May you and yours have a blessed day!
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Pecan Pie Brownies Revisited
Two years ago I posted "Must Try Recipe ~ Pecan Pie Brownies." The recipe is amazing, but I ended up with some gooey brownies in the middle of the pan. Delicious, but not firm enough to cut and take to a gathering. I wanted to make them again this year and started looking for a brownie pan. There are many to be found on the internet, but few and far between in local stores. I finally found one at Walmart. It is Wilton brand and I paid $11.97 for it (online it is $23.30)
Pecan Pie Brownies
1 package brownie mix and ingredients listed on the box
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups pecans, chopped
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch pan (or brownie pan.).
Mix together brownies according to package directions. Spread in pan. I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop into each square. Bake brownies for 15 minutes.
Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, vanilla and eggs. Stir in chopped pecans.
Carefully spoon pecan pie mixture over partially cookies brownies.
Bake additional 10-15 minutes. Cool and cut into 12 or 16 squares - or in my case run a smooth knife around each brownie and pull right out!
We have not sampled these YET. I don't think I mentioned that Les and I are not having any desserts for a month. We've been eating way too much sugar lately and decided to stay away from it for a while. This started on November 14th. We are allowing one exception - tomorrow - then it's back to being good for a few more weeks! I may not eat any mashed potatoes or stuffing or sweet potatoes tomorrow - I need to save room for dessert!
It's not too late if you need one more yummy dessert for tomorrow. These are really easy and I know from my previous batch they taste amazing. If you don't have a brownie pan, you could try a muffin pan. Definitely cook the brownies a bit before adding the pecan topping. You'll be thankful and so will your guests.
Pecan Pie Brownies
1 package brownie mix and ingredients listed on the box
1/4 cup melted butter
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp flour
1/4 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
2 cups pecans, chopped
Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9x9-inch pan (or brownie pan.).
Mix together brownies according to package directions. Spread in pan. I used a 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop into each square. Bake brownies for 15 minutes.
Whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, vanilla and eggs. Stir in chopped pecans.
Carefully spoon pecan pie mixture over partially cookies brownies.
Bake additional 10-15 minutes. Cool and cut into 12 or 16 squares - or in my case run a smooth knife around each brownie and pull right out!
We have not sampled these YET. I don't think I mentioned that Les and I are not having any desserts for a month. We've been eating way too much sugar lately and decided to stay away from it for a while. This started on November 14th. We are allowing one exception - tomorrow - then it's back to being good for a few more weeks! I may not eat any mashed potatoes or stuffing or sweet potatoes tomorrow - I need to save room for dessert!
It's not too late if you need one more yummy dessert for tomorrow. These are really easy and I know from my previous batch they taste amazing. If you don't have a brownie pan, you could try a muffin pan. Definitely cook the brownies a bit before adding the pecan topping. You'll be thankful and so will your guests.
It'll Take Me A Million Years
Last night we had our annual Thanksgiving service. Each person is given the opportunity to stand and tell what they are thankful for. It's a great time and it was wonderful this year to see our many new converts. God has blessed Victory Tabernacle with a revival of souls in 2014!
I was thinking about a thankful post this morning and realized how hard it is to narrow it down. I could have done a month of thankful posts or Thankful Thursdays as I've done in the past. Then an old song came to mind. I believe it was written by Dottie Rambo, but the voice I hear singing it in my head is the iconic Bobbie Shoemake. It's how I feel this morning!
It'll Take Me A Million Years
I have SO much to thank God for. Mercies that are new every morning. Friends and family far and near. Health and home.
The list truly is endless! I'm blessed and I'm thankful.
I was thinking about a thankful post this morning and realized how hard it is to narrow it down. I could have done a month of thankful posts or Thankful Thursdays as I've done in the past. Then an old song came to mind. I believe it was written by Dottie Rambo, but the voice I hear singing it in my head is the iconic Bobbie Shoemake. It's how I feel this morning!
It'll Take Me A Million Years
1.
|
When I think of heaven, I can hardly wait.
To see my brand new mansion, inside the pearly gates. Well I won't have time to move inside for a million years or more. For it will take me a million years to thank the Lord. |
Cho.
|
For the first million years you will find me.
