Welcome to Mrs. J's

True Love

2012-01-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

“Love never fails.” 1Corinthians 11
February is the month for hearts and flowers and I love you clichés. In thinking back when I worked at the local flower shop, February was one of the busiest times of the year, especially on the fourteenth of the month. I made more red and white bows and put together dozens of rose bouquet than I care to count; they called me “the bow lady.” The shop was filled with flowers, pretty vases, heart gifts and every kind of I love you cards that you wanted to send. I still can smell the aroma of all the beautiful candles and flowers even to this day. When February the 14^th came it was a chaotic day, to say the least! However, the expressions of love infused the atmosphere.
The word love is expressed in many different methodologies. The word is voiced very superficiality in my opinion. However, God’s love is real and genuine because it surpasses all human ideologies. The total of all human culture does not know what true love is all about. It does not come out of a culture but out of the very heart of our creator, God.

The Bible is full of great verses and passages on the topic of Love. In the Greek there are at least four words that express love; there is the expression of love for a friend, family, or between a man and a woman. However, there is only one word for love that is unconditionally superior to all the others and that is Agape love. Agape love is the expression of God’s love and it can only be expressed if we have surrendered to Jesus Christ and not our own. If you are like me you can probably think of only a few people in a life time that have loved you unconditionally, with the Agape love. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband for fifty-one years that has love me unconditionally.
There is a secular song that was written years ago called, True Love.” If we were to transfer that title into God’s kingdom the lyrics would be written like this: True love is giving forever of oneself through the power Of God and all that is said or done is completely impelled by God’s love to the lovely and the unlovely.
What does Agape love really look like; I will direct you to one of the most beautiful passages in scripture; It reads like this: love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy and it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preservers. Love Never Fails! (NIV 1 Corinthians 1). It is by God’s grace that enables us to live out this passage through the empowerment of His Spirit. It will do us good to keep this chapter close at hand and in our hearts throughout the year 2012.

God Loves Us
1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us."
At the age of twelve I was asked to quote the song, “The Love of God." It took me days to memorize those few verses and yet every time I quoted it there was a deeper love in my heart for that song, which talked about God's wonderful sacrificial love. Even today, I find myself not only quoting this song but singing it. It was called, "The Love of God, by Federick M. Lehman.
One of the verses goes like this, "Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky.”
Some of us visualize that in God’s eyes we are just like a drop in the ocean, or a small speck in this universe and it would be impossible for Him to notice “little me, as insignificant as I am.”
I remember having those thought on several occasions but as I grew stronger in my faith it became impossible for me to think that way
We must be careful; we can talk ourselves into just about anything. Satan would like for us to think we are out here in this world with no one who really cares about us, then before you know it self-pity and depression will over-come our thought life. One of the worst things that can happen to us is when we allow the mind to take us prisoner to our own imaginations. We then convince ourselves that most people don’t think we are important nor do they love us, so we assume God thinks of us in a similar way; but then, again, God is not like ‘most people.
If a Christian says they are not loved or no one cares for them, to me that is like calling God a liar after all He has done to demonstrate His love to all of us.
I love the passage in Jeremiah 139:1-4; “O Lord you have searched me and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O Lord.” That is truly a heavenly Father who longs for a loving response. Yet, for some that is just too difficult for them to comprehend.
So many people were never loved and affirmed as a young child and it manifest in many different forms as they grew into adulthood. I cannot even count the people who have confided in me that their parents never showed signs of love to them. However, when we surrender to God He shows us a new life and has expressed in every way possible how much He loves us. “For God so loved He gave.” It is our choice weather we receive it or not.

A theologian in his later years was asked to tell his insight of God, He said, “Yes Jesus love me, yes Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.”

The prophet Hosea spoke of God’s love to His chosen people and said, “I Ied them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love; I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them”… in love He binds all our hearts and hurts to Him. What a thought to ponder. Hosea 11:4
Reflection: Jesus loves me this I know for the
Bible tells me so!
Mrs. J

2011-12-16T21:17:00.000-08:00

A Colorado Christmas!

Here is the family, all 17 of us gathered in Colorado at the beginning of December, 2011, to have an early Christmas so we could all celebrate together.

We all stayed with my youngest daughter, Charity and her husband Jeff. I cannot leave out our little Jude and Eden. Most of the guys headed off every morning for the ski slopes. Not me, I stayed where it was warm. We ate a lot, opened gifts and stayed up late. When we all get together we have some interesting conversations; Politics, sports (of course) about our faith and reminiscings about days gone by.

I think most of us exercised way too much in the kitchen, opening the frig door.
There where cakes, pies, cookies, cup cakes, a lot of special goodies and included where all the good meats and veggies and dips.

We made some good memories that will last a life time. Thanks to Jeff and Charity for making it all happen.

Love to all the family,

Denver and Mrs J

2011-12-16T19:09:00.000-08:00

God with Us!

“The Virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”
(“God with Us”). Matthew 1:23; (NIV)

This promise was fulfilled as spoken by the prophet Isaiah; in Isaiah 9:6-7; “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders and he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His government and peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” (New Living Translation)

The true meaning of the season we call Christmas is, “God is with us.”
That is a true statement that should be present in our hearts all year.

God kept His promise when He touched earth in the flesh of Christ to save us from our sins and provide for an entrance into His presence. Wow, what love and grace He has shown to us. “IMMANUEL, GOD IS WITH US!” That is the accurate meaning of Christmas.

In this world there is so much attention on material things, an effort which pulls us away from Jesus and His birth. The principal objective of our devotion should be on Christ Jesus. He came to redeem mankind from the slavery of sin; He lovingly demonstrated His magnificent grace and incredible love with His presence among us. It is the most awesome miracle of all times. “Immanuel, God with Us.”

The Old and New Testament tells us of Jesus birth, about the baby in the manger who is the son of David, the Messiah. He is the eternal Son of God, conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary, in whom all peoples on earth are blessed.
I just wish everyone would understand and embrace Him.
Immanuel" is a word of assurance among God's people; it gives us hope. Whatever the conditions become, we know that God is with us. Paul makes that real clear, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom 8:38-39) He is with us NOW! Therefore, we can "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrew 4:15-16).

That is the message of hope for the Christmas season, all year long and for all eternity; God is with us! Therefore with calm assurance that He is here, enjoy the season; plan big and love with the thought in mind that time is short-lived and we must enjoy whatever God places before us. Go light your world! God is here.

“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen" (Rev 22:21).

Merry Christ-mas
Mrs J

AUTUMN-Clothed with Splendor and Majesty

2011-10-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

While visiting in Colorado our friends and some of our family drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to watch the Bull Elk bugling during fall rut in Estes Park CO. It is amazing to see how the animals know that it is the season between summer and winter when leaves change color and fall to the ground. Their God given instinct lets them know what is expected of them as the transformation takes place.

As I have traveled all over the United States the Autumn Season never ceases to astound me. The season after summer and before winter is my favorite time of the year; I should venture to say it is my most cherished time of the year. It is always a must to pack my camera when traveling in October.

Every time nature sheds her summer coat with all it’s spectacular colors it is so breathtaking to me. There is nothing more beautiful than the Colorado Aspen trees when they turn into the most stunning variations of golden yellow. As the cool crisp air from the tall majestic mountains of Colorado brushed across my face, it was another reminder that winter was on its way. The voice of God in nature was saying, "Get ready for the change it will soon be here. The earth will transform into its winter coat until spring arrives."

Life is like that, we go through different seasons; But I have discovered that God sends us "Memos" that change is transpiring. We, however, fail to see or read the change, due to our lack of a awareness of His presence. Why can’t we be attentive enough to know that God is up to good in what He does and flow with whatever season He knows is best for us? We must remind ourselves that His purpose is to bring His beauty in us so that all will look with awe and wonder just like I did in the Rockies and say, “God is to be praised.” That is the ultimate goal in all things, “God is here, Praise Him! Praise the LORD, my soul. Praise the LORD.”

My thoughts go to the magnificent chapter in Psalms 104. I shall end with the Psalmist as he beautifully creates with words all the wonders of our creator, God!

Psalm 104 (NIV)
“ Praise the LORD, my soul. LORD my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. The LORD wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants.

He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the watery depths as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth.

He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the sky nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the land is satisfied by the fruit of his work.

He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. The trees of the LORD are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the junipers. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the hyrax.

He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then people go out to their work, to their labor until evening.

How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small. There the ships go to and fro, and Leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.

All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. When you give it to them, they gather it up; when you open your hand, they are satisfied with good things. When you hide your face, they are terrified; when you take away their breath, they die and return to the dust. When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground.

May the glory of the LORD endure forever; may the LORD rejoice in his works— He who looks at the earth, and it trembles, who touches the mountains, and they smoke.

I will sing to the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. May my meditation be pleasing to him, as I rejoice in the LORD. But may sinners vanish from the earth and the wicked be no more.

Praise the LORD, my soul. Praise the LORD.”

Heavenly Vision

2011-10-07T22:35:00.000-07:00

"And I said, 'Who are You, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.
'But get up and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; rescuing you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.'
"Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision" (Acts 26:16-19)

One of the greatest lessons to be learned from the life of Paul was his obedience to the written and spoken Word. "To obey is better that sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." It is one thing to receive a heavenly vision; it is another to obey what is seen or heard in a vision.

In this case, the apostle goes on to point out that the heavenly vision is, “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." To be true to his trust, he must preach the full counsel of God. And today. We must be equally diligent and conscientious in proclaiming the good news of the Gospel.

I know for me there have been times when I wanted to turn go home and lay down the heavenly calling given to me. Yet, Paul is such an example as to how we are to move forward with the Heavenly Vision. There will be temporary set-backs but there is no stopping for God's called out ones. Some of the greatest miracles of my life have been right when I was at the lowest point of my ministry.

Our problem, largely, is that some of us have not heeded the instructions that have been given to us from the very Words of Jesus. Hence, our vision is limited; too many times we are content with a limited diet of spiritual food. Amos the Prophet said in Amos 8:11, “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: Oh, that we might search the scriptures, seeking the wisdom and blessing of God upon our lives, by listening to the Word and doing what it says.

When He thus speaks to us, what a tremendous responsibility it places upon us to obey! God will not lead us from one step to another in our Christian walk until we have learned to obey the first step. His will for our lives is revealed only as He detects willingness to obey. May He find that in you and me today......! May God bless you, “May He cause His face to shine upon you, May He be gracious to you and grant you His peace.” Amen

Under God's Protection

2011-08-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

This picture reminds me of Psalm 91

Psalm 91 is one of my most favorite passages in God's Word. I give this passage out to so many people. What a comfort and a promise, it will cause faith to arise in ones spirit as it reminds us of our protection in God. We must never forget that. If we belong to God we see with two sets of eyes, the physical and the spiritual. If we look at God we can see the solution and not the problem.

A mind given to God can change our focus onto God and not our surroundings.

"Those who go to God Most High for safety will be protected by the Almighty.

I will say to the Lord, "You are my place of safety and protection. You are my God and I trust you."
God will save you from hidden traps and from deadly diseases. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you can hide. His truth will be your shield and protection. You will not fear any danger by night or an arrow during the day.
You will not be afraid of diseases that come in the dark or sickness that strikes at noon. At your side one thousand people may die, or even ten thousand right beside you, but you will not be hurt. You will only watch and see the wicked punished.
The Lord is your protection; you have made God Most High your place of safety. Nothing bad will happen to you;
no disaster will come to your home. He has put his angels in charge of you to watch over you wherever you go.
They will catch you in their hands so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.
You will walk on lions and cobras; you will step on strong lions and snakes.
The Lord says, "Whoever loves me, I will save. I will protect those who know me.
They will call to me, and I will answer them. I will be with them in trouble; I will rescue them and honor them. I will give them a long, full life, and they will see how I can save." (NCV)

Reflection:

Meditate and worship God and His word, live what it says by faith, then stand still and watch God work when you release your faith to Him. He is our protector not man! Thank you Jesus!!!

2011-07-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

Scripture:
Luke 9:28-30 “Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray. As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening. And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Reflection:
“Glory” in Hebrew is Kabod which means heavy or weighty. Have you experienced the presence of the Lord when it has been hard to stand? I have experienced His strong and powerful presence, and it is always wonderful! It is a part of our transformation. For in Tranformation comes Revelation.

