I have started once again to read the Bible in 90 Days. I was hugely blessed the first time around, but I only got to Day 20 where I read how God commanded Joshua to be strong and courageous (this verse got me through my labour. God's timing is perfect). With the birth of my baby girl, I could not continue any further. Recently, however, my close friend has desired to do this and we have started together again. I am so excited at the thought of reading the whole Bible before the new year. It is also great to have an accountability partner. Hope you also feel inspired to join us. I cannot express the amount it is already blessing us.
Love
Rosa
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Joyful mothering
I read this artcle and felt that it was sent by God. I have just had my second child and in between the moments of awe, love and blessing, I have had moments of fear, uncertainty and frustration. How can I be the wife my husband deserves and the mother God wants me to be to my children? One of the answers lies in the joy of the Lord. If we are joyful, because of what Christ has done for us, things can be so much easier. Our husbands and our children will not always remember our mistakes, but they will remember whether we lived out the joy of the Lord. I want to commit to being more joyful and to creating a home where there is beauty, fun and laughter.
The Heart of a Joyful Mom
Article by Jennifer (Steele) Carroll, May 2009
She truly carries the joy of the Lord with her at all times, but when we were young, and because it was always lived out before us as a normal way of life, we never saw it as out of the ordinary. After all, wasn’t this the way it was supposed to be?
The first time I heard it was at college. I am sure we were supposed to be studying, but Rachel, my good friend, and I were casually talking, surrounded by dozens of books, papers, assignments, pieces of sheet music, leftover coffee cup sleeves, one laptop, and a keyboard.
“We were having a family discussion one night around the dinner table,” she was saying, “and someone brought up the question, ‘Who is the happiest person you know?’ The vote was unanimous. Everyone decided it was Cathy Steele.”
The thought surprised me. Not because my mom isn’t a happy person; she is. The thought surprised me because my mom never strived to be the ‘happiest person’, nor would she put on a plastic smile “just because”. She truly carries the joy of the Lord with her at all times, but when we were young, and because it was always lived out before us as a normal way of life, we never saw it as out of the ordinary. After all, wasn’t this the way it was supposed to be? Mom cheered for us. Mom looked at a difficult situation and saw the good in it. Mom laughed. Mom praised our efforts. Mom smiled. Mom was our friend. In our small minds, through all those growing-up years, the idea was quietly, firmly established in our thinking and reinforced countless times that joy was a way of life because of what Jesus Christ had done for us, and that relationships would blossom and flourish when plentifully watered with it.
When people would ask my mom, “Why are you so happy all the time?” she would often reply, “I am just so grateful to be saved! Think of what Christ has done for us!”
My mom didn’t have anything like Created To Be His Help Meet when she got married. It wasn’t printed until decades later. She, from a radically different background, stepped into her role of being a wife and mother by revering and following the Word of God. Through the years, she formulated habits that served as crucial fibers for the fabric of our family. These are just a few of them.
She spoke of Dad respectfully, and joyfully served him.
She made a habit of telling us things like, “Daddy just got a raise!” or “Ask Daddy, he knows how” or “No, Daddy told you not to, and Mommy always supports what Daddy says”. She spoke well of him to us and to our friends. She chose to cook meals that she knew he liked. She let him have “down time” when he came home from work, not badgering him with honey-do lists or complaints about how hard her day was. She smiled for him.
When she had to sacrifice herself, her preferences, or her time, she chose joyful selflessness.
In our family of eight, there were often things that conflicted with scheduled plans. She was always the first one to offer to stay home with one of us sick kids, drive someone to a football game instead of going to that special dinner with her friends, or take one of us shopping who desperately wanted to go, even when shopping was not her favorite thing to do. One year in particular, she saved all her money from a home business and surprised Dad and the rest of us by spending it on a family vacation to Florida. We were too young to think anything like, “There are so many things she could have bought for herself with that money, but she chose us.” All we knew was that we were excited and happy, because Mom was.
When circumstances were stressful, or money was tight, she responded with joyful creativity and thankfulness for what we did have.
I never heard her compare what she had to what someone else had. I never heard her sigh, “If only...” She is an incredibly hard worker, and loves to exercise her gift of resourcefulness. I remember her coming into the house all excited one day because, “The people down the road are building their house, and said we could have their leftover bricks! We can make a sidewalk with those!” You would have thought they were bricks of gold. She was so happy and so thankful about everything; it really got to be contagious, even if none of us had any previous knowledge about laying brick sidewalks. She always praised Dad for being such a good provider for us, and respected the work he did.
When she was hurt, she chose joyful forgiveness.
I remember, as a little girl, perceiving when ‘Mommy’ was down or hurt over something. But it never lasted for long! Before you knew it, she was talking as cheerfully as ever, or suggesting something fun to do. We never had to wonder, “What kind of a day is Mommy going to have?” It wasn’t even a question in our minds. We felt peaceful and stable, because Mom was.
She did not spend her time entertaining herself, but joyfully invested in our lives.
If you want to know where you will find my Mom, it will be with Dad or one of us. She has constantly poured out her time, energy, love, skills, knowledge, patience, and prayers on our behalf, even when circumstances were extreme. On one occasion, the college house I was living in had a cat take up residence underneath the house and infest the place with fleas. We did what we could, but they kept coming back. We were all exhausted with our recitals, tests, and deadlines coming up, and were at a loss for what to do. Mom found out about it, told us she was coming, and drove over two hours to get there. She treated the carpets and bedspreads, washed all of our laundry, swept and vacuumed everywhere, opened windows to air out the place, put everything back in order, took us to lunch, and drove back home, all in the same day. The fleas didn’t stand a chance!
She freely blessed us to expand our horizons and joyfully let us go, even when it meant more work for her.
Through the years, several opportunities came up for me to travel and encourage other girls. The trips lasted anywhere from one week to two months. I am her oldest daughter and felt the responsibility to help around the house. But when the time came for another ministry opportunity, I never once received a guilt-trip discussion about all the work she would have to cover while I was gone, not to mention the continuation of homeschooling for the younger kids. She blessed me and encouraged me to go. She blessed my older brother, Joshua, leaving at the age of only sixteen to go on a mission trip to Hong Kong for two months. Other mothers questioned her “looseness” with the apron strings. But it was unspoken knowledge among all of us siblings that her blessing on our service to the Lord, regardless of where that happened to be, only made us want to serve and bless her more. We knew she was not selfishly possessive of us, and we loved her for it.
She gave us a legacy of joy that is now spilling over into our own marriages. Recently, my sister and I entered the biggest adventure of our lives. We became help meets. We now step in stride with our husbands, laughing, playing, working, learning, observing, growing, and rejoicing with them. God has blessed us tremendously through Mom’s example. We are joyfully fulfilled in our marriages, just like our mom, knowing that it is a privilege to respect and serve our husbands. Now that I am married, I fully realize what a heavenly gift she gave us.
She sent us out with joy.
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace...” Isa. 55:12.
“...her children rise up and call her blessed...” Prov. 31:30.
The Heart of a Joyful Mom
Article by Jennifer (Steele) Carroll, May 2009
She truly carries the joy of the Lord with her at all times, but when we were young, and because it was always lived out before us as a normal way of life, we never saw it as out of the ordinary. After all, wasn’t this the way it was supposed to be?