I'm gonna be sitting round the feet of my Lord. For I've got a lot of things I'd like to thank Him for. And it'll take me a million years to thank the Lord. |
2.
|
My life will not be long enough, it'll take eternity.
To thank Him for the joy that came when He spoke peace to me. When I found Him I found everything my soul was searching for. And it'll take me a million years to thank the Lord. |
Gratitude is a seasoning for all seasons.
~Mom's Bible
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Trail Fun
Yesterday Les and I went for a trail ride and saw a handful of cattle. I ran the same trail today and had my phone handy! They notice people, but don't try to run away or charge towards them. Just a solid stare down.
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What do you call a selfie with photo-bombing cattle? A calfie!
I steered away from these longhorns!
I thought I might see this sign at any minute!
What's your latest adventure?
I saw them again on my way back down. This is only about a mile from where I parked my car.
What do you call a selfie with photo-bombing cattle? A calfie!
I steered away from these longhorns!
I thought I might see this sign at any minute!
What's your latest adventure?
Saturday, November 22, 2014
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Fill 'Er Up!
Our car was on E this morning, so I stopped at our nearby station. I was surprised at the price - $3.07 a gallon!
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I remember paying $1.50 a gallon and thinking how outrageous that price was! I've also paid over $5.00 a gallon, winced, and shrugged my shoulders.
A quick flashback to 1964, the year of my birth. Gas was 30 CENTS a gallon!
I remember paying $1.50 a gallon and thinking how outrageous that price was! I've also paid over $5.00 a gallon, winced, and shrugged my shoulders.
A quick flashback to 1964, the year of my birth. Gas was 30 CENTS a gallon!
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
Pure Religion
I'm reading the book of James this week and I've got more than one post brewing! As far as we know, the author was the son of Mary, the half-brother of Jesus. If anyone could have had anything negative to say about the Man Christ Jesus, it would have been James. But instead, James has much to say to us.
He concludes chapter one with this verse, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Chapter two picks up the theme of respecting those who are wealthy and despising the poor. Verse 9 says, "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin..."
Verses 14-16 says, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
Since the year we spent living in Honolulu, my feelings toward the homeless and those less fortunate have changed drastically. With a homeless population in the thousands, it's not something I could easily ignore. I was also on the receiving end of a compassionate homeless woman (you can read that story here.)
I use to tell myself, "I can't give them money, they'll just spend it on drugs or alcohol." I felt justified in that. But there's no scripture for it. Jesus said, "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:35-36) He said it was to the least of these, no conditions are added.
I understand it's a fine line. There are people who will spend any money they can get their hands on for another drink or fix. But that is not always the case. We can't turn a blind eye to every hurting person because they might not spend wisely. What we have came from God and when we give it, we give it from God. I also know that the need is so great, that we could spend every penny we earn and not meet that need.
So what to do? I believe we must be sensitive to the Spirit. Get up in the morning reporting for duty, as Pastor White says, "Lord, I'm on evangelism today." Let it become a life style. When you see a hurting person, you pause in your day and reach out in love. I believe you will know when you need to give them more than your time.
There is a homeless man on Oahu who I see every time we are there. The first few months, I would pass him by. But something started working on me. Finally, I said, "Okay God, I'm listening!" The next time I saw him, I had a couple dollars ready. But what really made the difference was when I stopped and talked to him. He told me his name is Lenny. His skin is baked from the Hawaiian sun. I don't know how long he's been there or where he came from. Since that first visit, I always say hello and often stop to talk to him. At times I've taken him food. Sometimes I really don't have any money to give him, but he gives me a smile because I stop and look him in the eye. I acknowledge his humanity. He's not a dog or some brainless monster. He's a human being with a heart and soul and feelings. When he reaches up his hand to me, whether I put money in his or not, he needs human touch. I know he's dirty. I've seen where he sleeps at the park. But his need is no less than anyone else's.
As Apostolic Pentecostals we are known for our worship. Our ladies are often recognized by our dress. But pure religion has got to go deeper. The world needs to recognize us for our compassion as well. To the least of these.
He concludes chapter one with this verse, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." Chapter two picks up the theme of respecting those who are wealthy and despising the poor. Verse 9 says, "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin..."