“Glory” in Greek is Doxa, which means in simple terms, that which gives a proper opinion of someone or something. God’s glory reveals to us who God is and gives us a proper opinion of who He is. The Word says that even “the heavens are telling of the Glory of God...” The Transfiguration gives us the appearance of His glory:

Nearing the crucifixion of Jesus, He leaves Caesarea Philippi and travels about fourteen miles to Mt Hermon with Peter, James and John; Jesus often went to the mountain to pray however, this mountain trip was a little different. While Jesus was praying, the Glory cloud appeared which has always been a part of Israel’s history. In the Old Testament it was the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night that led the Israelites. This same cloud covered and filled the Tabernacle, it descended when the tablets of the law where given to Moses. This Glory cloud appeared when Solomon dedicated the Temple. Now, here is the same cloud appearing on Mt. Hermon sealing the approval of God’s son with what He was commissioned to do. Jesus knew He was in the will of the Father and He must go on to His destination, the cross of Calvary.

Here on this mountain Jesus was transfigured and His appearance changed, light came from His body and glowed outward. That, my friends, is a Mountain Top experience, when the Glory of the Lord is present. This occurrence represents the picture of the Son of Man wrapped in the Glory of God. What a great hope for now and the future that the fulfillment of all of His Glory is not just past and present but is also futuristic as stated in the Bible, “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then recompense every man according to His deeds” (Mt. 16:27).

On this mountain top Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus, it was only fitting that they would be there to embark upon the New Covenant with Jesus. It was the dawning of a New Day. Moses and Elijah represented the Law and the Prophets, but now the Old Covenant was being fulfilled in Jesus’ death. While Moses and Elijah talk with Jesus on the mountain, where were Peter, James and John? The Bible says, “The disciples had been overcome with sleep.” Like the disciples, God wants to reveal His Glory and we at times find ourselves seeking our own leisure and fail to be attentive to what He is saying or doing. Then when it comes time for discernment we haven't a clue as to what God is up to.

When the disciples awoke from their slumber, Peter was afraid and not really understanding what he was saying, he suggested they make a monument to Moses, Elijah and Jesus. Moses and Elijah were powerful subjects of God but they were never to be equal with Jesus. Peter should have been quiet but, being impetuous and a man of action, he made a mistake. He wanted to just linger there and make a monument. Have you felt that way when times with God have been so overwhelming, you just want to stay and not leave? At that moment, the Glory Cloud covered the disciples and God said, “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.” God corrected Peter by removing Moses and Elijah, and Jesus was standing alone. We can learn from Peter’s mistake by being still and listening. Just as God has spoken in the past through the prophets, He wanted to remind Peter that He was now speaking through Jesus. “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.” Isa. 60:1

“O God, you are My God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirst for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is not water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Psalm 63:1-3

"...but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

“Now the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all flesh will see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken” Isa. 40:5

“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” Hab.2:14

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Supper Time

2011-06-12T23:53:00.000-07:00

Revelation 19:9

"Then he said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!'" And he said to me, "These are the true sayings of God."

Supper when I was a young girl growing up was what we call dinner today. I can hear those words calling me as strong as they were when my mother said them. They did not want me out after dark so she would go to the back porch and call, “Joan, come home, time for supper.” Supper time at our house did not always consist of a big meal. Dad and mom both worked so we had whatever they put together when they got home after working long hour days. The local Dairy Queen a block away prepared a lot of meals for us. Or, Lindy’s grocery store which was also very close to our home. Needless to say, I was coming home to something to eat anyway.

Mealtime was fun, all four of us had our seat at the table and that is pretty much where we sat every time we had a meal. We rarely took our meals into the living room to watch TV. The one thing my dad did not like was for my brother and me to giggle and act silly during supper. He was brought up that meal time was a time to be quiet and eat. Yet, there were times Larry and I would look at each other and start laughing. Probably because we knew we where not suppose to.

Now that I am grown, I have come to realize how much fun my life really was back then. I was blessed to have a mom and a dad. There were four of us, dad, mom myself and my brother Larry, who was five years younger than me.

One day we are going to be called home by Father God, He will call His children and it will be a great homecoming indeed. It want be a left over meal or something from the local market. This will be the finest tastiest meal we have ever eaten. Yet, the most thrilling of all is that Father God will be sitting at the table with us.

This delightful meal being prepared will surpass any feast we could ever imagine, and the invitations have already been sent! Only those who have received the Holy Spirit will be allowed to attend this banquet. He has asked you for your hand and all have received their invitation. The prerequisite for this supper is to know and love Jesus Christ. The Bible says, "excuses are not acceptable" (Luke 14:16-24; Matthew 22:1-14; Matthew 25:1-13).

In the Old and New Testament there are over 2400 prophecies of Christ's coming. Christ has certainly given out enough invitations to let His devoted followers know that He has planned a huge banquet just for them. I cannot wait, I do believe it will be any day now!

The invitation of the gospel is being proclaimed throughout the world. Yet, scripture tells us, "for many are invited, but few will come." "But small is the gate and narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it" (Matthew 7:14).

Please do not miss the call when He says your names. My word for you today is to make sure you are ready for the coming of the Lord. We must accept responsibility for our lives because Jesus is coming back, and ultimately we will answer to Him! Please, do not miss out on the greatest event in your life!

The Love of God

2011-05-17T21:37:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:19: "We love because he first loved us."

As I was observing my granddaughter Eden, a few weeks ago; I was taken back by the picture her mommy took of her and her dad. I could feel the love in my heart for Eden and all of my family. This picture speaks volumns to me. However, to think that God loves us so much more than we could ever love our children and grandchildren. He loves us with an everlasting love. He loved us even before we were born. To describe God's love is endless. It is much more than our minds can comprehend.

No one feels our every pain and delights in our happiness like God. No one longs to shower us with gifts as much as God. The awesome God of Perfection, for whom nothing is impossible loves us far more than any human love. Eden's dad loves her very much as you can see through the embrace of his little girl in this awesome snapshot.

The Divine love is subject to no vicissitudes. Divine love is "strong as death ... many waters cannot quench it" (Song of Sol. 8:6,7). Nothing can separate from it: Romans 8:35-39.

At the age of twelve years old I was asked to quote the song,"The Love of God." It took me days to memorize those few verses and yet every time I said it there was a deeper love in my heart for that song, which talked about God's wonderful sacrificial love. Even today, I find my self not only quoting this song but singing it. It was called, "The Love of God, by Federick M. Lehman. One of the verses goes like this, "Could we with ink the ocean fill, And were the skies of parchment made, were every stalk on earth a quill, and every man a scribe by trade; To write the love of God above would drain the ocean dry; Nor could the scroll contain the whole, though stretched from sky to sky. Oh, love of God, how rich and pure! How measureless and strong! It shall forevermore endure—The saints’ and angels’ song."

Most of us imagine that in God’s eyes we are just one of millions. We convince our-self that most people don’t think we are important and so we assume God thinks of us in a similar way. But then, again, God is not like most people. God says you are special and He loves you with an everlasting love! It took Him all the way to the cross, but He proved it!

Amen,
Joan
1 Corinthians 13

2011-03-22T01:57:00.000-07:00

Too Much to Gain

by Joan Buchanan

Scripture: Hebrews 11:24-26 (Amplified Bible)
24 [Aroused] by faith Moses, when he had grown to maturity and become great, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, 25 Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life. 26 He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense).

Recompense means to give something by way of compensation (as for a service rendered or damage incurred to pay for all that one had to go through - Merriam-Websters online dictionary). What an awesome God, we owe him everything! He paid it all for us and yet when we make a choice to live for Him, he still keeps on giving to us. Moses found out that whatever he walked away from could never measure up to what God would do for him.

Look at Moses. He was raised with a silver spoon in his mouth, so to speak. He could have inherited all the riches of Egypt. It is hard to comprehend the luxuriousness of his surroundings and all he had at his disposal. I have heard that Pharaoh’s Kingdom was worth over twenty billion dollars, that is a huge inheritance. Most of us might say, "What a fantastic future!" if we are thinking of only temporal possessions. What words of wisdom would you have given Moses? "Keep the inheritance, Moses, there is not a thing you can do to help those Israelites." Or, would you say, "Moses, following God is much more rewarding, now and for all eternity."?

Moses was recognized throughout the known world of his time as the grandson of Pharaoh. Yet, as he looked at the ill treatment of his people from the borders of the palace, it was a scene that gripped his heart. I am sure after much observation and meditation, Moses made his choice to be identified with his people from the other side of the tracks. He saw that all the pomp and glory of his environment was nothing compared to serving God. Moses saw it as gain and not a loss. He considered the consequences of his future and saw that living for God would give back more than he could ever possess in Pharaoh’s court.

Now, let’s ask ourselves a few questions:

How much would we be willing to let go of if it was standing in the way of our commitment to God? Is our identity and self-worth in an inheritance, checkbook, bank account, person or a lifestyle? As God's child, if we are not careful, the temporal things of this world can become stumbling blocks in our total dedication to God. If those things are our only security, then we have missed what Moses discovered. Where will it get us in the long run, to spend all of our time and efforts on having stuff, if we leave God out of the equation.

Moses had to make a choice, he must walk away from the wealth of Egypt if he was going to identify himself with the poor and downtrodden Israelites, who just happened to be God's chosen people.
Security, identity and self-worth are characterized in Christ. We might quickly say, “I will agree with that,” however, test your actions by God’s Word and see if you have the faith of Moses. He saw that he had too much to gain by identifying with God's people.

Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If your answer is no, is it worth selling your soul for the fleeting enjoyments of this sinful world? Understand that the Messiah offers greater wealth than all the treasures of this world. What is your soul worth?

Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

Matthew 19:29: And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

May God be the center of your life,
Joan Buchanan

Remember When-Our 50th

2011-01-29T22:01:00.000-08:00

May Love's Golden moments shine forever in our hearts.

May God continue to bless our marriage.

Denver and I celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary this month.

January 20,1961. Our daughter Angie's husband Art is praying over us.

A very special moment.

Our family gave us a Celebration that will always stay as a wonderful memory for Denver and me.

Thank you Girls, son-in-laws, grandchildren and friends for helping make this a wonderful time to reflect.

Most of all I give Praise to God for seeing Denver and me through these last fifty years together.

All Praise goes to God!!

Marlo, Charity and Angie, our daughers worked so hard to put this all together.

Thank you so much!

The 50th Party

Denver's dad, Mr Buchanan restored most all of the building on this property years ago at a place called Millards Crossings.

It is a great place to have parties and weddings.

http://www.millardscrossing.org/

Looking Ahead

2011-01-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

The Lord says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19)

This year is almost over in a few days it will be past and only thought of as history we have made. It cannot be reclaimed nor can we undo it. As tomorrow dawns, it will be another day, a new opportunity, and another time to show our love and faith in Jesus.

As we journey forward, knowing that God already inhabits the future and promises to provide us refreshment as we make the journey that is before us. I hear my Lord’s calling to make the most of my time as long as it last.

How long is the journey ahead? Only God knows.

My Prayer:
Lord of all eternity; remind me to learn from my mistakes of the past year, but not to dwell on them. Lord help me not take offense against those who I feel have injured me yesterday, last month, or this past year. Instead, O Father, lead me in your paths and help me see Your mighty works this next year above all. Lord as one of you’re called out ones I want to lay aside my agenda and do what you tell me to do. I ask for faith to press forward and learn to always sit at Your feet like Mary who chose the best part of life. I want to worship You and You only. Let there be a great outpouring of Your Spirit as Your sons and daughters seek Your face. In Jesus' name and by His power I ask it. Amen.

Highly Favored

2010-12-16T13:16:00.000-08:00

Luke 1:27-30

"And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God."

When the angel told Mary that she was highly favored by God. This expression meant that Mary had been given much grace or "unmerited favor" from God. Even with God's favor, Mary would still suffer much.

Her family was poor and this made her unsuitable in the eyes of her people to be used mightily of God. However, God knew she would willingly serve Him in one of the most important callings ever given to a human being. Just like Mary, God looks at our obedience and trust — and it is usually not the qualifications that man might prefer. God often chooses the most unlikely candidate.

Mary was a very disciplined and devoted young girl to God. God knew that Mary had a humble heart and that is what He looks for in each of us. She would be the only human being to be with Jesus throughout his entire life. She gave birth to Jesus and was with him in his death as the Savior of the world. Mary the earthly mother of Jesus is not someone to be worshiped but to be thankful for her love and dedication to her God.

After the angel appeared and told Mary the baby would be God's Son, she said, "I am the Lord's servant ... may it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38). She knew of the Old Testament prophesies about the coming Messiah; she quoted from the Old Testament. To be so young and have that kind of response tells us a lot about Mary the mother of Jesus.

Mary may not have understood the full extent of her present and future sufferings. I am sure she had a lot of questions, even in her young mind there would be the disgrace as others saw her as an unwed mother, then what would Joseph think about all of this, would he divorce her? By Jewish law she could have been stoned to death. I can see how God quieted her thoughts on many occasions. Near the end of her journey as the mother of Jesus she may not have expected the pain of watching her beloved Jesus bear the weight of sin and die a terrible death on the cross. Mary's submission to God's plan would cost her dearly, yet she was willing to be God's servant.