The first time I heard it was at college. I am sure we were supposed to be studying, but Rachel, my good friend, and I were casually talking, surrounded by dozens of books, papers, assignments, pieces of sheet music, leftover coffee cup sleeves, one laptop, and a keyboard.
“We were having a family discussion one night around the dinner table,” she was saying, “and someone brought up the question, ‘Who is the happiest person you know?’ The vote was unanimous. Everyone decided it was Cathy Steele.”
The thought surprised me. Not because my mom isn’t a happy person; she is. The thought surprised me because my mom never strived to be the ‘happiest person’, nor would she put on a plastic smile “just because”. She truly carries the joy of the Lord with her at all times, but when we were young, and because it was always lived out before us as a normal way of life, we never saw it as out of the ordinary. After all, wasn’t this the way it was supposed to be? Mom cheered for us. Mom looked at a difficult situation and saw the good in it. Mom laughed. Mom praised our efforts. Mom smiled. Mom was our friend. In our small minds, through all those growing-up years, the idea was quietly, firmly established in our thinking and reinforced countless times that joy was a way of life because of what Jesus Christ had done for us, and that relationships would blossom and flourish when plentifully watered with it.
When people would ask my mom, “Why are you so happy all the time?” she would often reply, “I am just so grateful to be saved! Think of what Christ has done for us!”
My mom didn’t have anything like Created To Be His Help Meet when she got married. It wasn’t printed until decades later. She, from a radically different background, stepped into her role of being a wife and mother by revering and following the Word of God. Through the years, she formulated habits that served as crucial fibers for the fabric of our family. These are just a few of them.
She spoke of Dad respectfully, and joyfully served him.
She made a habit of telling us things like, “Daddy just got a raise!” or “Ask Daddy, he knows how” or “No, Daddy told you not to, and Mommy always supports what Daddy says”. She spoke well of him to us and to our friends. She chose to cook meals that she knew he liked. She let him have “down time” when he came home from work, not badgering him with honey-do lists or complaints about how hard her day was. She smiled for him.
When she had to sacrifice herself, her preferences, or her time, she chose joyful selflessness.
In our family of eight, there were often things that conflicted with scheduled plans. She was always the first one to offer to stay home with one of us sick kids, drive someone to a football game instead of going to that special dinner with her friends, or take one of us shopping who desperately wanted to go, even when shopping was not her favorite thing to do. One year in particular, she saved all her money from a home business and surprised Dad and the rest of us by spending it on a family vacation to Florida. We were too young to think anything like, “There are so many things she could have bought for herself with that money, but she chose us.” All we knew was that we were excited and happy, because Mom was.
When circumstances were stressful, or money was tight, she responded with joyful creativity and thankfulness for what we did have.
I never heard her compare what she had to what someone else had. I never heard her sigh, “If only...” She is an incredibly hard worker, and loves to exercise her gift of resourcefulness. I remember her coming into the house all excited one day because, “The people down the road are building their house, and said we could have their leftover bricks! We can make a sidewalk with those!” You would have thought they were bricks of gold. She was so happy and so thankful about everything; it really got to be contagious, even if none of us had any previous knowledge about laying brick sidewalks. She always praised Dad for being such a good provider for us, and respected the work he did.
When she was hurt, she chose joyful forgiveness.
I remember, as a little girl, perceiving when ‘Mommy’ was down or hurt over something. But it never lasted for long! Before you knew it, she was talking as cheerfully as ever, or suggesting something fun to do. We never had to wonder, “What kind of a day is Mommy going to have?” It wasn’t even a question in our minds. We felt peaceful and stable, because Mom was.
She did not spend her time entertaining herself, but joyfully invested in our lives.
If you want to know where you will find my Mom, it will be with Dad or one of us. She has constantly poured out her time, energy, love, skills, knowledge, patience, and prayers on our behalf, even when circumstances were extreme. On one occasion, the college house I was living in had a cat take up residence underneath the house and infest the place with fleas. We did what we could, but they kept coming back. We were all exhausted with our recitals, tests, and deadlines coming up, and were at a loss for what to do. Mom found out about it, told us she was coming, and drove over two hours to get there. She treated the carpets and bedspreads, washed all of our laundry, swept and vacuumed everywhere, opened windows to air out the place, put everything back in order, took us to lunch, and drove back home, all in the same day. The fleas didn’t stand a chance!
She freely blessed us to expand our horizons and joyfully let us go, even when it meant more work for her.
Through the years, several opportunities came up for me to travel and encourage other girls. The trips lasted anywhere from one week to two months. I am her oldest daughter and felt the responsibility to help around the house. But when the time came for another ministry opportunity, I never once received a guilt-trip discussion about all the work she would have to cover while I was gone, not to mention the continuation of homeschooling for the younger kids. She blessed me and encouraged me to go. She blessed my older brother, Joshua, leaving at the age of only sixteen to go on a mission trip to Hong Kong for two months. Other mothers questioned her “looseness” with the apron strings. But it was unspoken knowledge among all of us siblings that her blessing on our service to the Lord, regardless of where that happened to be, only made us want to serve and bless her more. We knew she was not selfishly possessive of us, and we loved her for it.
She gave us a legacy of joy that is now spilling over into our own marriages. Recently, my sister and I entered the biggest adventure of our lives. We became help meets. We now step in stride with our husbands, laughing, playing, working, learning, observing, growing, and rejoicing with them. God has blessed us tremendously through Mom’s example. We are joyfully fulfilled in our marriages, just like our mom, knowing that it is a privilege to respect and serve our husbands. Now that I am married, I fully realize what a heavenly gift she gave us.
She sent us out with joy.
“For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace...” Isa. 55:12.
“...her children rise up and call her blessed...” Prov. 31:30.
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Bible in 90 days
I was sitting one day with God's Word in my hands and I said to the Lord that I would just love to eat it and be able to know everything in a moment; to have verses at my disposal and to see what God has revealed to us of Himself and His redemption plan; to be able to teach my children on a spicific subject from His Word... I would love to be able to do that. I have read through the Bible once, but that was over a year and I found that it was difficult to stay motivated and not to lose track of what was happening.
After I said this strange thing to the Lord, I don't know whether it was the same day or the next, I found this exciting and challenging website: http://www.biblein90days.org/
I felt a sense of adventure at the idea of reading the Bible in three months. I also wondered if this was not maybe the Lord's answer to my heart's desire.
I am already at day 9. Yes, it is a lot of reading to do in a day. I can, however say that I have been blessed in such a great way by reading the Bible like this. One gets much more of an over all view and also a sense of continuation. I make short, quick notes when a specific verse stands out or on specific subjects, which I will look at again when I have finished. Reading the Bible has become so exciting, a good reason to get up early. I also take my Bible with me wherever I go in case I can get some reading done.
I am not writing this to brag about what I am doing. I have been so encouraged and I really want to encourage others to take up the challenge and see how they can be blessed.
Let me know if you would also like to do it and we can keep each other accountable.
Love,
Rosa
After I said this strange thing to the Lord, I don't know whether it was the same day or the next, I found this exciting and challenging website: http://www.biblein90days.org/
I felt a sense of adventure at the idea of reading the Bible in three months. I also wondered if this was not maybe the Lord's answer to my heart's desire.
