♥FRIENDLY FRIDAY♥

Here is a sweet red rose from my garden for all you my dear friends, I hope this day finds you well.
I am recouping from yesterday, my knee is not hurting but my other leg is, lol guess I favored it too much yesterday trying not of step on the right leg, oh well praise God, It will pass, and It will get better.

♥ In Tune With Each Other, My Friend ♥


There is nothing better than sharing with a friend, if you have a good friend you can laugh with, cry with, pray with you have a good thing. Hold them close to your heart daily in Prayer, it is impossible to have a friend and not pray for her, and if you are not praying for her, shame on you. Those we love we pray for, make a point each day to pray for your family, your friends, and especially those you do not like, lets let all malice be put far from us, and let us hold each other high above our self. Talk is cheap, action is where it is, go now and send some one a card, call some one, and just say a prayer for all your friends, and know they are praying for you. It only takes a couple minutes to pray, or write or send a card. Hugs and I consider you all my friends, and I DO pray for you daily. Lots of love on this Friendly Friday. Have a very blessed weekend too. Start praying now for your church services Sunday, God will do great and mighty things when we pray.

Thankful Thursday

SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

"And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." (Ezekiel 34:26)
 
 
 
I just love blessings, don't you, and I always want them to come down in showers, not in spurts or in drops but in showers, I love it when God rains down blessings on me. This verse provided the inspiration for the old gospel hymn "Showers of Blessing." While it applies specifically to Israel, it states a divine principle which believers of all times have rightly appropriated to their own lives. The same word ("showers") is also frequently translated "rain," speaking of the rain which followed Elijah's contest with the prophets of Baal at the end of the three-year drought. "And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain" (1 Kings 18:41).
I count my friends the greatest blessings God has ever given, in my years of life, I have seen many blessings in all shapes and forms. Some I have since Grade school, some more recent. We just cannot go without friends, they are a need for the human spirit.
I remember one time when we were first married, we had this old car that always broke down, well it always seemed to break down at a light, I would slow and stop for a red light, and then the car would not start again, but God always had someone there to help, in our darkest moments he always sends a light.
 
Today is Thankful Thursday, how many things can you say you are thankful for? WOW I can think of so many right off the top of my head I could not write them all down.
But today I am thankful for my friends, I have several really good friends, that are always there, they always pray for me, and I know I can count on them, I say that is one shower of blessings indeed. If you have one good friend you can trust it is a blessing, but to have several, that is from God.
 
I am going today to have an injection of Steroids put in a Cyst behind my knee, I have been fighting this painful battle for weeks now, and finally know what the culprit is that is causing all my pain. So if you would pray for me, and that this pain will go away, the shot will shrink the cyst and I can get on with my every day living, and doing all the things I love doing. I am so thankful that God is with me every way, and that he has gotten through this time of pain and I can still say, I trust in you Lord, and I know you have my life, my health all of me in your mighty hands, and can care for me so much better than anyone else. Thank you Lord.

Wonderful Wednesday
Feeding the Soul

"Moreover as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you: but I will teach you the good and the right way." (1 Samuel 12:23)

Samuel's great heart, both for the Lord and for His people, is revealed in the promise of our text. Although he was hurt and disappointed, because he had led them successfully and justly his whole life, he would still pray for them and teach them. This is a great example for Christian leaders or workers today who, through no fault of their own, have been replaced by someone else.

Intercessory prayer is not easy, especially if our prayers are not appreciated by those we pray for. Nevertheless, it is a type of prayer ministry that especially pleases the Lord, and that is more important than human gratitude. "I exhort therefore" said Paul (no doubt reflecting God’s own desires), "that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority . . ." (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Paul would even urge prayer for the emperor, Nero, who had imprisoned him and would eventually have him put to death.

Even Jesus had said that we should "pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). The Lord Jesus is the greatest intercessor of all. For when we sin (and all sin is sin against the Lord), He is our "advocate with the Father" (1 John 2:1), and in fact, "he ever liveth to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). Therefore, should we not also be prayer intercessors?

Feeding the Body
Krystal's Hamburgers

2 lb. Lean Ground Beef
1/4 cup Dry Minced Onion
1/4 cup Hot Water
3 oz. Jar Strained Beef Baby Food
2/3 cup Clear Beef Broth
1 pk. Hot Dog Buns


Soak 1/4 cup dry minced onions in 1/4 cup hot water until soft while you
mix 2 pounds ground beef with 3 ounce jar of strained beef baby food and
2/3 cup clear beef broth. Keep patties uniform using
1/4 cup meat mixture


for each patty, flattened to 1/4" and fried quickly in 1 T oil per patty on
a hot griddle. Make 3 or 4 holes in patties while frying. Cut hot dog buns
in half. Cut off rounded ends. Fry 1 t onions under each patty as you turn
to fry 2nd side. Slip each patty into bun with 2 dill pickle chips, mustard
and catsup.  YumYum so good