After the salutation from the Angel, Mary went to visit Elizabeth at her home. In response to her Cousin Elizabeth's greeting, Mary burst out in praise to God, it is a beautiful song of praise called The Magnificat or Mary's Song, what a joyous prayer full of God’s Word. This song even gives us more insight to this young woman of God. When you read it you can see her heart.

Will you willingly accept God's plan? Can you rejoice in God's plan, like Mary did, even when we know that it will cost us greatly? Perhaps right now you have more questions than you do answers. It is hard to understand what is going on and where is this all going to take me. Like Mary, accept what God has for you, stay around those that will encourage you on your journey and just sing praises from His Word.That worked for our Lord's mother Mary and it will work for you.Would God say to you, "you have found favor with God."

God BlessYou
Joanie

Mary's Song of Praise

Then Mary said,

"My soul praises the Lord;

my heart rejoices in God my Savior,

because he has shown his concern for his humble servant girl.

From now on, all people will say that I am blessed,

because the Powerful One has done great things for me.

His name is holy.

God will show his mercy forever and ever

to those who worship and serve him.

He has done mighty deeds by his power.

He has scattered the people who are proud

and think great things about themselves.

He has brought down rulers from their thrones

and raised up the humble.

He has filled the hungry with good things

and sent the rich away with nothing.

He has helped his servant, the people of Israel,

remembering to show them mercy

as he promised to our ancestors,

to Abraham and to his children forever."

(Awesome, a young teenage girl praising her God)

Prince of Peace

2010-12-11T22:28:00.000-08:00

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

No one could tell the message more accurately than the Word of God.
This season and every day of the year is all about Jesus Christ. Stay focused on why we celebrate.

Have a very Merry Christmas.
Joanie

Count Your Blessings, All of Them.

2010-11-18T23:47:00.000-08:00

My husband and I was a part of Underground Evangelism in the late 70’s.

We moved to Oklahoma and traveled to different churches in that State showing a film and informing Christians what the persecuted church in Russia had to endure for their faith in Christ. Every film and every story that was told really touched my heart. One story really stood out to me, it was about an older man who did not have the entire Bible, in fact just a few pages out of the Old Testament. I believe the pages were from Leviticus. Years later he was finally given the whole Bible, he fell to his knees crying and thanking God he could now see what was on the next page.

A Russian man who finally gets a copy of the Holy Scriptures after years of state-imposed atheism is more thankful for God’s Word than we are for all the Christian books and magazines and translations that overflow our shelves

This week I was reading some of the life of Viktor Frankl in, “Stories Illustrations and Quotes.” It relates the story of Mr. Frankl and how he learned to be thankful in a Nazi death-camp. He said that prisoners in the camp dreamed at night about a certain set of things more than anything else, they thought of a nice warm bath, food and all the things that they had taken for granted.

Frankl said that the prisoners around him began to appreciate beauty as never before. In one especially poignant paragraph, he wrote: “If someone had seem our faces on the journey from Auschwitz to a Bavarian camp as we beheld the mountains of Salzburg with their summits glowing in the sunset, through the little barred windows of our prison carriage, he wound have never believed that those were the faces of men who had given up all hope of life and liberty. Despite the factor ---or maybe because of it---we were carried away by nature’s beauty, which we had missed for so long.”

Dr Martin Luther wrote in his book Table Talk, “The greater God’s gifts and works, the less they are regarded.” That should never be.

God wants us to be people who exhibit a heartfelt thankfulness toward Him daily. To recognize His Spirit at work on this planet and to get in on what He is up to in the few days we have left.

Think about it and be Thankful
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
By all means keep an attitude of gratitude.

A Sketch of Me

2010-11-06T22:10:00.000-07:00

The Early Years

It is true that what we experience in our earliest years, especially from 0-3 is crucial to our subsequent development. At birth we are already competent learners with a vast array of rich experiences from which to build. We all have individuality and our efforts and achievements need to be addressed to help attain what we have been gifted and sent here by God to achieve.

Parents, families and relationships with other people are central to the well being of our lives. That is to say if they are the right influence. Developing God given characteristics is vital to all of us as we grow; it is important to our confidence and future. Yet, sad to say it can only take one person to disrupt that process of a child's assurance of God's best for them. I can remember those "Nay Sayers.” Oh, but what satan meant for evil God meant for good.

Growing Up
During the early years of my childhood and then growing up to be a young girl, I lived with some unacceptable influences that should not have been tolerated in our home. For several years I tried to hide my insecurities and how bad I felt about myself.

I did not always have the training that was needed for my young development. Most of the time my home was like Grand Central Station; Yet, the Lord brought me to a juncture in my life, God let me know it was time to grow up and stop the antipathy and the regrets. I see no reason to rehearse those times of uncertainly and doubt. I do share as God lead’s me and when it will glorify Him. The curtain is closed and I look ahead. I praise God for watching over me even when I didn't think He was there.

God knew in those formative years that I would need a mentor. Therefore, God placed Aunt Kay in my life, she taught me Godly Christian principles most of the years that I was growing up. Aunt Kay insisted that I learn and quote scripture. Memorizing passages from the Bible was something she imparted to me at a very early age. The first two Bible verses was; “What time I am afraid I will put my trust in thee.” “I was glad when they said unto me let us go into the house of the Lord.” God’s amazing Grace brought me through those days; I can testify that His Word will not return void.

Through the Years
hrough the years, God has helped me to move past all the animosity I had stored up.
Now, I praise God that I have come to embrace the lessons that I learned and move foreword. I spent too many years blaming others and not allowing God to heal me. However, there came a point in time when God helped me to grow up and take responsibility for my own life and mistakes.

God continues showing me that life’s lessons can impart a purpose and build character which will lead to our divine destiny. It is where we place our focus. Life is a process and I do know it takes some longer than others. It does sadden me that adults never stop blaming God and everyone else for all of their troubles. That practice does not make you feel good very long. It will keep you insecure and depressed. God has said He has come to give us life and that more abundantly.

Now at 66
At this conjuncture of my life I have been given more understanding of Father God and the revelations of Him with deeper meaning than when I was younger. There will be more lessons to follow. God is not through with me yet! He spoke to me several years ago and said, “There are dimensions and revelations in me you know nothing about, will you pursue me. “

My prayer is that I will always appreciate the touch of a beautiful flower created by God, or the smell of rain as it falls to the earth, or hearing the sound of children's laughter, the joy of family, to embrace all of my children and grandchildren, to let them know their grandmother loves God, to taste and experience new things, to have the joy of reaching out and touching others through Gods love, learning new insights as God speaks to me, or the joy of seeing one born into the Kingdom of God.

God, help me to always reach for each moment and have no regrets. I must always remember to rejoice in the fact that my name is written in the Lambs book of Life.
By God's grace, He will help me to climb all the way to the top of the mountain.

One day I shall look back and say, Thank you God I finally made it!! And when I wake up, you are still with me!" Wow, I think it is time to Praise!

Loving God,
Joan

Cords of God’s Love

2010-11-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

The prophet Hosea said that we are linked to God with cords of love, cords that cannot be broken. The gentle cords of His eternal love bind all our hearts and hurts to Him. What a thought to ponder. Hosea 11:4

I have never liked critters but we can learn from them. I am reminded of a little story I read of a certain spider. This kind of spider somewhat illustrates my thought for today. There is a certain spider that builds his nest in the branch of a small tree or bush. In this fragile enclosed space the baby spiders are hatched. If the nest is disturbed in any way, the little spiders will all rush out in fright. At once the mother goes to their side. She is alerted to their potential danger in a most unique manner. Each of the young ones has a thick silky strand attached to it, and all of these threads are joined to the body of the mother. When the babies are threatened by an enemy, they naturally scurry off, giving their lines a sharp tug. This is instantly felt by the adult spider. Within seconds she pulls them back to the nest where they are protected from harm.

Now isn't that just like our God. We are connected to Him that way. When we allow the enemy to frighten us, like the little baby spiders we scurry off. Our wonderful loving God will pull us back if we are His child.

When He says I love you we can know that He means it. It is an unconditional love that will keep us safe and connected to Him. Thank God, we have a Father who watches over us. Christ, like the spiders mother will pull us back to a place of protection in Him. Do you believe that? We are linked to God. There is no harm or words of any kind that can hurt us. We have a Heavenly Father that links us to Him with cords of love.

We are protected, no enemy can break though when we know our Father God is in charge!! Amen.

Give someone a hug today and tell them you love them and mean it.

God's cords of love hold you tight.

With Love, Joanie

Little Boat Twice Owned

2010-10-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

The following story was told by my husband Denver years ago in a message while preaching one Sunday morning. I know the story has been around for a long time. Where the little story came from I do not know, but it is a powerful message. It is simple enough for a child to understand yet hits deep in our hearts as we think of how much our owner Jesus Christ loves us. It makes Denver and I both cry every time we share it. In fact he retold the story to me again today. We had a little cry and thanked God for His redeeming love for us. He bought us back, Praise the Lord!!

The story is about a young man who lovingly built a little sailboat. Having finished it, he took it to a stream behind his house and put it in the water. The little boat sailed perfectly! But the wind blew hard and his boat was taken away and he could not find it. After he searched for a long time he sadly returned home.

One day he was walking downtown and saw his boat in a store window. Having found out from the store-owner how much the boat would cost he returned home and got all the money he had. After paying for the boat, he was walking home and said to his boat, “you are twice mine, I made you and I bought you”.

This beautiful little story teaches a very valuable lesson. Jesus Christ lovingly created us in the beginning (John 1:1-2). Then man sinned and it brought separation from God. (Isaiah 59:1-2) However, God loved us so much that He gave His only son, His greatest gift, and bought us back (John 3: 16). he did not hesitate to pay the ultimate price in order to redeem us.

Oh What A Savior
Joanie

Moments to Remember

2010-10-23T22:39:00.000-07:00

As I grow older my life becomes more intriguing and more complicated. Oh really you say, I thought life slowed to an easier pace in the golden years. I don't think so! Seniors have to watch their time just like anyone else. I pray the time will never come when I retire from serving God.

I do think if we walk in God’s wisdom we understand how fragile life is. I hardly can take in 24 hours and then I find myself in another 24 hours. Where did it go? Back in my yesterday filed in my memory bank forever, even if I cannot remember, it is there. Tomorrow is only today as it passes by so swiftly.

There are times I like to reach back and pull up some of my yesterdays. It often is jolted by something around me that takes me back in time. Perhaps an oldies song that reminds me of friends, sock hops and slumber parties,dates and movies. During the fall season it especially takes me back to our large family gatherings. I cannot bring those days back however, at times I would like to for just one day.

Christmas was a special time at our home. Dad would get a real tree, my brother and I would have fun decorating it. We would bring out the Nativity Scene and every year it was put in the same place; on the mantle for all to see. Ah, the smells and atmosphere of Christmas is something that will stay with me forever. My mom was a wonderful cook and boy did she love to make those Christmas cakes, fruit cake, cookies and pies. I do not remember box cake mixes back then, mom used her recipes or she would say, "I don't measure I just mix it up." I found it a hard time figuring out how much ingredients to put in the bowl by just watching. When Christmas day came we had so much food we gave it away and ate for days off of Christmas Dinner. Believe it or not, I had no weight problem.

My dad was like a kid when the Christmas season rolled around. He wanted to make sure we had plenty to enjoy that time of the year. He made sure mom got the best gift he could afford for her.

I do love reminiscing at times. I cannot help but Praise God for walking with me
through my past, present and He will be with me in my future. There have been a lot of mistakes but thank God for forgiveness. Yet, I have to add, that lessons where learned and I am still here and the good memories outweigh the bad, thanks be to God.

I really do pray that during the seasons ahead you will be making good memories so that someday you can look back with joy in your heart over the past you have walked through. In spite of everything, when I look back at where I have been, I see what I am becoming is a whole lot further down the road from where I was.

Your Yesterdays is the path that leads you into your tomorrows. (JB)
Remember, what you are doing right now will be a memory for tomorrow.
Make it a good one!
Joanie

This One Thing I Do

2010-10-17T22:11:00.000-07:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Seasons come and go and with each season there is a purpose. This year I have done a lot of traveling, more than usual; which is hard to believe as much as I have traveled.

Mom passed away this year which was very difficult. It has been a year of growing in faith and continuing to trust God, which is a process that is with us until we leave this world. Through it all God's grace is sufficient. He does all things well.