I am already at day 9. Yes, it is a lot of reading to do in a day. I can, however say that I have been blessed in such a great way by reading the Bible like this. One gets much more of an over all view and also a sense of continuation. I make short, quick notes when a specific verse stands out or on specific subjects, which I will look at again when I have finished. Reading the Bible has become so exciting, a good reason to get up early. I also take my Bible with me wherever I go in case I can get some reading done.
I am not writing this to brag about what I am doing. I have been so encouraged and I really want to encourage others to take up the challenge and see how they can be blessed.
Let me know if you would also like to do it and we can keep each other accountable.
Love,
Rosa
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Jacob really longed to be a hero
All I really wanted was a friend
I'm the way, the life, the truth
So tell Me Jacob when will the lying end?
And does the striving make you strong?
Because when I came to love on you
You fought me till the dawn
Finally Jacob's lying down
And while he sleeps I will dream
Of a generation not known for their crowns,
Or success, but a King...
Who was not so much as interested in crowds, or
Pleasing men, but knowing Me
CH:
I have given Jacob's generation the key of David, intimacy
To open up the doorway to the nations, and release
Revelation, of intimacy, with me
Jacob had a dream for all the ages
Jacob had a drive to build a nation
But the fighting is in vain
If your only aim is to build your own great name
Because My dream's not what you do
Jacob will you dream for me
The way that I have dreamed for you
CH:
I have given Jacob's generation the key of David, intimacy
To open up the doorway to the nations, and release
Revelation, of intimacy, with me
This song has been very instrumental in my walk with God and in understanding His grace to me. It is an interpretation, or one could say a poem, of Jacob's life and walk with God as an example of how we often strive and try to please God through our own efforts and also often live for ourselves and for building our empires. We try "to build our own great names." But as the lyrics show, it is about God, about dreaming for God's kingdom and about showing the nations that one can be reconciled to Him and have intimacy with Him. Finally, it is about the KING, who is not interested in the crowns of this world, or in pleasing men, but in knowing God and fulfilling His purposes.
This song fills me with praise for God, my Father. He chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight in love (Ephesians 1). He formed His plan while we "were sleeping." I need to know this. I need to know this life is not about me, because if it was, and about my work and accomplishments and successess, then I would be dispairing all the time. God has freed us from ourselves so that we can rest; it is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians5:1). And, most importantly, we are also freed to focus on God's glory, His Kingdom and on pleasing Him by bearing fruit for Him.
All I really wanted was a friend
I'm the way, the life, the truth
So tell Me Jacob when will the lying end?
And does the striving make you strong?
Because when I came to love on you
You fought me till the dawn
Finally Jacob's lying down
And while he sleeps I will dream
Of a generation not known for their crowns,
Or success, but a King...
Who was not so much as interested in crowds, or
Pleasing men, but knowing Me
CH:
I have given Jacob's generation the key of David, intimacy
To open up the doorway to the nations, and release
Revelation, of intimacy, with me
Jacob had a dream for all the ages
Jacob had a drive to build a nation
But the fighting is in vain
If your only aim is to build your own great name
Because My dream's not what you do
Jacob will you dream for me
The way that I have dreamed for you
CH:
I have given Jacob's generation the key of David, intimacy
To open up the doorway to the nations, and release
Revelation, of intimacy, with me
This song has been very instrumental in my walk with God and in understanding His grace to me. It is an interpretation, or one could say a poem, of Jacob's life and walk with God as an example of how we often strive and try to please God through our own efforts and also often live for ourselves and for building our empires. We try "to build our own great names." But as the lyrics show, it is about God, about dreaming for God's kingdom and about showing the nations that one can be reconciled to Him and have intimacy with Him. Finally, it is about the KING, who is not interested in the crowns of this world, or in pleasing men, but in knowing God and fulfilling His purposes.
This song fills me with praise for God, my Father. He chose us before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight in love (Ephesians 1). He formed His plan while we "were sleeping." I need to know this. I need to know this life is not about me, because if it was, and about my work and accomplishments and successess, then I would be dispairing all the time. God has freed us from ourselves so that we can rest; it is for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians5:1). And, most importantly, we are also freed to focus on God's glory, His Kingdom and on pleasing Him by bearing fruit for Him.
Christ IS sufficient for us
I have been listening to a certain song and the words have stayed with me the past couple of days. It is concerning Christ and His words and what He told the world about Himself. I do not have the exact words of the song, but here follows what I have concluded from it:
If Christ is the way, then I am lost without Him (John 14:16);
If He is the truth, then I am lied to without Him (John 14:6);
If He is the life, then I am dead without Him(John 14:6);
If He is the bread and the meat of life, then I am starving without Him (John 6:35);
If He is the living water, then I am thirsty without Him (John 7:37);
If He is the door, then I am locked outside without Him (John 10:7);
If He is the light of the world, then I am in darkness without Him (John 8:12);
If He has come to heal me, then I am sick without Him (Luke 5:35);
If He is the mediator between us and God, then I have no case without Him in the presence of God (1Tim 2:5).
Christ is our everything and our all. When we look at this list then we think it only pertains to the unsaved, but do we as God’s children who are in Christ truly live out the reality of what Christ is for us? How often do we as Christians feel lost, “sick,” hungry and thirsty, in darkness and removed from God? I have been faced with this question a couple of times this week. My husband and I listened to a sermon on the letter written to the Ephesian church in Revelations and the preacher pointed out that the name Ephesians actually means “Darling” or “Beloved” and Christ addresses them exactly about this point: they have forsaken their first love; their darling. I was pierced through the heart, because I realized that I have forsaken my first love. I had to ask whether Christ has ever been my first love and my treasure. Sure, I do things out of thankfulness and love for God, but do I really consider Christ in everything I do? How often is it not just about myself. After having to face this reality, which is humbling even to write about, I now desire for Christ to be my first love, my darling, my beloved.
I did a study on the first three chapters of Genesis and saw that man’s sin was and is that he wants to be like God; he wants to be God. He wanted to express his self-will, his autonomy, because that is the one thing he did not have. Through this desire came all pain, all heart ache, all tears, all war, all division, death and, worst of all, hatred and rejection of God. I came to the conclusion that the self is the cause of all my pain, my confusion, my rebellion, my inability to submit to my husband and of those times when I feel far from God. The reason why I am writing this in connection with what I mentioned above is because Christ says we must crucify our selves (Mat 10:38); we must deny our selves (Mat16:24), we must love Him more than our selves. Christ is the answer to all my problems, because He is the answer to the problem of the self. This is why He can give us peace and joy. In a moment of temptation, I must choose Christ before I choose the self. Before, whenever I read these words of having to die to self, it was very difficult to get my mind around this concept and I thought it is a very difficult thing of Jesus to ask of us. But now I see His wonderful love for us in giving us the solution to this problem of self. What love is this?! And moreover, He paid the price to give me the ability to do this. He truly deserves eternity of praise, honour and glory!
If Christ is the way, then I am lost without Him (John 14:16);
If He is the truth, then I am lied to without Him (John 14:6);
If He is the life, then I am dead without Him(John 14:6);
If He is the bread and the meat of life, then I am starving without Him (John 6:35);
If He is the living water, then I am thirsty without Him (John 7:37);
If He is the door, then I am locked outside without Him (John 10:7);
If He is the light of the world, then I am in darkness without Him (John 8:12);
If He has come to heal me, then I am sick without Him (Luke 5:35);
If He is the mediator between us and God, then I have no case without Him in the presence of God (1Tim 2:5).