Saluting Sweet Stephanie

Well my precious Grand Daughter is graduating this year, she has been an all A student since preschool, mostly A+ Needless to say we are bursting with pride over this wonderful young girl. She is super special, she works attends school, and is the best granddaughter a Nana could ever have.
I do not see her like I did when she was little, such a beautiful little girl, we moved away from them when she was in still young, but through the years I seen her grow, and watched her become the beautiful young woman she is today. I am posting some photos of her, hope you enjoy them, and say with me Happy Graduation Sweet Stephanie.  Nana and Papa are sure proud of your accomplishments, and know you will do good in college too. God bless you dear one and know we love you very much.

 
Stephanie and My Daughter Michelle
God Bless you my precious Girl

Marvellous Monday

We had such a wonderful Weekend, I hope you all did too, yesterday was great, such good preaching and fellowship, and last night we had a time going to church.
When we left home the sun was shining, we went about 12 miles and low and behold it started hailing, yes hailing some a large as  golf balls, we pulled off under a tree to protect the car we were afraid it was going to get all dinged up. It only lasted about 10 minutes then we went on our way, and no damage done, along side the road we seen all this white hail laying, just seemed unreal. it all happened so quick, and I thank God it was hail and not that Tornado that hit in Mississippi, now that was some real devastation, pray for those folks that were affected by that. I wish I had my camera though to show all that hail, not very often do we see hail in our part of the Country, way down south that is.
I had the best surprise yesterday when we walked into church, and in my seat was this box with a card on it, beautiful card from my new found friend, Lorraine, and lookie what was inside the box. She said when she seen it she thought of Mother Hen and had to get it for me. I have a web site and I am known as Mother hen. Isn't it just gorgeous, and it has found a new home right where it belongs too. Thank you Lorraine, and I am so happy I God has brought us together and we have found this new friendship, hugs. Don't ya just love surprises like this.

My Laid Back Saturday

Waving at you after a very uneventful day...It has been a very restful and peaceful day, I love those kind.
It seemed everything I went to went smooth and easy, yeahhhhhhhhhh!! I am feeling some better, and my leg is not paining me as it was.
I did get quite a bit accomplished today too, I cleaned and scoured the bathroom good today, washing all the little throw rugs, mats and covers. So it is all sparkling and smells good.
I vacuumed and cleaned the living room too, way too much dust to be breathing in, lol then I got some more eggs, the chickens are laying good now, and I am so happy they are, been a while since we got them and I was fearful that the episode at first would harm them in some way, but all seems good, and they are very fat and happy hens now.
I used Sandra's pizza recipe and my dear hubby made a home made Pizza for supper, it was real good, and he did a superb job on it, thanks Sandra for that easy and good recipe.

I am really looking forward to church tomorrow, it seems a long time since Wednesday, but same as every week, perhaps it is because I have been under the weather, and now feeling better. All of you who have been praying for me,. thank you, it has helped so much. God bless you and have wonderful Lord's day.
Lots of Hugs, Barbara ♥

FRIENDLY FRIDAY
We have a friend that sticketh closer than a brother, his name is Jesus, he is our master, he is our friend, he is our King, he is our Saviour. Let us all walk in his image, let us be like Jesus in every way, I hope you are friendly to those around you, and that today you will send some one a little word encouragement, send a card and let them know you care about them, and that you are praying for them,  or if they are close, call them, or better yet stop by and give them a hug in person. There is nothing more encouraging than to know your friends are praying for you. Love each of you, and have a marvellous Friendly Friday.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Can this be said of us?

♥ SO VERY MUCH TO BE THANKFUL FOR ♥

I have so very much to be thankful for. I have been in terrible pain all week, it is lessening now, and I think I am thankful for the leg that is hurting, some others do not have a leg to hurt. Instead of complaining I want to praise God for feeling, for the pain, and for having the leg to hurt. I could be in such terrible shape now, but God has been good to me, he keeps me going, and he keeps me content. Only our Heavenly Father can do this. I give him the glory for all the things he is so wonderful in providing for me.

I have met so many new friends lately, and I am thankful for each of them, and what they have brought into my life. Everyone we meet gives us something different, and all those friends always give what we need, when we need it. Our gracious father sends the exact ones we need. Now my Saviour is still the best friend I have, and he always will be number one. I am thankful for you my sweet Jesus, that you loved me so much to die for me, and that you just keep giving and giving and giving, and I will forever and eternally be grateful for that. God bless you on this Thankful Thursday, give him the thanks and the praise he deserves. Have a wonderful day, and know you have a friend in Jesus.