God keeps reminding me that It is a new day and a new season and I must walk it out in faith. Now that fall is here I wonder how it arrived so quickly. When I was young time just did not mean that much to me. Now, life for me at 66 feels like a whirlwind, it comes and goes so fast. The Lord is speaking to me and reminding me to keep it simple this season.

Fall brings with it the beauty of color, seeing the leaves turn, much cooler temperatures and a lot of extra activity. My husband and I just came back from the Smoky Mountains and the foliage was beautiful, so I am off to a good stat with fall. However, autumn also brings plans for family time and busy Holidays; it can become very exhausting. I know it is easy for me to lose focus and find myself not planning wisely. Time management is a good thing; Lord help me to remember in all the hustle and bustle not to waste my time.

I like what Paul said in Philippians 3:13 “...but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.." This one phrase is the secret for making life work. I know I cannot do 100 things well. However, if I stay with what God has planned for me I will be successful.

Why can't I just slow down and look at all my options. I need more goal setting and less scatter shooting. God has reminded me again, it is important that I highly regard and treasure what time I have left in the seasons He has given me.

Simplify, is a good word for a new season. Streamline and redeem the time.

Help me not to get so hooked on this ideal logy that busyness is what makes one fit in and look good and important. It is necessary to find God's direction and stay with it.

If there is no direction as to where one is going any wind will take you there.

Another good word is visionary; the Word of God says that “without a vision the people perish.”

I know for me, my prayer life is more energized when I know my focus and talk to God about all the details. He fills all that in very well.

Waffling along is not the answer. I don't want to end up at the end of my life singing, “Wasted years, wasted years oh how foolish.”

This is one of my mission statements, “I will use my time wisely for this too shall pass.

True Worshippers

2010-10-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

In John, Chapter 4, the woman said to Jesus, "Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem." In response, Jesus declared, "Believe me, woman a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from thd Jews."

His poignant statement was an indication that that there was a deeper truth being brought to the surface of their conversation. It is amazing how often religious issues are used to avoid the truth.
For example: It is easier to discuss why Baptists submerge in water and Presbyterians only sprinkle. Yet, the enemy of all Christians keeps us focused on these lesser issues rather than facing far greater life-changing answers.

The woman at the well was questioning Jesus with regard to a matter of religious tradition. Jesus answered her, however, with a spiritual revelation, boldly stating, "The hour is coming when neither in this place nor in Jerusalem will you worship God, for the hour is coming and in fact is already here, when true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth, for God seeks that kind of worship. God is Spirit, and those who worship must worship in Spirit and in Truth."

Seekers, where are you in the realm of worship? Do you want to know how to worship in spirit and in truth?

Jesus revealed that true worship, in spirit and in truth is not facilitated within the perimeters of a designated city or nation; nor, is true worship done within the boundaries of a chosen denomination. Worship is not a form or a ritual and sectarian shrines are not holy. If we are TRUE WORSHIPERS we have the same Spirit as anyone living on this planet today who seeks God's Spirit in Worship. True worship takes place when the spirit of man yields to God's Spirit, but we avail ourselves of everything and everybody but God. The question is, are we listening to God and obeying His voice?

Yielding is the hardest thing for mankind to do. Man’s way is to look without, but Jesus told the woman at the well to look within, where real truth is found. His Spirit will guide us into all truth. I have learned from personal experience, as we meditate on His Word, He will lead you into all truth. Then, like the woman at the well, we will be called to cross barriers of culture and custom. Our agendas will be transformed to be more like Jesus and we will learn to love those we were taught to avoid. Surprisingly, like the Samaritan villagers, we will hear Good News from those we least expect to teach us.

Can we do it? For the sake of each of us, for the sake of the church, for the sake of the world, I hope so.

God Bless,

Joanie

(Joan B)

Awaken My Bride!

2010-09-14T15:03:00.000-07:00

Awaken My Bride!

Song of Solomon 2:10-13 "My beloved spoke, and said to me: “Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away!”

Solomon is calling the Shulamite to awaken and enjoy the changing of the new season. He has let her sleep long enough, now she must arise! Life away from His presence has been like winter. Notice, the flowers appear, as if they had been gone. The distinctive cooing call of the turtle-dove is one of the signs of coming Spring.

This is a time of new beginnings, the cold hard days of winter are now disappearing. A new and refreshing time has dawned, she must arise and come along. I hear the voice of Christ in these verses calling out to His Bride, “Rise up and go forward, Come Away with Me.”

Springtime is an occasion for refreshing; it is a time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings, the fragrances, colors and all that God has given us to enjoy in spring. He clothes the landscape with enchanting bursts of colors, like an artist painting a portrait on canvas.

Just like God has determined seasons for us on this planet, so does He bring about seasons and changes in His Kingdom for us. It is our commitment to the Savior that allows us to meet these continuing challenges of everyday life. Our lives as believers in Christ are always a series of new beginnings. If we go to sleep spiritually we will miss out on what God is saying in every season of our life.

We must be ready for our roots to go deeper as growth comes with each new season. The Lord specializes in roots. We are often more interested in fruit, but God is also watching over the roots too. A gardener will tell you that if plants have a good root system they will flourish and grow. However, if the plant does not have absorption of water and good nutrients it is not likely to germinate and reach its full growth.

Whatever season we are in, whether it is fall, winter, summer, or spring, we can go through each change with assurance that God is with me. We can allow the fragrance of His tenderness to be a sweet smell. He wants us to grow up and be prepared as a “Bride adorned for her husband.” Therefore be ready for some changes by God in the days ahead. It is a new season.

Awaken and come along!. We must be ready!

God's alarm has been sounding and yet some of us appear to be in a deep sleep like the Shulamite. We must not allow the enemy of our soul to steal our time, when time is running out!

In His Service,
Joan buchanan

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.”

Harvest Time, Let's Not Waste It!

2010-07-16T22:13:00.000-07:00

John 4:35 "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest."

Tonight I was reminded of a vision God gave me several years ago. It was a picture of a golden field full of beautiful wheat blowing in the wind. The field was very large and as I looked further there where plain clothed men and women harvesting the fields. It was the most beautiful wheat field I had every laid my eyes upon. Everyone was in their place and seemed so happy. They were working diligently to bring in the harvest. I have never forgotten that scene; it has been deep in my heart for years.

That is the way it is in God’s Kingdom. He has commissioned His followers to go and bring in the harvest of souls from the four corners of the earth. Jesus is calling out to His children, “Who will go and work my fields today.” Luke 10:2, “And He was saying to them, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few, therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”

Be aware, there is an enemy who will try everything he can to get us distracted from the will of God. He does not want us to be focused on God because then we would be, “world changers,” in the Kingdom of God. Satan will do anything to cause us to waste time. Sad to say, many who call themselves believers seem to view this present world as a play ground for their agenda or a place to spend all their time collecting things that they surely cannot take with them. It is time to do the will of the Father and to harvest souls.

Jesus never wasted time; to do the will of God is the only way to peace, happiness and power. It is only a matter of time before the Lord returns; we must be busy about His work. We must through the Holy Spirit recognize that it is, “Harvest Time.” We must understand the will of God for each of us. It is a command form God, not an option to find out what is our part in bringing in the harvest. We learn that by daily becoming conformed to His Image.

It is time to move on God’s time table and not ours. Hosea 10:12 “Sow with a view to righteousness, Reap in accordance with kindness; Break up your fallow ground, For it is time to seek the LORD until He comes to rain righteousness on you.”

Among many distractions over the years has been television. Now, we have all kinds of modern technology that takes time away for our daily walk with God.

Hopefully the verses below do not apply to you....

The 23rd Channel

The TV is my shephard, I shall not want.

It makes me to lie down on the sofa, It leads me away from the Scriptures, it destroys my soul.

It leads me in the paths of sex and violance, for the sponsor's sake.

Yea, through I walk in the shadow of my Christian responsibilites, there will be not interruptions, for the TV is with me.

It's cable and it's remote control they comfort me.

It prepares a commercial before me, in the presence of my worldliness.

It anoints my head with humanism. My coveting runneth over.

Surely laziness and ignorance shall follow me all the days of my life, And I shall dwell in the house watching TV forever.

2010-06-24T09:54:00.000-07:00

I Will Walk With You

Heb 12:1-9

A story is told on a young man called Jeff. Jeff worked summers for a farmer whose farm was located in a valley a short distance from his home. He would rise up early, walk through a ravine or mountain pass and down into the valley for the day's work.

One evening, as Jeff was returning home, he heard footsteps behind him as he approached the pass. Knowing that robbers sometimes hung out there, he walked faster. The faster he walked, the more rapid become the footsteps behind him. His hands grew clammy from perspiration and his heart beat more rapidly. Finally, a familiar voice pierced the darkness, "Jeff, is that you? I'm your father, and I've come to walk with you!"

What comfort and assurance. "I'm your father, I've come to walk with you!" to help us understand the nature of our relationship with Him, God chose the term "Father" to give us an example. Imperfect, yes, because so many have fathers who have disappointed them, yet in that relationship I see qualities, which, when sifted from human weakness, help us understand how much our heavenly Father cares for us as His children.

A young woman, who had been often abused by her father, once told me, "If God was anything like my natural father, I would want nothing to do with Him," and understandably so, but God's nature assures us of His love, care, and protection, often when we least see or understand it.

Have you ever had the experience of taking your child to the doctor, and holding the child firmly as the doctors’ needle pricked his finger to draw blood? The searching, questioning eyes of the child seem to ask, "Why do you allow me such pain if you love me?" Yet the child clings to his Father, even when his understanding is imperfect. In the same manner, we must trust the loving heart of our heavenly Father.

We must never doubt our Father's love and concern when difficulty and hardship come our way. Through these trials we must still hear His voice saying, "It's your Father; I've come to walk with you."

I you have never known the joy of Father God coming along side you and being there for you please make haste to run to Him. He will never leave you or forsake you!

Romans 10:9-11
"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

Romans 5:8--Acts 3:19--John 1:12

Amen!!

God Bless Old Glory

2010-05-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

It was pretty here in Texas today, but very hot, this Memorial Day. To some it was just another Holiday to be off work, but to those of us who value our God given rights and freedom; we truly appreciate the sweat and blood fought on battlefields, to keep America safe. It saddens me to see how our patriotism has diminished over the years. I thank God for what He has done for us here in this country. I am blessed to be here and still celebrate this special day.

The Celebration of Memorial Day started when the Civil War ended. The Southern and Northern states citizens came together to give honor and remember the ones who had fought and died; they first called it Decoration Day. The first National celebration took place on May 30, 1868 at Arlington National Cemetery. At this location both the Confederate and Union soldiers were buried. Later, at the turn of the 20th century Decoration Day was called Memorial Day.

I think it would be interesting to read again the ceremony of the flag folding. It shows us how the earlier writers acknowledged God in America. Look what has happened today! We have to Pray!

http://www.usflag.org/foldflag.html

taken from this website

Flag Folding Ceremony

As an Army and Navy custom, the flag is lowered daily at the last note of retreat. Special care should be taken that no part of the flag touches the ground. The Flag is then carefully folded into the shape of a tri-cornered hat, emblematic of the hats worn by colonial soldiers during the war for Independence. In the folding, the red and white stripes are finally wrapped into the blue, as the light of day vanishes into the darkness of night. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on mother's day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.
When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our national motto, "In God we Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

God has blessed America, we need to Bless God!
God Bless America
by Irving Berlin

"While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies ,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.

God My Healer

2010-05-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

I have to Praise God that on this another Mother's Day I am here with my family. Happy Mothers Day to all the Mom's.

God My Healer(The Short Version)

Eight years ago I was suddenly and I mean suddenly faced with pain I had never experienced before; my family and I began praying, but the pain continued to persist. After several days of excruciating pain my husband took take me to the doctor; I felt I could not endure it any longer. I was able to get an appointment with a specialist in Dallas, TX; my husband accompanied me to the appointment. As I described to the doctor all that was going on in my body, he did a preliminary examination and then some extensive testing. And then more and more evaluation. It can be a long process.
A few days later I received a telephone call from the nurse who said, “Joan we need you to come in.” She tried to explain the test results in terms I could understand, but honestly it frightened me and confused me even more. The tests showed the "C" word which I hate, (cancer), it did not look good. The pain was not going away; and I found it very difficult to have faith. However, more testing and then hospital would be my next stop. OF course they have big words for all you go through and I did not want to hear it.

The enemy did not waste any time in seeking to minimize my faith in God. Fear gripped me so tightly that I wondered how I was going to be able to deal with this unwanted new development in my body. The pain, of course, intensified my fears. The enemy tries to remind you of all the people in your family that died with cancer.

The pain meds prescribed for me did very little to make me feel comfortable. For me, it might have been easier to believe if I had not been in such discomfort. I found no sleep or rest and the enemy was throwing all kinds of accusations at me.