Verses 14-16 says, "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
Since the year we spent living in Honolulu, my feelings toward the homeless and those less fortunate have changed drastically. With a homeless population in the thousands, it's not something I could easily ignore. I was also on the receiving end of a compassionate homeless woman (you can read that story here.)
I use to tell myself, "I can't give them money, they'll just spend it on drugs or alcohol." I felt justified in that. But there's no scripture for it. Jesus said, "For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." (Matthew 25:35-36) He said it was to the least of these, no conditions are added.
I understand it's a fine line. There are people who will spend any money they can get their hands on for another drink or fix. But that is not always the case. We can't turn a blind eye to every hurting person because they might not spend wisely. What we have came from God and when we give it, we give it from God. I also know that the need is so great, that we could spend every penny we earn and not meet that need.
So what to do? I believe we must be sensitive to the Spirit. Get up in the morning reporting for duty, as Pastor White says, "Lord, I'm on evangelism today." Let it become a life style. When you see a hurting person, you pause in your day and reach out in love. I believe you will know when you need to give them more than your time.
There is a homeless man on Oahu who I see every time we are there. The first few months, I would pass him by. But something started working on me. Finally, I said, "Okay God, I'm listening!" The next time I saw him, I had a couple dollars ready. But what really made the difference was when I stopped and talked to him. He told me his name is Lenny. His skin is baked from the Hawaiian sun. I don't know how long he's been there or where he came from. Since that first visit, I always say hello and often stop to talk to him. At times I've taken him food. Sometimes I really don't have any money to give him, but he gives me a smile because I stop and look him in the eye. I acknowledge his humanity. He's not a dog or some brainless monster. He's a human being with a heart and soul and feelings. When he reaches up his hand to me, whether I put money in his or not, he needs human touch. I know he's dirty. I've seen where he sleeps at the park. But his need is no less than anyone else's.
As Apostolic Pentecostals we are known for our worship. Our ladies are often recognized by our dress. But pure religion has got to go deeper. The world needs to recognize us for our compassion as well. To the least of these.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Book Review: Run to Overcome
"Mebrahtom “Meb” Keflezighi and his family came to the United States after fleeing their native country of Eritrea to escape a violent war with Ethiopia. His unexpected athletic and academic successes earned him a full scholarship to UCLA, where he won four NCAA titles in one year and earned his BA in communication studies with a specialization in business. Meb is an Olympic silver medalist (Athens 2004) and a three-time national champion in cross country running (2001, 2002, and 2009). He came back from an injury to win the 2009 New York City Marathon, setting a personal best time of 2:09:15."(source)
What sets Meb apart from many other runners is his deep Christian faith. It is as deep in him as his running and comes through clearly in the entire book. The entire Keflezighi family understands overcoming. Living in war torn Eritrea his parents had a strong belief in a mighty God that enabled them to maintain their faith against all odds. In 1981, while Meb's mother was expecting their sixth child, his father left Adi Beyani to walk 225 miles west to the Sudan border. The journey took seven days with dangers that included soldiers, animals such as snakes and tigers, and robbers!
In 1983, Meb's father made it to Italy and began working to bring his entire family. Describing his father, Meb said, "My father has one way of doing things - the right way, with constant, all-out effort. He doesn't believe in shortcuts." It wasn't until May 8, 1986 that the family was reunited - nearly five years! The family finally arrived in San Diego in October, 1987. There are many chapters filled with Meb's running experiences, but always mixed with a strong faith and family ties.
Each chapter ends with two tips - a Runner's Tip and an Overcomer's Tip. From Chapter 2: Out of Eritrea:
Runner's TipWhile Meb has had incredible success as a runner, he has also had some very difficult times filled with injuries and the loss of fellow marathoner, a close friend, to cardiac arrest. He doesn't make excuses or blame others when things don't go as planned - he just comes back stronger. The final tip, after his Boston Marathon Win:
If you're eager to improve, be careful about making too many changes or changes that are too severe. Be careful about adding mileage and increasing speed. Too much too soon usually leads to injury. Think gradual, not drastic. Think long term, not immediate.
Overcomer's Tip
Learn everything you can in the classroom. Then go out into the world and learn even more.
Runner's Tip
Dig deep and run for a greater cause.