Christ is our everything and our all. When we look at this list then we think it only pertains to the unsaved, but do we as God’s children who are in Christ truly live out the reality of what Christ is for us? How often do we as Christians feel lost, “sick,” hungry and thirsty, in darkness and removed from God? I have been faced with this question a couple of times this week. My husband and I listened to a sermon on the letter written to the Ephesian church in Revelations and the preacher pointed out that the name Ephesians actually means “Darling” or “Beloved” and Christ addresses them exactly about this point: they have forsaken their first love; their darling. I was pierced through the heart, because I realized that I have forsaken my first love. I had to ask whether Christ has ever been my first love and my treasure. Sure, I do things out of thankfulness and love for God, but do I really consider Christ in everything I do? How often is it not just about myself. After having to face this reality, which is humbling even to write about, I now desire for Christ to be my first love, my darling, my beloved.
I did a study on the first three chapters of Genesis and saw that man’s sin was and is that he wants to be like God; he wants to be God. He wanted to express his self-will, his autonomy, because that is the one thing he did not have. Through this desire came all pain, all heart ache, all tears, all war, all division, death and, worst of all, hatred and rejection of God. I came to the conclusion that the self is the cause of all my pain, my confusion, my rebellion, my inability to submit to my husband and of those times when I feel far from God. The reason why I am writing this in connection with what I mentioned above is because Christ says we must crucify our selves (Mat 10:38); we must deny our selves (Mat16:24), we must love Him more than our selves. Christ is the answer to all my problems, because He is the answer to the problem of the self. This is why He can give us peace and joy. In a moment of temptation, I must choose Christ before I choose the self. Before, whenever I read these words of having to die to self, it was very difficult to get my mind around this concept and I thought it is a very difficult thing of Jesus to ask of us. But now I see His wonderful love for us in giving us the solution to this problem of self. What love is this?! And moreover, He paid the price to give me the ability to do this. He truly deserves eternity of praise, honour and glory!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Worshiping God even when we are feeling down.
I haven't written for so long. I have entered the third trimester of my second pregnancy and the fatigue has hit me once again. The result is that I have been feeling quite low and very emotional. If there is one thing that can rob one of the joy of the Lord, it is tiredness. I can't wait for my heavenly body where there will be no tiredness and no fluctuating hormones to keep me down.
In this time, I have come across two things which have both challenged me and encouraged me. The first is a session of a DVD series that our Moms' Group is following. The lady talks about how we should worship God. Are we worshipping Him with child-like confidence and sincerity? She goes to Exodus where God tells Pharoah to let His people go so that they can worship Him. They were enslaved and in enslavement it is difficult to have a worshipping spirit. She then relates it to our times: is there anything that enslaves us and keeps us from truly worshipping God? It can be the opinion of others; it can be business; it can be idols such as money, fashion, our own children; it can also be fatigue that leads to self-pity and guilt etc. We can all relate to this. But what was even more interesting is when she looked at the reason why Pharoah started oppressing the Israelites. They had become so many and he was threatened by them. If we truly worship God then He fills us with joy and peace and He is able to work through us in order to bare fruit for His kingdom. Our enemy, the devil, hates this and wants us in a position where we will be enslaved so that our eyes are taken off of our Father and that we won't bare fruit for Him. This is what has happened to me in the last couple of weeks.
The second thing I learned was at our Shepherding a Child's Heart course when we looked at the goals that parents have for their children. Some parents want their children to achieve in academics or in sport. Others just want a perfect, peaceful life for their children where they will experience no want. Tedd Tripp, however, points out that our aim for our children should be that they glorify God in everything and enjoy Him forever. This really struck me, because I can only teach my children what I have and I had to ask myself, especially during this time, whether I have been glorifying God and have been enjoying Him. The problem is that things like depression, fatigue and hormonal fluctuations are real things that our earthly bodies go through. But in such a time, my aim should be to stop focusing on myself, not to succumb under the accusations of the devil, and to turn my focus on God, His awesome, redeeming grace and Jesus Christ in whom I have every blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1). In such cloudy times one can see that God's patience with us is limitless and the extent of what the cross means becomes clearer and clear.
I have confidence that my path through the valley is sloping upwards so that I am reaching new heights of faith in Jesus Christ. This morning I read two portions of Scripture which gave me such wonderful comfort:
Mat 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The other passage is:
Psa 73:23-28 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
In difficult times I can remember that my Heavely Father is always with me. He has taken hold of my right hand and here it doesn't say that He ever lets go. When my flesh and my heart fail, as has been the case with me the last couple of weeks, then God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
In this time, I have come across two things which have both challenged me and encouraged me. The first is a session of a DVD series that our Moms' Group is following. The lady talks about how we should worship God. Are we worshipping Him with child-like confidence and sincerity? She goes to Exodus where God tells Pharoah to let His people go so that they can worship Him. They were enslaved and in enslavement it is difficult to have a worshipping spirit. She then relates it to our times: is there anything that enslaves us and keeps us from truly worshipping God? It can be the opinion of others; it can be business; it can be idols such as money, fashion, our own children; it can also be fatigue that leads to self-pity and guilt etc. We can all relate to this. But what was even more interesting is when she looked at the reason why Pharoah started oppressing the Israelites. They had become so many and he was threatened by them. If we truly worship God then He fills us with joy and peace and He is able to work through us in order to bare fruit for His kingdom. Our enemy, the devil, hates this and wants us in a position where we will be enslaved so that our eyes are taken off of our Father and that we won't bare fruit for Him. This is what has happened to me in the last couple of weeks.
The second thing I learned was at our Shepherding a Child's Heart course when we looked at the goals that parents have for their children. Some parents want their children to achieve in academics or in sport. Others just want a perfect, peaceful life for their children where they will experience no want. Tedd Tripp, however, points out that our aim for our children should be that they glorify God in everything and enjoy Him forever. This really struck me, because I can only teach my children what I have and I had to ask myself, especially during this time, whether I have been glorifying God and have been enjoying Him. The problem is that things like depression, fatigue and hormonal fluctuations are real things that our earthly bodies go through. But in such a time, my aim should be to stop focusing on myself, not to succumb under the accusations of the devil, and to turn my focus on God, His awesome, redeeming grace and Jesus Christ in whom I have every blessing in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1). In such cloudy times one can see that God's patience with us is limitless and the extent of what the cross means becomes clearer and clear.
I have confidence that my path through the valley is sloping upwards so that I am reaching new heights of faith in Jesus Christ. This morning I read two portions of Scripture which gave me such wonderful comfort:
Mat 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The other passage is:
Psa 73:23-28 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.
In difficult times I can remember that my Heavely Father is always with me. He has taken hold of my right hand and here it doesn't say that He ever lets go. When my flesh and my heart fail, as has been the case with me the last couple of weeks, then God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Faith in God's Word
"[God is] a God of grace. Remember that, my friend, and trust in His Word, not in your faith. When you trust in His Word, He will honour your faith."
I have read this amazing quote in Kay Athur's book Lord, I need Grace to Make It. It has shed so much light on the nature of faith and also of prayer. I find that often when I pray for something, I wonder whether I have enough faith for God to answer my prayer. Do I even have the mustard seed-faith of which Jesus speaks? An example is when I have planned an outdoor meeting and it might look like it is going to rain. I ask God to keep it from raining, but doubt whether my faith is strong enough to see the prayer through.