I know how fear can grip you and try to cause you to lose your faith. That is Satan’s business --seeking to paralyze our faith walk with God.

I was scheduled to go back to the doctor for more testing; I remember asking my daughter if she would go with me this time since my husband could not make the appointment that day. I prayed more and more as the appointment drew near; and my faith was strengthened through prayer. I was tired of all of this and wanted it to stop and go away.

Also, incredibly, my pain (after weeks of hurting) was subsiding. When the doctor walked into the room I asked if he believed in miracles, he said, "yes I do." As he was cutting off more tissue for testing, I kept repeating, "You are not going to find anything this time-- God has healed me." I have to admit there was another voice trying to overpower my words and thoughts; but I would not submit to it. Whatever had invaded my body was subsiding.

After that appointment, I was instructed to go downstairs and check into the hospital. I talked myself into going to the admissions office. As I was sitting there talking to the admittance clerk, all of a sudden I just got up told her I was not going to do this and walked out and went home waiting on the last results to come in.

I knew I did not have the faith and strength on my own to walk through this difficult time, but I knew God would help me though it. I told my husband I am not going into the hospital.

A few days later the nurse had not called me or asked why I had not followed through with what the physician wanted me to do, and I had not heard the results of the last procedure done in the his office. With that in mind, I called the nurse and said, ‘Have you gotten any results back on Joan Buchanan?’ Her response was, “Joan, the doctor and I have just now reviewed your test results; and we have been trying to put our heads together on this -- all the tests are normal!” Well, the rest is history; I praised God with her on the phone and continue to praise God for His faithfulness and healing power. I do not know what the outcome would have been if I would have stayed with he Physician's orders. But I know another physician who gave me the best consolation. He is the Best, and His name is Jesus Christ.

I would not describe myself as a mighty woman of faith and power, but I do have a mighty God who can give all of us the faith and power to overcome any obstacle that the enemy throws before us. His grace is always sufficient for everything we face in this life. To God be the Glory, Great things He has done!! I love you Lord.

God Bless you
Joanie B

OUR SON MATT

2010-05-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

When our son Matt was several months old, he was diagnosed with the genetic disorder of Downs Syndrome. The doctor who delivered Matt told us only that Matt was premature. He later admitted to us, "I was not sure." As a young woman of twenty-four, the shock and disbelief that my husband and I felt was indescribable. Yet, at the same time, God's grace was sufficient to help heal and overshadow the pain of this revelation.

My husband and I had never been around handicapped children enough to know what we were facing. A few months after Matt's birth, I took him to a Christian pediatrician who explained Matt's diagnosis in terms we could more easily comprehend and comforted us with scriptures. God used this sensitive Christian physician to help us start the journey neither one of us ever imagined we were destined to walk through.

Our oldest daughter, Angie, who was three at the time, was with me when Matt's diagnosis was revealed. This took place on a Wednesday, and God gave us the strength to go on to church that night. Thankfully, our Christian friends gave Godly comfort to us. My point here is, do not hide and stay away for God's people and your church family when trials and discouragement comes, we need each other.

My husband and I were raised in a doctrinal faith that did not emphasize healing or miracles as a part of our spiritual lives. Therefore up until that time of crisis, I loved God, but never thought much about God's power to heal, deliver and set free. We observed the fact that Matt was able to do things at a young age that was never expected of him. We were told that his life expectancy was only about twelve years. He is now forty-three and is not on any type of medication, Matt has never had a heart problem and he speaks amazingly well.

He loves to pray and loves to quote the Word from memory. We have seen him bring people to their knees in prayer as he quotes the Twenty-Third Psalm, Psalm 100 and other Bible passages. Our three daughters and eight grandchildren are amazed at his extraordinary gift of quoting scripture. When our family gets together at Christmas Matt quotes Luke the second chapter; at Thanksgiving, he has a passage ready to recite for that occasion, too!

Matt loves to read the Bible and even though it is with difficulty at times, he keeps pressing on. One of the most inspiring times for me was when I found him in his room at the age of sixteen crying for God to help him read the book of Ezekiel. He has some difficulty with reading but he continues to work at it.

One of the things I love most about Matt is his unconditional love, he loves his family I think more than they even realize. He spends much time in prayer for them and all those for whom he has been asked to pray. His deep compassion, love, consideration and kind manners have been a testimony to all who know him.

How can you ever fully explain God and how He sees us through obstacles that we thought we could never endure? I must say that over the years, there have been some tough moments, but the joy of having a special son like Matt and the miracles God has done for him and us have made those times easier.

God's healing and miracle power has become so real to us over the years. It truly would take a book to explain all that God has done for the Buchanan family. The good news is there is more to come. We just continue in faith and to praise our way out and nothing can ever take the place of standing on God's promises.

How awesome is our God! Just when you think you might have life somewhat figured out He gives us a totally different perspective on his plan for us. As long as God gives us breath we must take advantage of every moment and always appreciate the time we have been given, especially with our love ones. This life is uncertain and we do not know what tomorrow will bring.

Love One Another,

Joanie

Matt's Three Sisters

Marlo, Charity and Angie

Where the Lilies Grow

2010-04-09T01:02:00.000-07:00

Easter has just pasted and I have enjoyed seeing the beautiful lilies that are displayed during the Easter Season. I think the lily is a beautiful flower.Everytime I see a lily I think of a word that was given to me years ago at the age of 26.

As a young woman I had been told some very devastating news about my second child. It was a very difficult time for me, and honestly, I did not know how I was going to get through it. I sought God to show me what to do, and how to glorify Him at this time.

One day as I was talking to my aunt, trying to put into perspective the pain and the hurt I was going through, I said to her, "It feels like I am in a valley, and how will I ever get out of it? Will I ever reach the top of the mountain?" She then said to me, "Joan, It is in the valley where the Lilies grow." My aunt blessed me so much just by speaking a few words of encouragement to me, just when God knew I needed it. Just that word reminded me that God was working things out for me and that He wanted me to grow in Him and mature as His child. I have never forgotten how her sweet voice comforted my spirit that day. He always knows just the right person to send in our path to give a timely word in due season.

Now, years later I can see the hand of God in every phase of that trial. There have been many challenges since, but it has helped me to pass through difficult days; knowing that God is near in the valley and on the mountain top. I recognize that all my troubles, discouragements, and heartaches are, in truth, great opportunities in disguise. It is important to act in faith and not always react out of ones on emotions.

I know that if I surrender to Him, He will carry me all the way through the field of lilies and all the way to the top of my mountain.

Remember today that to touch someone else does not have to be with volumes of words. Just a touch, a look, a short word or a kind deed is all that someone might need from you at that very moment.

Proverbs 15:23
"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it"!

God Bless
Joanie

Thanks to Calvary

2010-04-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Some time ago, while I was teaching a class in Dallas, the Lord reminded me of the time I was delivered from the Orphange of Sin. I remembered the pain in my life as I searched aimlessly until I surrendered to the God of creation, who is now the lover of my soul.

At that time I was unhappy and incapable of finding peace and direction in my life. God's Holy Spirit revealed to me that He had a wonderful plan for me. He promised, if I agreed to His plan, that I would be transformed and live in a brand new home, "The Mansion of Righteousness." Immediately, I accepted His wonderful plan of deliverance and, at that very moment, my bondage was lifted and I was transformed. I knew that my past life of sin was washed clean by the blood of Jesus Christ when the transformation took place in my heart. I ask God to forgive me of my sins and submitted to His plan. My life became brand new. He gave me purpose, and I was ready to move on with my new life and my future.

He set me free from my old Orphanage of Sin and gave me a brand new home, “The Mansion of Righteousness.” Right then, I just bowed on my knees and thanked God for Calvary. Thanks to Calvary, I do not live in my old Orphanage of Sin anymore. I am now set free by the power of God.

Jesus has openly displayed His love to the whole world by shedding His blood on that old rugged cross. His acts of love for mankind defeated the powers of darkness and the chains of bondage. The Word says, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, and that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Praise God, for the Love of God.

Invite Him into your life and He will reside in you, and live through you. Surrender today. You are on the threshold of new beginnings. Step on over, and come in! Share what God has done for you.

Romans 6:22 "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life."
John 1:12 "For as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God, even to those who believe in His name."

God Bless and Have a Wonderful day of Celebration,
"He is Risen"
Joanie

Royalty Has Come

2010-03-31T21:46:00.000-07:00

Today’s Scripture: Luke 24: 31-32
"Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. And they said to one another, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”

In our scripture Jesus has been crucified and has now risen from the grave. It should have been no surprise to any of His followers. He had already told them that these events would take place. Earlier that day, an angel appeared to the women at the tomb and announced that Jesus had risen. With haste they had run to tell what they had seen and heard.

Later that same day two of Jesus disciples’ were walking home to Emmaus. They had more questions than they had answers. The disciple’s spirits were downcast because things had not turned out as they had anticipated. The seven mile walk to Emmaus gave the men plenty of time to reflect and discuss what had happened over the last few days. Suddenly, Jesus came along and entered into the conversation, but they did not recognize who He was. Jesus began to talk to them about the Old Testament prophets and things concerning Himself.

On arriving at their destination they invited Jesus to come inside and break bread with them. As Jesus blessed and broke the bread in front of these two men their eyes were opened. It was an ordinary meal at the dinner table where Jesus made himself known. It is in the everyday occurrences of life that we must invite and partake of the heavenly manna. His name is called, “The Bread of Life.” The daily fresh bread from heaven will certainly keep our spirits healthy and nourished.

As quickly as he appeared, He suddenly disappeared from their presence! They said to each other, "Didn’t our hearts burn within us as He talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?" They were so excited, they walked seven miles back to Jerusalem to tell the others that they had seen Jesus. In a few hours they had come from hopelessness to a new level of faith, after spending time in His presence. If they had not invited Jesus into their home their eyes would not have been opened. When the eyes of our understanding become enlightened, faith rises to a new level. It is so simple, and yet we can make it very complicated. The Spirit of God comes alongside of us and changes a painful moment into a hopeful tomorrow, like He did for these disciples.

The story is told that the Queen of England went out for a walk, when all of a sudden it began to rain. In the short distance she saw a cottage. She knocked on the door and asked the man to borrow an umbrella. Not knowing who she was, the man was reluctant to help her. He thought that maybe she wanted a hand out. The next day she sent one of her servants back to the cottage to return the umbrella. The man was shocked and embarrassed that he had been so rude to the Queen. He said to her servant, "If only I had known who she was." You see, royalty had knocked on his door and he had treated her with disrespect.

Do not miss out on what God wants to say to you, by not believing what God has already told you. He delivers on His Word. Let Him come alongside of you and prove it by opening your eyes to more of His eternal Glory.

Central Thought: Royalty has come to us, let us not be guilty of saying. "If only I had known who He was."

Yesterdays Memories

2010-03-25T20:49:00.000-07:00

Your Yesterdays is the path that leads you into your tomorrows
There are a lot of memories in these few pictures.

With two of grandsons in Branson, Mo

As I grow older I am more and more aware of life and how it must be seized every moment.
Tomorrow is only today as it passes by so swiftly. I hardly can take in 24 hours and then I find myself in another day. Where did it go? Time marches on, that is for sure. There are times I like to reach back and pull up some of my yesterdays. It often is jolted by something around me that will put me back in time for a few minutes. I do love reminiscing at times. I cannot help but Praise God for walking with me through my past, present and future.

Nostalgia. That yearning to step back into the time tunnel and stroll down memory lane,
trying to recover the unrecoverable. Today we live on a street called Memory Land, I guess that fits me well. I guess that is why I enjoy listening to the old song,
"Sentimental Journey." I do not believe in living in yesterday but I do think we should enjoy the memories both good and bad. They have been learning experiences that have led me this far. God uses all things to teach lessons to us.

Here is where Nostalgia sometimes starts:

A quiet visit to the place where you where raised.

The smell of Christmas, the tree and all the trimmings.

Thinking how you met the love of you life.

Dating and getting to know each other.

Family and Friends talking about how it use to be.

Music and melodies of your past.

Singing the Song of your Alma Mater.

A barefoot walk along a sandy beach.

Looking over childhood photos will sure put you back in time.

A newborn baby.

An old letter, bruised with age signed by the one who loves you.

Climbing mountains,Weddings, Graduations, Diplomas, hearing certain poems.

Raising children and all the enjoyment they bring, school days, picnics,

trips, hugs, laughter, tears, church, teaching them about God and praying over them.

Watching your children grow up and leave home.

Saying goodbye. The list is endless. We can stop and go back, I love the fond memories of my yesterdays.