Overcomer's Tip
No matter how young or old you are, you can always set and achieve new goals. Never give up.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
God is Not Ashamed to be Called Their God
I started reading one of my favorite chapters this morning. Hebrews 11! The great hall of faith. Today's reading was verses 1-16. I have read this chapter many, many times in my life, verses 15 and 16 really stuck out this morning:
I turned to Matthew Henry's commentary:
Verse 15:
They gave full proof of their sincerity in making such a confession. For, they were not mindful of that country whence they came. They did not hanker after the plenty and pleasures of it, nor regret and repent that they had left it; they had no desire to return to it. Note, those that are once effectually and savingly called out of a sinful state have no mind to return into it again; they now know better things.
They did not take the opportunity that offered itself for their return. They might have had such an opportunity. They had time enough to return. They had natural strength to return. They knew the way. Those with whom they sojourned would have been willing enough to part with them. Their old friends would have been glad to receive them. They had sufficient to bear the charges of their journey; and flesh and blood, a corrupt counsellor, would be sometimes suggesting to them a return. But they stedfastly adhered to God and duty under all discouragements and against all temptations to revolt from him. So should we all do. We shall not want opportunities to revolt from God; but we must show the truth of our faith and profession by a steady adherence to him to the end of our days.
Their sincerity appeared not only in not returning to their former country, but in desiring a better country, that is, a heavenly. Observe, first, the heavenly country is better than any upon earth; it is better situated, better stored with every thing that is good, better secured from every thing that is evil; the employments, the enjoyments, the society, and every thing in it, are better than the best in this world. Secondly, all true believers desire this better country. True faith draws forth sincere and fervent desires; and the stronger faith is the more fervent those desires will be.
Verse 16:
The gracious and great reward of their faith: God is not ashamed to be their God, for he hath prepared for them a city. God is the God of all true believers; faith gives them an interest in God, and in all his fullness. He is called their God. He calls himself so: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; he gives them leave to call him so; and he gives them the spirit of adoption, to enable them to cry, Abba, Father.
Notwithstanding their meanness by nature, their vileness by sin, and the poverty of their outward condition, God is not ashamed to be called their God: such is his condescension, such is his love to them; therefore let them never be ashamed of being called his people, nor of any of those that are truly so, how much soever despised in the world. Above all, let them take care that they be not a shame and reproach to their God, and so provoke him to be ashamed of them; but let them act so as to be to him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory.
As the proof of this, God has prepared for them a city, a happiness suitable to the relation into which he has taken them. For there is nothing in this world commensurate to the love of God in being the God of his people; and, if God neither could nor would give his people anything better than this world affords, he would be ashamed to be called their God. If he takes them into such a relation to himself, he will provide for them accordingly. If he takes to himself the title of their God, he will fully answer it, and act up to it; and he has prepared that for them in heaven which will fully answer this character and relation, so that it shall never be said, to the reproach and dishonor of God, that he has adopted a people to be his own children and then taken no care to make a suitable provision for them. The consideration of this should inflame the affections, enlarge the desires, and excite the diligent endeavors, of the people of God after this city that he has prepared for them.
My first thought after reading these verses was, "God, I don't want you to be ashamed to be called my God." One commentator said, "Not merely once did God call himself their God, but He is NOW not ashamed to have Himself called so. Not only is He not ashamed, but glories in the name and relation to His people." The only way for that to be possible is when we leave the old world behind. When we determine, no matter how many opportunities arise, we aren't going back.
P.S. You may have noticed that I use Matthew Henry's commentary a lot. This comes from software called e-Sword. It is a free download for the desktop. There are numerous translations, commentaries, dictionaries and so much more. It is also available for the iPhone/iPad for $1.99. If you're looking for a great, easy to use, Bible study tool - e-Sword is it!
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
I turned to Matthew Henry's commentary:
Verse 15:
They gave full proof of their sincerity in making such a confession. For, they were not mindful of that country whence they came. They did not hanker after the plenty and pleasures of it, nor regret and repent that they had left it; they had no desire to return to it. Note, those that are once effectually and savingly called out of a sinful state have no mind to return into it again; they now know better things.