This quote, however, has shed light on what I must have faith in when I pray. I mustn't have faith in the amount of faith I have before a prayer is answered. No, I must have faith in God's Word. God's Word says the following on prayer:
Joh 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
And:
Joh 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
This is what Jesus says and we can believe it, because it is God's Word. Knowing that I do not have to rely on my amount of faith has given me much peace. My faith is changing from day to day; it is fickle. But God's Word is a rock; it is unchangeable, sure and absolute. The end result is also that we have nothing to boast in. When God answers my prayer, I sometimes think it is because I have such faith. Then I steal the glory from God. But now I see that by having faith (which He gives by His grace in anyway) in His Word, I boast in His Word and His character.
Love in Christ,
Rosa
I have read this amazing quote in Kay Athur's book Lord, I need Grace to Make It. It has shed so much light on the nature of faith and also of prayer. I find that often when I pray for something, I wonder whether I have enough faith for God to answer my prayer. Do I even have the mustard seed-faith of which Jesus speaks? An example is when I have planned an outdoor meeting and it might look like it is going to rain. I ask God to keep it from raining, but doubt whether my faith is strong enough to see the prayer through.
This quote, however, has shed light on what I must have faith in when I pray. I mustn't have faith in the amount of faith I have before a prayer is answered. No, I must have faith in God's Word. God's Word says the following on prayer:
Joh 14:13-14 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.
And:
Joh 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
This is what Jesus says and we can believe it, because it is God's Word. Knowing that I do not have to rely on my amount of faith has given me much peace. My faith is changing from day to day; it is fickle. But God's Word is a rock; it is unchangeable, sure and absolute. The end result is also that we have nothing to boast in. When God answers my prayer, I sometimes think it is because I have such faith. Then I steal the glory from God. But now I see that by having faith (which He gives by His grace in anyway) in His Word, I boast in His Word and His character.
Love in Christ,
Rosa
Friday, March 13, 2009
You will always hear
You could lose your life,
and I will give you more life than you could lose;
You could lose your eyes,
and you will see me as I am;
You could lose your hands,
and I will always hold your hand;
You could lose your feet,
and I will show you how to walk and never fall;
You could lose your ears,
and you will always hear My Voice.
These are the lyrics to a song by Robert Evans. Isn't it beautiful? The music is available for free at http://www.scripturesongs.net/.
Love in the One who will give us all things,
Rosa
and I will give you more life than you could lose;
You could lose your eyes,
and you will see me as I am;
You could lose your hands,
and I will always hold your hand;
You could lose your feet,
and I will show you how to walk and never fall;
You could lose your ears,
and you will always hear My Voice.
These are the lyrics to a song by Robert Evans. Isn't it beautiful? The music is available for free at http://www.scripturesongs.net/.
Love in the One who will give us all things,
Rosa
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Rom 7:24-25 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Yesterday I wrote about the importance of obedience in the seemingly unimportant moments in order to train ourselves for those moments when it really counts. Well, the very same day I experienced it as a reality.
I had an appointment with my midwife at two. I was five minutes late, but she was 45minutes late. It was quite a trial not to demand my rights, but to rest in God's sovereignity and control over my time and not to discredit my witness. The Lord gave me victory. When we finally started chatting and she asked me whether I have been taking my tissue salts, which she has told me to do so that I could absorb more iron, I did the most stupid thing ever: I told a lie and said I did. Let me explain. It is not that I make a habit of making a habit of lying in private and was therefore untrained for this crucial moment. It was that I had been negligent in doing what she asked of me. The Lord has been convicting me about it and I have been ignoring Him. At the same time it was a result of fear of man which clearly proves to be a snare (Pro 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe). I had been cherishing sin in my heart and had done the very thing I did not want to do: I discredited my testimony and the Name of my Father. How could I now speak to her about Him? It has been my heart's desire to be able to testify to her and in one moment I had compromised my witness and her chance of eternal life. At the same time, I did it before my son. Luckily he is too young to understand, but imagine the damage if he could understand. I felt truly ashamed at my action.
Wretched [woman] that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! How sweet is the knowledge of His forgiveness and grace. In one moment I have failed my Father, Lord and Saviour. But in one moment, if [I] confess my sins, he is faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1John1:9). How thankful am I for God's grace!
I am writing this to you in order to show you two things:
1. That while we have a standard for our children that we must hold to, we must remember that they, just as us, will fail often. There would then be negative consequences, but we must be patient and gracious when they fail over and over again. God is so patient with us. He discipline us, but He also forgives us when we confess. He forgives us in such a way that He remembers our sin no more:
Jer 31:34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
2. That you might learn from me and not sin in the same way as I have, and by doing so, discredit the Father's name, your witness and your example to your child(ren)
The Lord has shown me a way that the situation can be redeemed. I phoned my midwife today and apologised for having lied (she realised immediately and told me so, because I was lying like a little girl to her mother) and for not doing what she tells me to do. She just laughed and said I mustn't worry, but I know in my heart that it was a very important thing to do. One thing is for sure: I'll think twice before lying next time, because it is much harder to apologise than to tell the truth.
Love in our Rock and Redeemer!
Rosa
I had an appointment with my midwife at two. I was five minutes late, but she was 45minutes late. It was quite a trial not to demand my rights, but to rest in God's sovereignity and control over my time and not to discredit my witness. The Lord gave me victory. When we finally started chatting and she asked me whether I have been taking my tissue salts, which she has told me to do so that I could absorb more iron, I did the most stupid thing ever: I told a lie and said I did. Let me explain. It is not that I make a habit of making a habit of lying in private and was therefore untrained for this crucial moment. It was that I had been negligent in doing what she asked of me. The Lord has been convicting me about it and I have been ignoring Him. At the same time it was a result of fear of man which clearly proves to be a snare (Pro 29:25 The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe). I had been cherishing sin in my heart and had done the very thing I did not want to do: I discredited my testimony and the Name of my Father. How could I now speak to her about Him? It has been my heart's desire to be able to testify to her and in one moment I had compromised my witness and her chance of eternal life. At the same time, I did it before my son. Luckily he is too young to understand, but imagine the damage if he could understand. I felt truly ashamed at my action.
Wretched [woman] that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! How sweet is the knowledge of His forgiveness and grace. In one moment I have failed my Father, Lord and Saviour. But in one moment, if [I] confess my sins, he is faithful and just to forgive me my sins and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness (1John1:9). How thankful am I for God's grace!
I am writing this to you in order to show you two things:
1. That while we have a standard for our children that we must hold to, we must remember that they, just as us, will fail often. There would then be negative consequences, but we must be patient and gracious when they fail over and over again. God is so patient with us. He discipline us, but He also forgives us when we confess. He forgives us in such a way that He remembers our sin no more:
Jer 31:34 And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
2. That you might learn from me and not sin in the same way as I have, and by doing so, discredit the Father's name, your witness and your example to your child(ren)
The Lord has shown me a way that the situation can be redeemed. I phoned my midwife today and apologised for having lied (she realised immediately and told me so, because I was lying like a little girl to her mother) and for not doing what she tells me to do. She just laughed and said I mustn't worry, but I know in my heart that it was a very important thing to do. One thing is for sure: I'll think twice before lying next time, because it is much harder to apologise than to tell the truth.