However, I love today and very excited about tomorrow. Why? God is in it.
Thank the Lord, it is His love that sustains us and arranges our tomorrows.
His love will send our way that which is best for us. I can smile every time I read Romans 11:33;
“Oh, what a wonderful God we have! How great are His wisdom and knowledge and riches!
How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His methods!”

Gloria Gaither said something that I remember, "In spite of everything, when I look back at where I have been, I see that what I am becoming is a whole lot further down the road from where I was."

God's Word says, "Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life?
It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
James 4:14 ( Now, is that not the truth.)

Remember, what you are doing right now will be a memory for tomorrow.
Making Memories. Make it a good one!
Joanie B

Eden Nicole is Two

2010-03-18T00:33:00.000-07:00

We just celebrated our youngest granddaughers second birthday. We are so thankful that God has granted us this time to be with her and all of our family. Birthdays are very special at any age. We have a big family and we enjoy getting together. Making memories is important. This is one day of memories we will never forget. Our little Eden had a tough time getting here. She was in the hospital about two weeks after birth, we prayed night and day for God to pull her through and He did. Thank you God.

EDEN NICOLE IS TWO

Thank you God for giving us Eden to love, she is such a pleasant and beautiful little girl.

She is thrilled to play in the snow, ride her pink pony, wear her hat and have her hair curled.

We chuckle as she sits in our lap and asks us to read, and then pretends to read herself.

Then when she is finished, she and mommy sing "clean up" as she put her books back on the shelf.

We cannot forget her miniature toys, like the Mickey Mouse gang, Cinderella and Snow White.

She has to put them in her bag and lay them in her bed so they will be close to her every night.

It warms ones heart as Mommy teaches Eden praise songs and they sing along together;

As you listen to their voices blend in one accord, your prayer is that the training will go on forever.

There are not enough pages to list all that Eden has absorbed in these last two years.

It is something that is wonderful to reflect on and it certainly brings us all to tears.

The love daddy and mommy have for their little baby girl is awesome to behold,

It will long be talked about as the story continues to unfold.

Thank You God!!

Nana 3-14-2010

Spring Tea Party

2010-03-11T23:12:00.000-08:00

Cupcake in a cup Eden

Granddaughter Challie

Spring is a flutter of activity as it is quickly approaching. It seems like we just passed through March a couple of days ago. Or, perhaps as you get older time seems to go faster, at least it feels that way. We have actually seen weather in the 70's in the last few days.

I love to get my camera out in the spring and take pictures of the beautiful flowers beginning to bloom, to see the fresh green grass and the trees that are showing new life again. It is like the sleeping giant wakes up and creates new life right before our very eyes. Spring can be such an inspirational time as God the most awesome and inspiring artist of all times brings out His paint brush and canvas to create some awesome portraits right before our very eyes.

Perhaps with the new season approaching my granddaughter Challie, was inspired to have a tea party for the girls in our family. I thought it was great planning on her part and it was a great success.

Maybe you too would like to have a spring celebration, I am sure that the ones you invite will be excited to come and join in. The new season can be a great Spring kick-off for all who attend.

I have included some Tea Party pictures for everyone to view.

Think Spring,

Joanie

That Spring Feeling

Whenever I see a chickadee,

he always makes me smile.

Whenever I hear the goldfinch sing,

things are all worthwhile.

Whenever I feel the warmth of the sun,

I know it is smiling on me.

Whenever I touch spring's tiny buds,

I know they'll soon be free.

Whenever I smell the air in spring,

after gentle showers,

I know that whenever the time is right

I'll see God's gift of flowers.

by Joan Adams Burchell

I have included some pictures for everyone to view.

Grandbaby Eden

Two Granddaughers and daughter Charity in the center

Daughers and Grands

My Three Daughters

Eden and Mom Charity

The Alarm Clock

2010-01-17T22:39:00.000-08:00

Some time ago, I went to visit my daughter and planned to stay overnight. We visited and had stayed up quite late that night; I became tired and was ready to retire. She graciously gave me the most comfortable bed in her home. After reading for a while, I was preparing to settle down for the night.

It did not take long for me to drift off into a peaceful slumber.

Very early in the morning the alarm that was sitting on a bedside table where I was sleeping went off with a loud annoying sound. Quickly, I rolled over and started fumbling to shut the loud sound off.

My plans had been to sleep in a while longer; I did not want to get up at 5:30 in the morning. As a matter of fact I was very angry with that alarm clock, it had disturbed my sleep.

This incident later reminded me of the prophetic alarm that is sounding; some prepare to sleep and fail to recognize the warning sounds God is giving. People do not want to be bothered with the sound of God’s alarm clock. In frustration they will shut off the alarm sounds of God's immediate warnings.

God’s people must stay alert and not sleep. There is a spiritual slumber in the body of Christ, some refuse to wake-up and acknowledge what time it really is today. The alarm is sounding!
The Word has warned us that we must wake up!.

Time For a Break

2010-01-13T03:07:00.000-08:00

It is early in the morning and there is so much to talk to God about.
Yet, even more important is what He wants to say to me.

A deepening intimacy with God is what will bring about a powerful change in ones life. There is total fulfillment in not just knowing God, but that He knows me. How awesome is that! If our intimacy with God is not passionate then our life will be off focus; no wonder people are in such massive confusion.

However, is the body of Christ ready to pay the price.
Jesus has told us to "be still and know that He is God." He loves our fellowship and we should love being in His presence. We will hear Him say, I am sure,
“Don’t Go Yet.” He loves to hear our voice.

We need to learn what Jesus meant when He said, “Be Still.”
There, my friend, is where those burdens become lighter. He just rolls them away. Life can become a song, not a burden. Oh, how I must remember that.

We must come aside somewhere daily and take a quiet time break and rest awhile. Jesus even suggests to his disciples to find a quiet place.

We get so busy in a world that can demand so much of us. That is the case in Mark 6:31; they had been so busy with the needs of others they had forgotten to take care of themselves. Jesus told the disciples, "Find a quiet place and take a break."

Pressing on in 2010

2010-01-01T18:00:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve was different for my husband and me this year. In the past we would go to church and attend a "Watch Night Service" on New Year's Eve. However, we have not done that in several years now.
That will always be a special time for me to look back and reminisce our praying out the old year and praying in the new. There was repentance and surrendering again for the year that was upon us. The Lord was there.

This year my husband and I stayed home waiting for twelve oclock to come. I had my Bible and spent time in prayer and in the Word. Praise was ovious for all that He has and is doing for us.

I prayed not only for myself but my family, friends, leaders, Nation and many other things. I am blessed and thankful for all the family that God has given, yet I must spend time in intercessory prayer for them.

My thoughts where also on the coming days that we all will be facing in 2010. God has pressed on my heart once again to live out Galatians 5:16-22; It says to walk daily in the Spirit. My life becomes my Worship to God when I daily surrender to Him, everything will fit together like a puzzle. I am my worst enemy and I much consistently be submitted to God's Spirit. We hear prayers for peace and love all of this will be in us when we undertand that we must submit to God's Spirit.

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another"

Do any of these verses strike a cord within your heart? Wouldn't it be beyond wonderful to look back this time next year and have truly submitted to the Spirit of God on a continually basis. We like Paul would say, "I am crucified with Christ.. And Christ lives in me."

LET GO AND LET GOD... Joan

Joanie and Friends' Recipes

2010-01-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

My friends and I have put together some recipes for you to enjoy.

There is nothing like the fragrances of home cooking coming from a kitchen, it is so warm and inviting. Today it is fast foods and eat on the run. We are definately in a different season.

I hope you enjoy our recipes.

APPETIZERS AND BEVERAGES

Sundried Tomato Basil Pesto Torte

1/2 stick of Land O' Lakes butter

1 cup Romano Cheese

1 cup Parmesan cheese

1 bottle of Basil Pesto
1 block of cream cheese

Directions

at room temperature cream cheese, Romano cheese, butter and parmesan cheese in food processor and mix together. Blend sundried tomatoes in food processor. Layer cream cheese mixture, sundried tomatoes and pesto, make several layers/top with almonds or pine nuts.

Mexican Corn Dip

2 (12 ounce) can Mexicorn, drained

1 cup sour cream

1 cup mayonnaise

2 small green onions, chopped

1 can chopped green chilies

1 (10 ounce) package grated cheddar cheese

1 pinch of sugar

Jalapeno pepper, to taste

Fritos

Combine all ingredients except Fritos and salt to taste.

Serve with Fritos.

Punch
I have prepared this punch for weddings, meetings, church conferences and everyone loves it.
1 can of frozen orange juice
1 can of frozen pineapple juice
1 can of frozen pink Lemonade

Mix each can as directed

Add 2 cups of sugar
2 Tbsp of Almond Extract
2 boxes of strawberry jello(3 oz each-mix as directed -Cool)
Mix all together store in freezer bags.
Approx. 30 Servings. Joanie B. and my daughter Angie (Irving, TX)

HOT SPICE TEA
From the Kitchen of Susie Connor
1 C. Instant Tea With Lemon1 & 1/2 C. Tang Instant Drink
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
3/4 C Sugar
Mix all ingredients and place in air tight container.
2-3 teaspoons will make one cup with hot water.
Enjoy...when it’s cold outside! Susie C. (N. Carolina)

SOUPS AND SALADS

Autumn Salad

1 large can crushed pineapple

3/4 cup sugar

8 oz. cream cheese softened

8 oz cool whip

3 oz box lemon jello

1 cup pecans

1 chopped apple w/peel

Directions

Put pineapple and sugar in saucepan-simmer 3min. Let cool 10 min. Add jello powder, softened cream cheese, cool whip, pecan and chopped apple.mix sugar cream cheese cool whip and lemon jello.

Add rest of ingredients and chill. Charity Mullins (Denton, TX)

Crunchy Cabbage Salad

Chop½ head of cabbage into small pieces with a knife (grating is not good -softens it)

chop 3 green onions – stems and all

Sautee: 3 tbs. Sesame seeds and 3 tbs. Sliced almonds in 3 tbs. Veg. Oil--add to above mixture

Dressing; 3 tbsp. Oil
3 tbsp. Vinegar
3 packages any type of artificial sweetener (sweet n' low, etc)Just before serving add: Crushed package of RAMEN NOODLES and toss in powder from RAMEN NOODLES - any flavor.
Many people in the Modesto, CA area love this slaw--I can eat it by itself..nothing else!
Nancee -- (Lake Lure, North Carolina.) Click on her name and hear her sing.

GRAPE SALAD
2lb of purple or green grapes
8 oz cream cheese softened
1 cup sour cream
½ cup sugar
2 Tablespoon vanilla (yes Tbsp)Brown sugar
Directions
Blend together with mixer the following: cream cheese, sour cream and vanilla. After removing from stems gently fold in the grapes into mixture,. After salad is in the bowl, sprinkle brown sugar on top. Refrigerate. Can be made ahead of time. If you would like to make this a diet recipe, you can use low fat cream cheese and sour cream with Splenda.
Enjoy!! Nancy W (Lufkin, TX)

Spicy Hot V8 Beef Soup
2 pounds of 80/20 ground beef
1 bottle of spicy Hot V8
1 onion - chopped or 1/2 cup dried onion flakes
1 cup beef boullion1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
2 family size Veg-All or 2 small/1 large bag of frozen mixed vegetables.
1 can of green beans (rinsed)(Add any vegetable combination of your choice) Salt & Pepper to taste
Directions:
Brown ground beef in skillet with onion, salt, pepper and garlic. Drain. Add Spicy Hot V8 juice, vegetables, beef boullion. Let simmer for 30 minutes or more. Season soup as desired with other seasonings. This is a very versatile soup. To add more zing and zip to the soup, add a can of Rotel.
Cindy Hyde (East TX)

Enchilada Soup
2 garlic cloves; minced
1 medium onion; chopped
1 small can of chopped green chilis (drained)
1 stick of butter
2 -8 oz cans of chicken broth
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 can of cheddar cheese soup
1 can of rotel tomatoes (mild)
1 package of frozen corn
salt/pepper to taste
2 T cumin powder
1 T chili powder
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cooked chicken breast; chopped
Directions:
Saute garlic, onion and jalapenos in butter in a large soup pot.
Add broth, soups, tomatoes and corn to the pot once onions are translucent. Bring to boil.
Add seasonings, whipping cream, and chicken and simmer for 15-30 minutes.

Easy Cheesy Potato Soup
3 cans cream of potato
1 stick of butter
1 lb. velvetta cubed
1 qt. half and half
2 cans of sliced potatoes
salt -pepper to taste
Serve in soup bowls garnish with a dollop of cream, bacon bits and shredded cheese.