They did not take the opportunity that offered itself for their return. They might have had such an opportunity. They had time enough to return. They had natural strength to return. They knew the way. Those with whom they sojourned would have been willing enough to part with them. Their old friends would have been glad to receive them. They had sufficient to bear the charges of their journey; and flesh and blood, a corrupt counsellor, would be sometimes suggesting to them a return. But they stedfastly adhered to God and duty under all discouragements and against all temptations to revolt from him. So should we all do. We shall not want opportunities to revolt from God; but we must show the truth of our faith and profession by a steady adherence to him to the end of our days.
Their sincerity appeared not only in not returning to their former country, but in desiring a better country, that is, a heavenly. Observe, first, the heavenly country is better than any upon earth; it is better situated, better stored with every thing that is good, better secured from every thing that is evil; the employments, the enjoyments, the society, and every thing in it, are better than the best in this world. Secondly, all true believers desire this better country. True faith draws forth sincere and fervent desires; and the stronger faith is the more fervent those desires will be.
Verse 16:
The gracious and great reward of their faith: God is not ashamed to be their God, for he hath prepared for them a city. God is the God of all true believers; faith gives them an interest in God, and in all his fullness. He is called their God. He calls himself so: I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; he gives them leave to call him so; and he gives them the spirit of adoption, to enable them to cry, Abba, Father.
Notwithstanding their meanness by nature, their vileness by sin, and the poverty of their outward condition, God is not ashamed to be called their God: such is his condescension, such is his love to them; therefore let them never be ashamed of being called his people, nor of any of those that are truly so, how much soever despised in the world. Above all, let them take care that they be not a shame and reproach to their God, and so provoke him to be ashamed of them; but let them act so as to be to him for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory.
As the proof of this, God has prepared for them a city, a happiness suitable to the relation into which he has taken them. For there is nothing in this world commensurate to the love of God in being the God of his people; and, if God neither could nor would give his people anything better than this world affords, he would be ashamed to be called their God. If he takes them into such a relation to himself, he will provide for them accordingly. If he takes to himself the title of their God, he will fully answer it, and act up to it; and he has prepared that for them in heaven which will fully answer this character and relation, so that it shall never be said, to the reproach and dishonor of God, that he has adopted a people to be his own children and then taken no care to make a suitable provision for them. The consideration of this should inflame the affections, enlarge the desires, and excite the diligent endeavors, of the people of God after this city that he has prepared for them.
My first thought after reading these verses was, "God, I don't want you to be ashamed to be called my God." One commentator said, "Not merely once did God call himself their God, but He is NOW not ashamed to have Himself called so. Not only is He not ashamed, but glories in the name and relation to His people." The only way for that to be possible is when we leave the old world behind. When we determine, no matter how many opportunities arise, we aren't going back.
P.S. You may have noticed that I use Matthew Henry's commentary a lot. This comes from software called e-Sword. It is a free download for the desktop. There are numerous translations, commentaries, dictionaries and so much more. It is also available for the iPhone/iPad for $1.99. If you're looking for a great, easy to use, Bible study tool - e-Sword is it!
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Introducing the Miraculous
Pastor McGriffin talked to the church last night about a piece of property that is for sale less than half a mile from our current location. The church we use now is used by four other groups and the owners have become more and more difficult to work with. There are two reasons why the churches of Hawaii need to have property:
#1 - The church body needs to have a sense of ownership, without it you don't give 100%.
#2 - The community needs to know we are permanent. The Apostolic church has been in the islands since 1954 (five years before Hawaii became a state) and there have only been two pieces of property purchased in all that time. Our future is directly connected to having a home base. Temporary arrangements limit growth potential.
Pastor McGriffin is believing that this is the time. Why not now? Why not us? It's time!
The property for sale is almost 3 acres with 3 major structures. All the equipment and furniture is included in the sale. It is ready to have church tomorrow and could start a daycare in a month. It is all the basics that Pastor McGriffin has dreamed about in one package.
The asking price: $3.6 Million. Now, put your teeth back in your mouth! Land goes for about $1 million an acre here. In the natural it seems we are wasting our time. But the spiritual side says, "If I don't try, God can't work on our behalf." We've got to disconnect from all the reasons why not.
More details:
Sanctuary seats 125, could add more seating to fit 150.
No air conditioning at this time, but would definitely add!