Love in our Rock and Redeemer!
Rosa
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
1 Cor 9: 27 – But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
Today, the Holy Spirit seized on a moment to teach me a wonderful and very important thing. I have come to a stage where I want to define more clearly my standards for Simeon’s (my son) obedience to me, because just as God did not move His standard of holiness in the garden of Eden, and still doesn’t, I do not want to move my standard for Simeon, seeing that I am a representative of God’s authority.
I was thinking about what I want the standard to be and whether for example I want my son to listen to me the first time I speak or command something. It seems almost too much to expect of a 16month old, and it is hard work and needs a focused mother. Then I realized that everyday situations which may seem innocent when he doesn’t listen the first time, are actually just the training ground for when it will really matter. If Simeon trains (or is trained) to listen the first time when I say “stop”, I would not have to wonder whether he would do the same when he is about to run into the street. Or when I teach Simeon each day that he must not touch something when I say so, then I wouldn’t have to worry when he is close to a fire or a braai, that he would touch it if I say he shouldn’t.
When considering the matters of being a parent, I often think of how God relates to us as His children. In every situation we must train ourselves to be obedient, even when it seems like no one is watching, because these seemingly innocuous situations are the training ground for situations where it is of extreme importance to be obedient (Note: it is always extremely important to be obedient to God, because of who HE IS). For example, when we are in front of other believers, we can easily discredit our witness and much worse, bring dishonour to our Father’s name, if we are not trained in obedience. Another example is when I have to submit to my husband in front of others, I will find it difficult if I do not train myself in every moment at home. I could then dishonour him, the opposite of what a wise, loving and respecting wife would do.
Now I understand what Paul means when he says:
1Co 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
1Co 9:25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1Co 9:26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
1Co 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
He also writes in 1 Tim4 verse 7:
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Now I understand why it is so important to train myself in godliness and obedience in the strength of the Lord. I will sometimes fail, and then I praise God for his all-sufficient grace to cover all my sin and failures. Because of my love for my father I will strive to do this so that in every situation I might bring the honour due to His name.
Aren’t we blessed as mothers to have children; a relationship in which we can learn so much from for our own walk with our Father. May we all be encourage and motivated to train our children so that one day they will understand the importance of obeying their heavenly Father in each and every situation.
Love,
Rosa
I was thinking about what I want the standard to be and whether for example I want my son to listen to me the first time I speak or command something. It seems almost too much to expect of a 16month old, and it is hard work and needs a focused mother. Then I realized that everyday situations which may seem innocent when he doesn’t listen the first time, are actually just the training ground for when it will really matter. If Simeon trains (or is trained) to listen the first time when I say “stop”, I would not have to wonder whether he would do the same when he is about to run into the street. Or when I teach Simeon each day that he must not touch something when I say so, then I wouldn’t have to worry when he is close to a fire or a braai, that he would touch it if I say he shouldn’t.
When considering the matters of being a parent, I often think of how God relates to us as His children. In every situation we must train ourselves to be obedient, even when it seems like no one is watching, because these seemingly innocuous situations are the training ground for situations where it is of extreme importance to be obedient (Note: it is always extremely important to be obedient to God, because of who HE IS). For example, when we are in front of other believers, we can easily discredit our witness and much worse, bring dishonour to our Father’s name, if we are not trained in obedience. Another example is when I have to submit to my husband in front of others, I will find it difficult if I do not train myself in every moment at home. I could then dishonour him, the opposite of what a wise, loving and respecting wife would do.
Now I understand what Paul means when he says:
1Co 9:24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
1Co 9:25 Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.
1Co 9:26 So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.
1Co 9:27 But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.
He also writes in 1 Tim4 verse 7:
Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
Now I understand why it is so important to train myself in godliness and obedience in the strength of the Lord. I will sometimes fail, and then I praise God for his all-sufficient grace to cover all my sin and failures. Because of my love for my father I will strive to do this so that in every situation I might bring the honour due to His name.
Aren’t we blessed as mothers to have children; a relationship in which we can learn so much from for our own walk with our Father. May we all be encourage and motivated to train our children so that one day they will understand the importance of obeying their heavenly Father in each and every situation.
Love,
Rosa
Friday, March 6, 2009
What a consolation!
2Co 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tomato pasta sauce
This is a great tasting, home-made pasta sauce that I made by accident. I put the tomatoes in the oven and then had to go do shopping and forgot to tell anybody about it. Luckily our domestic worker smelt something burning. But I still used the (almost sundried) tomatoes and it came out tasting amazing. I am one of those people who do not use a recipe book most of the time, so when something comes out well, I am ecstatic about it. I am sure you can make it in bulk and freeze it. It will work out cheaper than buying already-made sauces.
Ingredients
8 tomatoes cut in half
Another two tomatoes
Rosemary and olive seasoning (Ina Paarman) or any herb seasoning
Two tablespoons of brown sugar
One clove of garlic
A can of chopped, peeled tomatoes.
Tablespoon of sugar
Method
Place the 8 halved tomatoes on an oven tray. Sprinkle with the brown sugar (use more brown sugar if needed) and the Rosemary and Olive seasoning.
Place in the oven at 200 Degrees Celsius. Grill until slightly burnt, probably between 30 and 40 minutes.
Remove from the oven; remove the skins and place in a pot with the other two raw tomatoes, the clove of garlic, the can of tomatoes and the tablespoon of sugar.
Let it cook over a low heat for 30 minutes.
Use a blender to make it smooth and serve with pasta and fresh basil leaves.
Serves 5
Ingredients
8 tomatoes cut in half
Another two tomatoes
Rosemary and olive seasoning (Ina Paarman) or any herb seasoning
Two tablespoons of brown sugar
One clove of garlic
A can of chopped, peeled tomatoes.
Tablespoon of sugar
Method
Place the 8 halved tomatoes on an oven tray. Sprinkle with the brown sugar (use more brown sugar if needed) and the Rosemary and Olive seasoning.
Place in the oven at 200 Degrees Celsius. Grill until slightly burnt, probably between 30 and 40 minutes.
Remove from the oven; remove the skins and place in a pot with the other two raw tomatoes, the clove of garlic, the can of tomatoes and the tablespoon of sugar.
Let it cook over a low heat for 30 minutes.
Use a blender to make it smooth and serve with pasta and fresh basil leaves.
Serves 5
Monday, February 23, 2009
Love covers all offenses
Pro 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
This is a verse that, once you have memorized it and assimilated it (especially the second part), it will become part of the two-edge sword with which the Spirit fights in order to help you in times of temptation. I have found that as soon as somebody has done something which does not please me, this verse comes up and I am able to forgive and to overlook the offense. The Spirit really uses this verse to help me not to become irritated and to avoid unnecessary arguments. An example is when the bread is finished and the last one to have some bread did not take another loaf out of the freezer and I have to make a sandwich quickly for my husband... Through the help of this verse I can overlook this and rather act in love. I cannot count the number of times it has popped up in my mind and helped me to be a more godly person. I praise the Lord for this jewel of truth!