VEGETABLES AND SIDE DISHES

Golden Corn Pudding2 Tsp butter or margarine
3 Tsp all purpose flour
1 can (14 ¾ oz) DEL MONTE cream style golden sweet corn
¼ c yellow cornmeal
2 eggs, separated
1 pkg. (3 oz. ) creamed cheese softened
1 can (8 ¾) DELMONTE Whole kernel golden sweet corn, drained
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add flour and stir until smooth. Blend in cream style corn and cornmeal. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. Place egg yolks in a small bowl stir in ½ cup hot mixture. Pour back into sauce pan. Add cream cheese and whole kernel corn. Place egg whites in a clean narrow bowl and beat until stiff peak forms. With rubber spatula gently fold egg whites into corn mixture. Pour mixture into 1 1/2 quart straight sided baking dish.
Bake 30-35 minutes or until lightly brown. Pudding can be prepared up to 3 hours ahead of serving time. Cover and refrigerate about 30 minutes before baking. Prep time 10 min. Bake time 35 min. Nancy W. (Lufkin TX)

Green Bean Bundles
Makes 10 to 12 servings
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 (14.5-ounce) cans whole green beans
1 pound sliced peppered bacon
Directions
In a small saucepan, combine first 4 ingredients over medium-high heat. When butter has melted, remove from heat and set aside. Bundle 6 to 7 beans together, wrapping with 1 strip of bacon. Secure bacon strip with a toothpick. Place on a baking sheet. Spoon butter mixture over each bundle. Cover baking sheet and allow to marinate overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. Uncover green bean bundles and cook for 40 minutes.

Summer Squash Casserole
2 pounds yellow squash
1/4 cup sliced onions
1 cup sour cream
1 carrot
1 can mushroom soup
8 oz. croutons
1/2 cup butter
Directions
Cook squash and onions 5 minutes in water. Combine soup and sour cream in a bowl. Add carrot, squash, and onions to soup mixes. Combine melted butter and croutons. Spread half of croutons in bottom of 13 x 9 dish. Spoon vegetable mixture on top. Sprinkle remaining croutons over top. Jackie M (Lancaster TX)

MAIN DISHES

Dorito Casserole
2 15 oz. cans ranch style beans
1 can rotel tomatoes
1 can cream of mushroom
1 lb ground hamburger
1 bag dorito's
Directions
Brown hamburger meat, then combine all ingredients (except Doritos) in casserole.Then pour over crushed Dorito's. Sprinkle with shreaded cheese. Garnish with a dollop of sour cream. This meal does not cost alot or take too long.

Quick Chicken and Dumplings 4 cups water (I made my own chicken broth)
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 (10 3/4-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, undiluted
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules (I added 1 can drained peas and added shredded carrots because I had them)
1 teaspoon seasoned pepper (a little extra pepper for the Peas and carrots)
1 (7.5-ounce) one can refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
Directions
Bring first 5 ingredients to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, stirring often.
Separate biscuits in half, forming 2 rounds; cut each round in half. (I cut half biscuits into fourths)
Drop biscuit pieces, 1 at a time, into boiling mixture; stir gently. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 to 20 minutes. ( I cooked covered 30 minutes)To lighten: Use reduced-sodium, reduced-fat cream of chicken soup; reduced-fat biscuits; and chopped, cooked chicken breast halves. myrecipes.com by Dottie B. (East Texas)

Ritz Chicken Casserole 6 Chicken Breast halves, cooked and cut into bite-size pieces
1 Can of Cream of Chicken
1 Can of Cream of Celery
8 Oz Carton of Sour Cream
2 tablespoons onion finally chopped
Dash of Paprika for color
celery or celery salt to taste
Topping:
1 or 2 stack Ritz crackers, crumbled
1 stcik of melted margarine
Preheat over 350
Mix all together and pour in 8x11 baking dish that has been sprayed with pam. Put the following topping over the casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly and cracker crumbs are light brown.
Add some chicken broth if you do not like it rich and creamy. Take one or two sleeves of Ritz Crackers from the box and crumble1 stick of melted butter

King Ranch Casserole 2 cups cooked diced chicken
1 can Rotel tomatoes and green chilies
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
1/2 can of chicken broth
1 package soft tortillas,
cut into small pieces
1 large onion
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese.
Combine all and layer with tortillas in a greased 2 quart casserole. Repeat layers and sprinkle with cheese on
top. Bake 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Chili Beef and Chips
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 clove garlic minced
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can (4 oz) chopped green chilies
1 can mild enchilada sauce
1 package(6 1/4 ounces) corn tortilla chips
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 Tab chopped olives
Directions
Cook ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain meat, stir in soup and chilies, In a 10 x 8 x 2 inch oval pan place about 2 cups of corn chips. Layer half each of the meat mixture, Enchilada sauce, and cheese. Repeat cook 30 at 350 until heated through. Sprinkle with remaining corn chips and olives.
Let stand 3 min. before serving.

A Tasty *Shrimp Dish*
Here is a list of what you need.
Fresh small to medium Shrimp
One Large Onion (finely chopped but not to fine)
Fresh Garlic
Sweet Bell Pepper (chopped up, oh about a hand full)
Lemon Juice
Olive Oil
Yellow Rice
Put the rice on to cook as the directions on the package call for, except reduce the water by about 3/8 of a cup (you will get some liquid from the shrimp and other stuff. Now while this is cooking take a skillet, and start to cook the onion and bell pepper in olive oil, till the onion begins to look clear over medium heat.
Now add the shrimp and garlic and reduce the heat.
Add cover so the liquid does not all cook away. (If they are small, then use them whole, but don't use popcorn shrimp, they have very little taste, if the shrimp are large then cut them up)
Salt and pepper to taste, and I like a little Worcestershire Sauce'
Now don't fully cook the shrimp cause they will finish in the rice. When the rice has cooked for about 25 minutes then add everything in the skillet, and mix it well.
Let it slow cook till the rice is finished cooking.

DESSERTS

Chew Nutty Bar
1 Duncan Hines Butter Golden Cake Mix
Divide 3/4 and 3/4
3/4 cup butter=1 1/2 stick of butter
1 cup brown sugar packed
2-8 oz pkg. cream cheese, softened
Directions
Preheat over to 350. Grease and flour pan. For base
stir ingredients together in medium bown until well mixed,
dry cake mix, butter melted and 3/4 cup pecans.
Press in bottom of pan.
For Topping:
Spread brown sugar and cream cheese even over the base. Sprinkle with 3/4 cup pecans
of chopped pecans. Bake about 40 minutes or until edges are browned and cheese topping is set. Cool completely before cutting. Store in airtight container in refrig.
Note: your overn may take a little longer or less to cook. Also this freezes wonderfully. Marcell Newman in Mt Pleasant, TX.

Frozen Strawberry Pie
1 qt fresh strawberries
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
1 (8 oz.) pkg. Philadelphia Cream cheese
1 can Eagle Brand Milk
1 large lemon, juiced
1 large ctn. cool whip
2 graham cracker pie crust
Directions
Clean and mash strawberries, add 1 cup of the sugar and let stand while mixing other ingredients. Beat cream cheese until light and fluffy. Slowly add Eagle Brand milk, lemon juice, and salt, still beating. Beat in remaining 1/2 cup of sugar slowly.
Add strawberry/sugar mixture and continue mixing. Fold Cool Whip into this final mixture. Pourinto 2 graham pie crusts or 1 large casserole. Freeze.
Marcelle Newman in Mt Pleasant, TX

Mimi’s Pumpkin Cheese Cake 3 (8 ounce packages) cream cheese
1½ cups white sugar
1 packed cup brown sugar
¼ flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon ginger
3 eggs
1 (16 ounce) can pumpkin
Graham Cracker crumbs.
Directions
Blend cheese, both sugars, flour, and all spices. Add eggs and beat until fluffy. Mix in pumpkin. Prepare a spring form pan with cooking spray and dust the bottom and sides with graham cracker crumbs. Pour batter into pan. Bake for about 1 ½ hours in 350 degree oven (Use water bath). I use the 8 inch spring form pan but had to bake at 300 for 2 hours. If you use the larger pan your cake will not be as thick, but you can bake at 350. If it’s baked too fast it burns on the outside and not done in the middle. Test it with a tooth pick to see when it’s really good and done. Susie Conner (N Carolina)

Billie's Coconut Pie 3/4 cups of sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
Pinch of salt
3 eggs, separated
2 cups milk (1cup evaporated and 1 cup of whole milk or 2% milk
1 cup coconut
1 Tbsp butter
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 tsp coconut flavoring (optional)
DirectionsCombine sugar, cornstarch, salt & milk in microwaveable mixing bowl. Stir well and place in microwave for 8 minutes. (It may take more or less time, depending on microwave.) After 3 minutes, take out and stir well. Resume cooking. Stir again and more often as mixture begins to thicken. When it begins to thicken, beat egg yolks and add to hot mixture. Add coconut and stir well. Return to microwave and cook until thick enough.
Add butter and flavorings. Mix well and pour into baked pie crust. Cover with meringue and sprinkle with coconut. Bake at 350 till brown. Cool and enjoy. (You may use this for chocolate pie by omitting, egg yolks and coconut flavoring. Just add 3 Tbsp cocoa to sugar and cornstarch before adding milk.) Billie Bryce Diboll TX

Billie's Meringue
3 egg whites
1/8 tsp cream of tartar or baking powder
1/3 cup sugar
1 drop of vanilla
Directions
Combine egg whites, cream of tartar, and vanilla in small bowl. Beat on high till mixture is frothy.
Continue beating while sprinkling sugar on mixture. Beat til peaks form; don't beat too long or it will be too dry and stiff. You want it to be a workable misture.

Mama's Choco Pie
1 Baked pie crust
½ c. cocoa
1 ¾ c. plus 2 tsp. sugar
¼ c. cornstarch
¼ tsp. salt
3 eggs, separated
2 c. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp baking powder
Directions
Sift together cocoa, 1 ½ c. sugar, cornstarch and salt.Beat egg yolks and add to milk and stir well.
Add to cocoa mixture, stirring until well blended (using whisk). Cook in a boiler until thick, STIRRING CONSTANTLY(or use a double boiler if preferred). (I use my hand mixer while cooking and keep a whisk and large spoon nearby to keep from scorching.) Remove from heat and add vanilla. Pour into baked pie crust. Beat egg whites until frothy; add baking powder. Beat until stiff and add remaining sugar gradually and continue to beat stiff (until whites peak). Pour over pie. Brown meringue under oven broiler watching closely so as not to burn. Nancy W (Lufkin, TX)

Sopapilla Cheesecake 1-8 oz. Pkg of Cream Cheese (soften)
1 Stick of unsalted butter (melted)
1 tsp full of vanilla extract
2 Tbs of cinnamon
2 cups of Sugar
2 cans of Crescent Rolls
Directions
Add 1 cup of the sugar to the softened cream cheese. Add Vanilla mix well. Add one can of the crescent rolls at the bottom of a 9x11 pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the crescent rolls and roll out the 2nd can of crescent rolls over the top of the added cream cheese layer. Add one cup of sugar to the melted butter pour over the top and sprinkle over the cinnamon. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.Angie Bunten (Irving, TX)

Yogurt Cool Whip Pie This is so quick and easy and I think very good.
2 containers of yogurt strawberry
I small package of strawberry jello
1 small tub of cool whip
graham cracker crust.
Directions
mix jello with 1/2 cup boiling water, and 1/2 cup cool water (let cool)
mix in the yogurt until mixed well. Add tub of cool whip stir until smooth pour into pie shell and let set in fridge a couple of hours at least. You can garnish with strawberries if you wish. Use any flavor of yogurt and jello you wish, use keyline yogurt for keylime pie.
Enjoy, Jean Johnston (East Texas)

Coconut Cake
1 pkg. white or yellow cake mix/pudding
1 small box of instant vanilla pudding
4 eggs
1/4 cup oil
1 1/3 cups water
2 cups coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
Directions
Mix first 5 ingredients together, and mix for 4 minutes.
Add coconut and nuts Bake at 350 degrees for 35 or 40 minutes (use a 9 by 13 in. dish, or
pan).....Do not over bake.

Coconut Cream Cheese Icing 4 T margarine..(save 2 T of this for toasting coconut)
2 cups coconut (1/4 cup for toasting)
1 -8 ounce pkg. of cream cheese
2 t. milk
3 1/2 cups of powdered sugar
1/2 t. vanilla
Melt the 2 T marg. in skillet, add the 1/4 cup coconut, brown over low heat, stirring often...Spread on paper towel.. Cream the cream cheese & the other 2 T of margarine...add milk...beat in sugar(powdered) gradually...blend in vanilla.....Stir in the 1 3/4 cups of coconut....Spread on cooled cake.