Sunday school/daycare building with 6 classrooms
Offices
Play area
Multipurpose room
Commercial Kitchen
Pastoral Living Quarters
One Bedroom Studio Apartment
Lots of Parking
There is also room to build!
We know that God is able! He is able to EXCEED our finite comprehension (Ephesians 3:20.)
After service, most of us took the journey to the property site and had a time of prayer. We walked around the building and it just felt right! Sis. McGriffin told me that the land is zoned for a church only, so it is not available for a developer to come in and build. It's always going to be a church, why not a truth preaching church?!
Of course this was still on my mind when I got up this morning. I was thinking and praying about it when I started my Bible reading. The plan is on my iPad and it defaults to the New Living Translation. I usually switch to KJV, but didn't this morning. Ezekiel 12:22-23 jumped out at me:
I have heard Pastor McGriffin say more than once that it has been prophesied that God would provide land and buildings. It is time for every prophecy to be fulfilled!“Son of man, you’ve heard that proverb they quote in Israel: ‘Time passes, and prophecies come to nothing.’ Tell the people, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will put an end to this proverb, and you will soon stop quoting it.’ Now give them this new proverb to replace the old one: ‘The time has come for every prophecy to be fulfilled!’
Please pray with us that God, Who IS Able, will open the doors to the finances we need.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Breaking Out of the Doldrums
Pastor McGriffin taught a two part lesson on "Breaking Out of the Doldrums" the past two Tuesday nights. His text was Deuteronomy 2:1-3 "Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red sea, as the Lord spake unto me: and we compassed mount Seir many days. And the Lord spake unto me, saying, Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward."
The doldrums is a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds. It can be very dangerous if a ship gets caught without provision. It was often called a "long sleeper." A time of no direction, when nothing is happening. It can be difficult to get out of the doldrums.
The doldrums happen in life as well. Someone in the doldrums is stuck in their present position, listless, with no forward motion in their life. Everybody goes there. The questions to ask: What causes me to go there? and how long do I stay?
We see the prophet Elijah in the doldrums in 1 Kings 19:4, "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers."
There are three things that can cause the doldrums:
1. Physical Issues: Long term illness affects the emotional balance of a person. When you are physically unable to do all things you use to, you feel stuck.
2. Emotional Issues: We are emotional beings. When we magnify the negative and minimize the positive, we find ourselves in the doldrums. We need to have our thought patterns examined by the Lord. We can't let our feelings affect our behavior.
3. Spiritual Causes: You can't break out of the doldrums until you choose to do what is Biblically right. If the source of the problem is spiritual, you will not break out of the doldrums until you break into obedience. Submit to the will of God. Satan would like nothing more than to halt your progress.
We must remember that we are walking with God over the long haul. It is a journey that must be maintained. Our "status" in the body doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that we are justified by God, that is the status He sees.
We must run like a champion - train for it. We are in a race that requires our commitment and energy. We must make up our minds we are going forward at all times, not becoming stagnant. There will be slowdowns, but don't get stuck in the doldrums.
When God brought them out of Egypt, the children of Israel hadn't moved in 430 years. After they were delivered, they were disobedient and had to wander for 40 years. Finally, in Deuteronomy chapter 2 the Lord said, "You've been here long enough!"
Don't walk about the mountain forever. Walk on to the promise land. Don't move blindly - go northward. If you camp out too long on one plateau of growth you will end up feeling burned out. You'll start saying this isn't worth it. Stay in the doldrums too long and you'll start thinking about going back to Egypt.
The first step to break out of the doldrums is to obtain new direction from God. Nothing external can help - it must happen from the inside. You need:
1. Someone/something to challenge you. Challenges come from godly people, Bible study, prayer time.
2. A goal. Embrace the challenge and set the goal. You're never too old to set goals in your life.
3. Direction. Get up from where you are and start moving. You've got to be moving toward heaven. You don't need to sprint, just make progress.
Doldrums can also happen when you're in a strange place. A new situation can intimidate you. Don't let your geographical location or situation steal your song. If you're in a strange place spiritually, stand tall, hold onto your joy, resolve to sing praises no matter where you are or how strange your circumstances may be.
Romans 13:11 says, "knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep..." It's dangerous to fall asleep spiritually. Wake up! Run and don't faint.