Love,
Rosa
This is a verse that, once you have memorized it and assimilated it (especially the second part), it will become part of the two-edge sword with which the Spirit fights in order to help you in times of temptation. I have found that as soon as somebody has done something which does not please me, this verse comes up and I am able to forgive and to overlook the offense. The Spirit really uses this verse to help me not to become irritated and to avoid unnecessary arguments. An example is when the bread is finished and the last one to have some bread did not take another loaf out of the freezer and I have to make a sandwich quickly for my husband... Through the help of this verse I can overlook this and rather act in love. I cannot count the number of times it has popped up in my mind and helped me to be a more godly person. I praise the Lord for this jewel of truth!
Love,
Rosa
Saturday, February 21, 2009
This is the day the Lord has made
Today we had our first Cradle Roll Social. The Cradle Roll ministry at our church seeks to minister to the ladies who are either expecting or are young moms. We realise that this period in a woman's life is such a wonderful time wherein one can experience the love and guidance of the Father in so many ways. We really want to encourage other moms to draw closer to God. At the same time we know that moms can offer lots of practical advice to those who are expecting. We also want to reach out to ladies who do not know the Lord by creating a situation where they can slot in and where they can see mothers who knows the living God with their children.
These are the goals of our social and today we had our first one. It was held at my place, so I had to get everything ready. I really prayed that the Lord will keep the rain away (it is normal for it to rain in the afternoon after a hot day here in Johannesburg, and our social started at 2:30pm). The Lord did answer my prayer; it only started raining after everybody had left. By 9 O'clock in the morning two ladies had cancelled, one would have brought her children to help with the babies, so I started panicking in my heart. I know it is not about numbers, but I wanted enough ladies to justify the name "social" The Lord, however, gave me a wonderful moment where I saw the beauty of His ways. It is such a blessing to be close to Him. Why would we be anxious about anything when anxiety only takes us away from Him? I savoured this moment by having rusks and tea in the garden. I understood that:
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24.
This day will turn out just as God had planned it. I have nothing to worry about. Of course my peace was tested. When I entered the house, I saw that there was no water (they are working on a pipe somewhere and it could have taken a whole day!). I prayed to the Lord and said that He knows we need water; it is after all a tea. And it was very hot and we needed water for the toilet... Sure enough, he answered my prayer and the water came back at 2:30pm just as everybody started arriving!
Not everything went according to how I foresaw it. I had many expectations that were completely different to how it actually turned out to be. But i can say this; that it was great and I truly believe that the ladies enjoyed it. I can also thank God, because I know He was present and that He will bless this and purify it to glorify His name!
Our next one will be on the 21st of March, so please diarise this date and also pray for us: that this social will truly minister to others whether they be children of God or not.
Love in our precious Redeemer,
Rosa
These are the goals of our social and today we had our first one. It was held at my place, so I had to get everything ready. I really prayed that the Lord will keep the rain away (it is normal for it to rain in the afternoon after a hot day here in Johannesburg, and our social started at 2:30pm). The Lord did answer my prayer; it only started raining after everybody had left. By 9 O'clock in the morning two ladies had cancelled, one would have brought her children to help with the babies, so I started panicking in my heart. I know it is not about numbers, but I wanted enough ladies to justify the name "social" The Lord, however, gave me a wonderful moment where I saw the beauty of His ways. It is such a blessing to be close to Him. Why would we be anxious about anything when anxiety only takes us away from Him? I savoured this moment by having rusks and tea in the garden. I understood that:
This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24.
This day will turn out just as God had planned it. I have nothing to worry about. Of course my peace was tested. When I entered the house, I saw that there was no water (they are working on a pipe somewhere and it could have taken a whole day!). I prayed to the Lord and said that He knows we need water; it is after all a tea. And it was very hot and we needed water for the toilet... Sure enough, he answered my prayer and the water came back at 2:30pm just as everybody started arriving!
Not everything went according to how I foresaw it. I had many expectations that were completely different to how it actually turned out to be. But i can say this; that it was great and I truly believe that the ladies enjoyed it. I can also thank God, because I know He was present and that He will bless this and purify it to glorify His name!
Our next one will be on the 21st of March, so please diarise this date and also pray for us: that this social will truly minister to others whether they be children of God or not.
Love in our precious Redeemer,
Rosa
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Proverb
Pro 10:25 When the tempest passes, the wicked is no more, but the righteous is established forever.
I read this proverb today which just reinforced what I said yesterday.
Love,
Rosa
I read this proverb today which just reinforced what I said yesterday.
Love,
Rosa
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Word of God in the training of our children
I am currently doing a Shepherding a Child's Heart course by Tedd Tripp. It has been very beneficial to encourage me to see the importance of the Lords Word in the training and raising of my child(ren). It is the Word of God alone that can change our hearts and that will change the hearts of our children:
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The week that we started the course the Lord also brought another Scripture on my path, which has truly motivated me to memorize Scripture:
Luk 6:47-49 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
We are building a foundation for our children's lives on which their whole life will be built. This foundation will determine how they deal with difficult situations and trials that will come their way. It will also determine how they deal with the world's influence which is so invasive in our lives. What better foundation can we give them than the Words of Jesus. He said himself that it is the best one and that the consequences of such a foundation are lasting.
At the same time I have come to realise (it is actually so obvious), that the Word of God IS truly is the sword of the Spirit:
Eph 6:14-17 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
The Spirit uses the Word of God to help fight our temptations; to comfort us in suffering; and to strengthen us through trials. However, in order for the Spirit to be able to use the Word as His swrod, we must have assimilated is; have made it a part of us; have digested it. I have therefore realised that it is crucial for us to memorize Scripture; not out of duty, but out of joy because of the knowledge that the Spirit won't only use it in our lives - and He will! - but He will also use it in the lives of our children as we use it to correct them; encourage them and to tell them about our joyin and love for God:
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
We can say it to our children in times of discipline, even though they might not understand it yet. I use it with my 16month old and it always gets his attention and amuses him. We can also use it spontaneously during the day; when changing nappies, or when making supper. I want to encourage my fellow mothers in Christ to make the Word part of themselves in order to build a foundation that storms cannot overcome for their children.
Love, Rosa
Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
The week that we started the course the Lord also brought another Scripture on my path, which has truly motivated me to memorize Scripture:
Luk 6:47-49 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."
We are building a foundation for our children's lives on which their whole life will be built. This foundation will determine how they deal with difficult situations and trials that will come their way. It will also determine how they deal with the world's influence which is so invasive in our lives. What better foundation can we give them than the Words of Jesus. He said himself that it is the best one and that the consequences of such a foundation are lasting.
At the same time I have come to realise (it is actually so obvious), that the Word of God IS truly is the sword of the Spirit:
Eph 6:14-17 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
The Spirit uses the Word of God to help fight our temptations; to comfort us in suffering; and to strengthen us through trials. However, in order for the Spirit to be able to use the Word as His swrod, we must have assimilated is; have made it a part of us; have digested it. I have therefore realised that it is crucial for us to memorize Scripture; not out of duty, but out of joy because of the knowledge that the Spirit won't only use it in our lives - and He will! - but He will also use it in the lives of our children as we use it to correct them; encourage them and to tell them about our joyin and love for God:
2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
We can say it to our children in times of discipline, even though they might not understand it yet. I use it with my 16month old and it always gets his attention and amuses him. We can also use it spontaneously during the day; when changing nappies, or when making supper. I want to encourage my fellow mothers in Christ to make the Word part of themselves in order to build a foundation that storms cannot overcome for their children.
