam Spray
Have a issue with things sticking to your (and so wonderful) wooden spoon? Spray with a little Pam...and problem solved
3) Mixer & Chicken
Need to shredded chicken? While Chicken is hot place it in your mixer, put on paddle and turn on. Less than 30 seconds and you have shredded chicken. CHICKEN MUST BE HOTTO WORK!
4) Vinegar & Baking Soda
Dirty sink? Clean it up! Sprinkle baking soda ( use alot) and take your scrub brush and scrub some around lightly. Then spray or pour vinegar on it...it bubbles ....lightly scrub some more....then more vinegar. Ideally you want to remove all baking soda with the vinegar. Then rinse with water. This step is a triple threat. It cleans your sink naturally, kills germs And rids your sink, drains and garbage disposal of smells and left behind food. In a pinch lemons or lemon juice will have the same effect.

My Favs List

We all got them the things we cant live with out, or blogs we are addicted to or things we think everyone should check into because its just so awesome. So here is my list of Favs (sorry no freebees like Oprah did ).

This List will Continue to Grow!

Blogs
Ironically these 3 women home school there kids and I so wish I could (seriously I couldnt if I had the time to )but i just love these ladies for everything they post.

Jill Craft www.blessedbeyondadoubt.com
Ree Drummond www.thepioneerwoman.com
Kassy Suggs http://fiveboysandonegirl.blogspot.com/

Products

Melaleuca www.melaleuca.com
Scentsy.com http://carolyngift.scentsy.us
Thirty One www.thirtyonegifts.com
Pistol Packin Pretties - Google