To break out of the doldrums you can't wait for something to happen to you, something must happen in you. Tell yourself, "I've passed by this mountain for the last time." Sing the songs, read the Word, break out of the doldrums.
The doldrums is a part of the ocean near the equator abounding in calms, squalls, and light shifting winds. It can be very dangerous if a ship gets caught without provision. It was often called a "long sleeper." A time of no direction, when nothing is happening. It can be difficult to get out of the doldrums.
The doldrums happen in life as well. Someone in the doldrums is stuck in their present position, listless, with no forward motion in their life. Everybody goes there. The questions to ask: What causes me to go there? and how long do I stay?
We see the prophet Elijah in the doldrums in 1 Kings 19:4, "But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers."
There are three things that can cause the doldrums:
1. Physical Issues: Long term illness affects the emotional balance of a person. When you are physically unable to do all things you use to, you feel stuck.
2. Emotional Issues: We are emotional beings. When we magnify the negative and minimize the positive, we find ourselves in the doldrums. We need to have our thought patterns examined by the Lord. We can't let our feelings affect our behavior.
3. Spiritual Causes: You can't break out of the doldrums until you choose to do what is Biblically right. If the source of the problem is spiritual, you will not break out of the doldrums until you break into obedience. Submit to the will of God. Satan would like nothing more than to halt your progress.
We must remember that we are walking with God over the long haul. It is a journey that must be maintained. Our "status" in the body doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that we are justified by God, that is the status He sees.
We must run like a champion - train for it. We are in a race that requires our commitment and energy. We must make up our minds we are going forward at all times, not becoming stagnant. There will be slowdowns, but don't get stuck in the doldrums.
When God brought them out of Egypt, the children of Israel hadn't moved in 430 years. After they were delivered, they were disobedient and had to wander for 40 years. Finally, in Deuteronomy chapter 2 the Lord said, "You've been here long enough!"
Don't walk about the mountain forever. Walk on to the promise land. Don't move blindly - go northward. If you camp out too long on one plateau of growth you will end up feeling burned out. You'll start saying this isn't worth it. Stay in the doldrums too long and you'll start thinking about going back to Egypt.
The first step to break out of the doldrums is to obtain new direction from God. Nothing external can help - it must happen from the inside. You need:
1. Someone/something to challenge you. Challenges come from godly people, Bible study, prayer time.
2. A goal. Embrace the challenge and set the goal. You're never too old to set goals in your life.
3. Direction. Get up from where you are and start moving. You've got to be moving toward heaven. You don't need to sprint, just make progress.
Doldrums can also happen when you're in a strange place. A new situation can intimidate you. Don't let your geographical location or situation steal your song. If you're in a strange place spiritually, stand tall, hold onto your joy, resolve to sing praises no matter where you are or how strange your circumstances may be.
Romans 13:11 says, "knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep..." It's dangerous to fall asleep spiritually. Wake up! Run and don't faint.
To break out of the doldrums you can't wait for something to happen to you, something must happen in you. Tell yourself, "I've passed by this mountain for the last time." Sing the songs, read the Word, break out of the doldrums.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Sunrises, Rainbows, Sunsets and Christmas Decorations??
We are on week three of our current Hawaiian visit. We were suppose to go home last Friday, but Les was pulled onto a project with some critical deadlines, so here we are! We've had some issues with the internet in our room, so I've had trouble blogging. I have several things I want to write about but for now here are some recent pictures.
So many rainbows!
We are staying at the Ilikai Hotel this time. It is the same age as me!
Diamond Head is so green right now!
Early morning runs are the best.
A full bow.
Root beer/Cherry shave ice with ice cream and a snowcap of sweet condensed milk. SO good! We shared!
The beautiful North Shore
Sunset on the Leeward side.
It's November 3rd, 80 degrees out. I'm not ready for Christmas!
And just one more rainbow!
So many rainbows!
We are staying at the Ilikai Hotel this time. It is the same age as me!
Diamond Head is so green right now!
Early morning runs are the best.
A full bow.
Root beer/Cherry shave ice with ice cream and a snowcap of sweet condensed milk. SO good! We shared!
The beautiful North Shore
Sunset on the Leeward side.
It's November 3rd, 80 degrees out. I'm not ready for Christmas!
And just one more rainbow!
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