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE CAKE Cream 1 cup softened margarine and 2-1/2 cups sugar.
Beat in 2 eggs, one at a time.
Sift together 3 times:
3 cups all-purpose flour,
2 tablespoons cocoa, and 2 teaspoons soda.
Add dry ingredients alternately with 2 cups buttermilk.
Add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract to creamed mixture.
Bake at 350º in 9x12 rectangular pan* for 45 minutes, or until cake tests done with toothpick.
*Can be baked in 3 layer pans, if desired
Frosting
3/4 stick margarine, softened
3/4 pkg. (8-oz.pkg.) cream cheese
1 box powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 tsp. almond extract
Cream the margarine and cream cheese together.
Add sifted powdered sugar and almond extract.
Spread on cooled cake. Nancy P (Lufkin TX)

YUM YUM CAKE 1Box White cake mix (or yellow cake mix)
1 Large box instant vanilla pudding
1 Cup buttermilk
1 Cup Oil
4 Eggs
Directions
Mix all ingredients together well
Add to batter: 1 Cup chopped nuts 1 Cup Coconut
1-11oz. pkg. Butterscotch morsels (or chocolate, or caramel)
Pour into prepared Bundt pan (I use nonstick and floured or the nonstick/flour spray)
Bake @ 350 degrees of 60-65 minutes, until tests done.
This is truly yummy!!! No icing needed. Nancy Wilson (Lufkin, TX)

Swedish Nut Cake Cake:
2 C. sugar
2 C. flour
2 tsp. Baking Soda
2 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
1 (20 oz.) Can Crushed Pineapple
1/2 C. Nuts
Icing:
8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 Stick Butter or Margarine
1-3/4 C. Powdered Sugar
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 C. Nuts
Preheat oven to 350°.
Mix cake ingredients by hand in a 13 by 9 in.baking pan.
Bake for 40-45 minutes. Cream icing ingredients using mixer and spread on hot cake.
Note: This is a great recipe for working moms or anyone who likes a quick and easy recipe. Very little cleanup. This cake is good during the holidays.

Peach Cobbler 1 cup sugar
1 stick butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 large cans or 4 small cans peaches or fresh peaches
2 pie crust (rollout) Melt butter, add all dry ingredients.
Stir mixture bringing to a low boil. Add vanilla and syrup from peaches to mixture. If using fresh peaches add one cup water. Bring to a low boil. When mixture thickens add peaches. Bring to a low boil and cut off heat.
Directions
Roll out one pie crust to fit dish. Line dish with pie crust. Prebake at 350 until light brown. Allow to cool. Add mixture then cover with second pie crust top. Bake at 350 for 30 to 45 minutes. Remove from oven sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (tablespoon sugar, half teaspoon cinnamon).
Recipe makes 9 x 13 cobbler.
Jackie M (Lancaster TX)

Fresh Georgia Peach Pound Cake
Prep time: 20 minutes. Baking time: 1 hour 20 minutes.
1 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 cups sugar
6 eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Morton’s salt
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups peeled, chopped peaches.
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degree. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube or bundt pan. In a large mixer bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts. In small bowl combine dry ingredients (I don’t do this just add to the mixture in mixing bowl), add to creamed mixture gradually. Fold in sour cream and peaches. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 75 to 85 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Makes 16 servings, 400 calories each. Freezes well. Jackie

Apple Dumplings
4 large Granny Smith Apples
Peel-cut in quarters-core 16 pieces
2 refrigerated cans of crescent dinner rolls
Wrap each sliced apple in the crescent roll
1-1/2 stick of soft butter
1-1/2 cups of sugar
1 Tbsp of cinnamon (I use a little less)
Directions
Mix cinnamon and sugar add margarine, (you can add raisins if you like). Spoon over top of each dumpling that has been placed in 9x13 baking dish. Pour 1 can Mt DewPour around dumplings. Bake 350 for about 45 min or until brown. It is very rich and do not cook too often but my family loves it. Joanie B (Dallas area)

Quick Apple Dumplings
2 Medium Granny Smith Apples
1 8-count Cresent roll dough
1/4 cp Butter
1/2 tp ground Cinnamin
1/2 cp sugar (can use Splenda)
1 cp Orange Juice
1/2 cp fine chopped pecans
1 tp Vanilla flavoring
Directions
Grase 2" x 8" baking pan/dish; combine butter, sugar,orange juice and cinnamin ... put in microwave until butter melts.
Add flavoring and set aside. Criss-cross/par apples, then wrap in cresent roll dough; spoon above mixture over dumplings, then sprinkle pecans on each one. Spoon left-over mixture over dumplings after cooked.
Preheat oven to 350F; bake 30 minutes or until golden brown(Friend in Florida)--by Nina Rogers. Hope you like it too!

Pumpkin Cobbler Presented by The Kingsley House Bed & Breakfast
1 large can of pure pumpkin (or two small cans)
12 oz. can of evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup of Sugar
1 tsp of salt
1 Tbsp of cinnamon
1/4 tsp of nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1 large box of yellow cake mix
1 cup of chopped pecans (may omit)
3/4 cups of melted butter
Directions
Mix first 8 ingredients and pour into well-greased 9x13. Sprinkle cake mix on top, then pecans. Drizzle with butter and bake 50 minutes at 350 until set in middle. Spoon into ramekin or dessert dishes and top with dollops of whipped cream. Dottie B. she could write a recipe book. (East Texas)

Pineapple Cake
Butter flavored cake mix, baked as directions (I use pineapple juice instead of water drained from can of crushed pineapple)
1 Can Cream of Coconut (usually found in mix drink section)
1 Can of Condensed Milk (I use fat free) stir these together while cake is baking. When cake is baked, poke holes in the cake and pour the above in the holes.When cooled add a box of stawberries to the top. Add 1 can of drained crushed pineapple. Then cover with Cool Whip and keep in refrigerator..it gets better by the day if any is left!!! This is a cake that I take everywhere and it is easy. Enjoy, Becky H. (East Texas)

Red Velvet Cup Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon cocoa powder

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil

1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

2 large eggs, room temperature

2 tablespoons red food coloring

1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.
In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
1 package (3 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup margarine or butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
(or double recipe)
Directions
Mix cream cheese, margarine and vanilla in medium bowl. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until smooth and spreading consistency.

Full Fudge
3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup smooth peanut butter
2 sticks melted marg.
1 box conf. sugar
Mix and press in 9x12 pan
Melt 1 pkg. 12 oz. cho. chip in microwave.
spread over top-- cool
It is easy and you do not cook.

Old Fashioned Tea Cakes 1 cup shortening
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 tsp soda
2 tsp baking powder
Dash of salt
2 tsp vanilla
31/2 cups flour
Directions
Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs and mix well. Dissolve soda in buttermilk and add to the above mixture; add vanilla. Mix flour, baking powder and salt, add to creamed mixture and mix well. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until golden brown. (You can add candy sprinkles on top before baking)
Aunt Kay

Cookies

Christmas Cookies
1 cup of softened butter
1 cup of powdered sugar
2 t. vanilla
dash of salt
2 1/4 cups of flour
cream butter, sugar, & vanilla
Add flour and salt
chill covered dough approx 1 hour roll out and cut into shapes.
Bake at 300 degrees for 8-10 min or until golden.
Charity Dawn

Breads

Yeast Biscuits
2 cups of flour
1 pkg or 1 tablespoon yeast
1 tablespoon oil
1 cup very warm water
Mix water and yeast until yeast is disolved, add oil and stir. Add sifted flour and add a 1/2 to one teaspoon of salt. Mix well and place on floured pastry sheet on board. Knead slightly and press out to about 1/2 inch thickness. Cut out with a biscuit cutter or glass that has been dipped in flour. Place biscuits in an (iron skillet, which I like to use) that has been greased with oil, then turn them over so tops will be greased. Cover with a dome lid and let rise 45 minutes, then bake at 450 degrees til light brown. Billie Bryce, Diboll, TX.

RED LOBSTER CHEESE BISCUITS
Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved.
2 c. Pioneer biscuit mix
1 egg, beaten
Scant 1 c. milk
1/4 c. butter, melted
2 c. grated sharp cheese
Mix biscuit mix, egg and milk. Mix in melted butter and cheese. Drop by teaspoonsful on greased cookie sheet. Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Good Biscuits
You would have to taste them for yourself
2 cups pioneer baking mix --Sprite
1 cup sour cream Mix sour cream and baking mix, and add just enough sprite to make a dough. I got a little too much in mine, had to add a little more of the mix. Also, I had to use a little of the mix to roll out the dough as I dipped it with a spoon. Before you make out the biscuits, melt 1/2 stick butter in a iron skillet, dip the biscuits in this, turn over so other side gets some on it. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes or until nice and brown.
You won't be disappointed with these, only problem we had was eating toooooo many.
Hope you enjoy them if you decide to make them.

Love Has Come

2009-12-21T13:32:00.000-08:00

I hear a lot of statements like, "this is what Christmas is all about."
Some people try to explain away the Holiday Season and fail to leave out the Christ Child.

The true meaning of this season and all year long is that the Lamb of God was born in a stable and came to redeem mankind from sin; Eventually to die and be raised again to give us victory over sin.
We now through accepting Jesus Christ get to have a hope and an eternal future. What Greater News could ever be told.

Love showed up in a lowly stable to let the world know what the true meaning of this season and for all seasons is really all about, God incarnate has revealed TRUE LOVE to all human flesh.

I now can show that love to my family, friends and those I have never seen. That is what Christmas is all about. It is a wonderful love story! We should never be guilty of saying, "no one loves me."

Jesus loves you and has come down to prove it. He did not leave us as orphans, He has given us His Spirit to walk out this so great SALVATION. Go telling it on the mountain, "that Jesus Christ is born."

Teach it to your children and let them teach it to their children's children. Remind them that the greatest love gift is not what is under the tree all wrapped in pretty paper and ribbon but was Jesus Christ, born in a manger wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Christmas Greetings from Joanie's Place

2009-12-03T20:18:00.000-08:00

We have moved on from Thanksgiving to the Christmas Season. Christmas comes at such a good time. It is the end of the year and hopefully we have grown in 2009 and learned lessons that we can put into motion for the next year.

God and His love came to give us a new beginning. Why can't man see that and accept God's wonderful gift of a New Life? "For God so loved He gave."

The Birth of Jesus
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

The Shepherds and the Angels
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 1:1-17

2009-11-20T08:03:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here. I have been baking and freezing so I will not have to be rushed on Thanksgiving Day. November and December are the two months that I love to cook and make a lot of my desserts; Cakes, cupcakes, pies, cookies, puddings and the list goes on.

It will be cool here in Texas but not like some of you that will look out your window and see snow, snow, snow. I enjoy a white Thanksgiving and Christmas; however, it probably will not happen here.

It seems we jump from Halloween to Christmas and there is just not enough time to enjoy the Thanksgiving Spirit that we all need to cherish.

Thanksgiving is about home and family to me. It is synonymous with things that can be found in our own homes. I love a fireplace, being busy in the kitchen, children and grandchildren, homemade rolls, pumpkin pie and a million calories.

Thanksgiving should be a time of reflecting upon the faithfulness of God and thanking Him for all things big and small that He has given to us. The meal, the memories has a way of blocking the times of pain that we have had to endure in the days behind us. It just ushers in a spirit of gratitude, love, and genuine joy once we feast around that day together and everything else seems to fade into insignificance.

Thanksgiving also is packed with national nostalgia. It takes us back to the simple life that our forefathers lived and depended on to exist. Thanksgiving just brings a renewal to me of thankfulness and patriotism, a reflection inside that seems to say, " I am proud to be an American."

Take a lot of pictures and enjoy your family even if it is just two of you. We are making memories and that will be very important to us later. Today will be tomorrow's memories.

I really pray for you to have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Joanie B

Welcome to Joanie's Place

2009-09-25T22:44:00.001-07:00

I am always so excited about fall, how about you? It moves us on to a cooler time of year. Now, in Texas where I was raised it takes a while for the weather to really cool down. However, it gives everybody a break from the hot, hot summer that everyone has endured over the last few months.

I travel a great deal and my eyes keep turning to the trees and landscape, anticipating the new fall colors that will soon be here. God is an awesome artist and his portraits are breathtaking. I love all the changes and look forward to both fall and winter, which is my most favorite time of the year.

It is more than just the seasons; it is the family time that we share together. Families will gather, enjoy Holiday meals, exchange recipes and share stories, we cannot forget the pictures, everyone has to stand still and not move until the last shot is taken, from about 3 different cameras. Let's not forget the comments of the grandchildern, "oh no, not another picture!" Just love it!!

Thank you for stopping by and please come back often.

God bless, Joanie B