A Little Healty Treat for you this Thursday, From Lisa at “Here’s To A Healthier Lifestyle!” 

Homemade Granola Bars
1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
1/4 cup whole wheat pastry or unbleached flour
1/4 cup wheat germ
2 tbs. flax seed flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup plus 2 tablesppons honey
1/3 cup chopped dried cherries, cranberries or apricots
Directions:
Combine the oats, flour, wheat germ, and cinnamon,
stir to mix well. Add the honey, stir until the mixture is moist
and crumbly. Fold in the raisins or other fruits. Coat an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. Pat the mixture into the pan, and bake at 300°F for 18 to 20 minutes, or until lightly
browned. Cool to room temperature, cut into bars, and serve.
You can add some nuts or chocolate chips to these too.

WEDNESDAY WONDERFUL WORDS

What Have You Done for God?

As I think about this title I wonder what have I done for God, sometimes we think we do so much, and as we look back it seems so little. Compared to all God has did for us.

God never gives up on us. He gives us second, third, fourth, fifth hundreds of chances, and more. He still forgives and forgets what we have done. He is so wonderful; so what are you doing for

Him?

I am just kinda thinking out loud here, and may it stir our hearts an minds as we think on these things, what have we really accomplished for our dear lord that give his only begotten son that we may have life.

I am getting on up in years, you may say I am in the winter season of my life, and as I look back I think of the ones I have told about Christ, and the classes I have taught, an the souls I led to a saving knowledge of Jesus, but in all reality what have I did, I never did a lot, and now it is almost too late to do too much, I am old, and I am sickly, and have a bum leg. But...I still can pray, I still can write, I still can talk and tell others of what our marvellous Saviour has did for me. We all can do more than we are doing for our lord.

Many say that their prayers are for God. Much of our praying is for us, and not for God, nor for others. “Lord, gimme this”, or “gimme that,” is usually a prayer for only ourselves.

Some think their Bible-reading is for God. Reading can guide us in the direction He wants, but most of our reading is for us, and not for His plans. Too many are not reading it to “hear” from God, and allow His Spirit to sway and direct their hearts. For many, it is a drudgerous work and is not done for God.  And how many times do we let God lead us, and when we are done learning and reading actually go and tell others about what I have read?
Attending church, also, is usually for us. In too many cases, the reason for attendance is for fellowship, food, or for attaining interesting facts. Attendance should be to hear what God has laid on the pastor’s heart to speak to ours, or to learn how we can be of further use to Him. Go to church to praise God for what he has did in your life, Go to church to give God glory for all he has done, and to worship him in Spirit and Truth. Let us go to be with God's people and and to be strengthened in his holy word.
Many through the ages that have done what God has told them. It was hard for them to tithe, go soul winning, attend church although they had a work schedule, and all the other things that so many excuse their way out of. The difference between them and the excuse-makers is that obedience to God was important to them, and they did obey what they were shown or told. When one is obedient, all the things that God wants them to do are done. Then they will give, teach, help others, pray, read their Bible, attend church, serve in a ministry and other things God wants them to do. I will close today with these scriptures:

“Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?” Romans 6:16

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” James 2:20

“For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Romans 5:19

Now what will you do today for God?

Lots of Love and Prayers, Barbara

TASTEY TUESDAY

Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole


Ingredients1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (Regular, 98% Fat Free or Healthy Request®)
1 1/3 cups water
3/4 cup uncooked regular long-grain white rice
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese


Directions
1. Heat the oven to 375°F. Stir the soup, water, rice, onion powder, black pepper and vegetables in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
2. Top with the chicken. Cover the baking dish.
3. Bake for 50 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is tender. Top with the cheese. Let the casserole stand for 10 minutes. Stir the rice before serving.


Serving Suggestion: Serve with a Caesar salad. For dessert serve frozen Italian-style water ice or gelati.

TASTEY TUESDAY

Jesus Is Sweet



As I was looking at this orange, it reminded me of a sermon my dear husband preached on about salvation. He said if I were eating this orange, and you did not taste of it, you would have no idea how juicy and sweet it tasted. Salvation is sweet; but if you've never tasted it for yourself, you have no idea just how sweet it can be.


II Corinthians 6:2, "For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."


Proverbs 27:1, "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."


This is the scripture he used in the message, and it just all came alive. He preaches dynamically and uses many things in every day life to get a point of Biblical teachings across. Just as Jesus gave all the parables, he uses these illustrations to point sinners to Christ. So many in the pews of our churches are lost and undone without Christ, and we must reach them -- this is the great commission, go, go quickly! Compel them!

Luke 14:23, "And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled."


As you know, the lost world is not beating the doors down to get into the church where they can hear the gospel; so as the saved and called accordingly to His purpose, we need to be willing to go out and bring them in. Amen.