Love, Rosa
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Pro 5:18-19
Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
I read this yesterday. Usually when reading these verses one thinks that they are only for men or that we will one day teach them to our sons. But I realised that these verses can also teach me so much about being a wife. Do I give my husband reason to rejoice over me? Am I lovely and graceful like a deer? Do I give him more than enough opportunies to be delighted with and to enjoy my body? And is my love intoxicating.Is my love exciting, thrilling, stimulating, sexy, exhilarating?
These are challenging questions? It is my heart's desire to become such a wife to my husband. And to think and know that such a wife is a pleasant sight to the Lord. He would be honoured by an attempt to be such a wife to our husbands. It also looks like lots of fun, so let's enjoy being a lovely, graceful, delightful, intoxicating wife to our husbands!!!!
Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth,
a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.
I read this yesterday. Usually when reading these verses one thinks that they are only for men or that we will one day teach them to our sons. But I realised that these verses can also teach me so much about being a wife. Do I give my husband reason to rejoice over me? Am I lovely and graceful like a deer? Do I give him more than enough opportunies to be delighted with and to enjoy my body? And is my love intoxicating.Is my love exciting, thrilling, stimulating, sexy, exhilarating?
These are challenging questions? It is my heart's desire to become such a wife to my husband. And to think and know that such a wife is a pleasant sight to the Lord. He would be honoured by an attempt to be such a wife to our husbands. It also looks like lots of fun, so let's enjoy being a lovely, graceful, delightful, intoxicating wife to our husbands!!!!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Baking I love!
What I love about cooking and baking is finding easy recipes that are quick to make yet delicious and a treat to others. Here are two recipes which makes baking a joy:
BRAN RUSKS
1kg selfraising flour
500 gr baking margarine
350gr bran (1 small pack)
400ml sugar
10ml salt
1 liter full cream milk
Preheat the oven at 180 Degree Celcius. Melt the butter and add the full cream milk to it. Mix all the dry ingredients in a LARGE bowl and add the butter mixture to it. Grease two oven pans and put the batter in , smoothing the tops. Cut into fingers and bake for 35-40 minutes.
When finished, leave till completely cooled and then cut in fingers. Dry at 100 Degrees for plus minus 4 hours. It depends on your oven.
You can replace the bran with 350gr of crushed wheatbix. I did it recently and everybody was crazy over it. Or you can make a mixture of bran, wheatbix and corn flakes adding up to 350gr. I just did it and I am sure it is going to be nice.
This recipe makes making rusks a delight
NEVER FAILING HEALTH BREAD
500 ml wholewheat flour
250 ml oats
10ml baking powder
30ml brown sugar
10 ml salt
500ml milk
Extra brown sugar
optional: 50 ml sunflower seed, 50 ml sesame seed and some seed to sprinkle on top.
Preheat the oven at 180 Degrees Celcius and grease a medium-sized bread pan. Sprinkle seeds in the pan (optional). Mix all the dry ingredients. Add the milk and mix till a it forms a dough. Place the dough into the bread pan, sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar over the top and bake for 40 minutes or until thoroughly baked when tested. Switch the oven off and leave the bread for another 10minutes in the hot oven. Take the bread out and let it cool for about 15minutes before taking it out of the pan.
You can easily double this recipe and it freezes very well.
I make this bread so often that the recipe book falls open automatically at its place when I want to make it. I always get lots of compliments when I serve it to others.
BRAN RUSKS
1kg selfraising flour
500 gr baking margarine
350gr bran (1 small pack)
400ml sugar
10ml salt
1 liter full cream milk
Preheat the oven at 180 Degree Celcius. Melt the butter and add the full cream milk to it. Mix all the dry ingredients in a LARGE bowl and add the butter mixture to it. Grease two oven pans and put the batter in , smoothing the tops. Cut into fingers and bake for 35-40 minutes.
When finished, leave till completely cooled and then cut in fingers. Dry at 100 Degrees for plus minus 4 hours. It depends on your oven.
You can replace the bran with 350gr of crushed wheatbix. I did it recently and everybody was crazy over it. Or you can make a mixture of bran, wheatbix and corn flakes adding up to 350gr. I just did it and I am sure it is going to be nice.
This recipe makes making rusks a delight
NEVER FAILING HEALTH BREAD
500 ml wholewheat flour
250 ml oats
10ml baking powder
30ml brown sugar
10 ml salt
500ml milk
Extra brown sugar
optional: 50 ml sunflower seed, 50 ml sesame seed and some seed to sprinkle on top.
Preheat the oven at 180 Degrees Celcius and grease a medium-sized bread pan. Sprinkle seeds in the pan (optional). Mix all the dry ingredients. Add the milk and mix till a it forms a dough. Place the dough into the bread pan, sprinkle a little bit of brown sugar over the top and bake for 40 minutes or until thoroughly baked when tested. Switch the oven off and leave the bread for another 10minutes in the hot oven. Take the bread out and let it cool for about 15minutes before taking it out of the pan.
You can easily double this recipe and it freezes very well.
I make this bread so often that the recipe book falls open automatically at its place when I want to make it. I always get lots of compliments when I serve it to others.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
My husband, my king
I used to feel very guilty about how I should relate to my husband. If I said he is my best friend, I thought: “But shouldn’t that title only belong to Jesus?” If I told him he is my biggest blessing in this world I thought, “But shouldn’t that title be reserved only for Jesus?”
A month ago, however, in prayer with my Father, I had this wonderful and consuming desire to make Nel, my husband, the king of our kingdom (our family and home), in all areas pertaining to family and home life: in our finances, in the management of the home, in the discipline of our child(ren). I felt like I wanted to treat him as a king, with reverence. I started thinking how one would be toward a king. Wouldn’t you want to make your king the most delicious and appetizing meals? Wouldn’t you want to wake him with hot coffee in the morning, because it is the only way he will be able to get up and start his day? Would I ever challenge my king in public on his choices or his way of disciplining his children? Or would I rather wait till we are in bed… and tell him gently and lovingly? Would I tell my king how he should spend his money all the time just because there is a strict budget?
At the same time I realized that I am his queen. I won’t just let him make bad choices, because his kingdom would be at stake and therefore his reputation. I am his adviser, not the decision-maker. My job is to get everything in order so that he can make wise decisions; to make sure his day runs smoothly; to decorate his life with jewels of special surprises that he likes. I speak highly of him in front of the children so that they will also reverence him and love him and feel proud about him.
For the last month, as far as I possibly could, this has been what I have done. I cannot describe how it has helped me to be submissive to my husband, to respect him and to love him. What has motivated me the most is the fact that I am pleasing my Father whom I love. I have realized by treating my husband as my king, I am in fact treating Jesus as my King, because I am respecting Him and loving and obeying His command.
In Ephesians 5:18-33 Paul explains the profound mystery of the fact that the union of a man and a woman in marriage is a symbol of the union between Christ and His bride, the church. Because this is true, he exhorts us to “submit to our husbands as to the Lord.” By treating my husband as a king, I am correctly showing that Christ is the King of the church and that He is also my King. In verse 18, Paul says that we should “be filled with the Spirit.” This is an epilogue to the section on the relationship between a husband and his wife, because by submitting to our husbands we are being filled by the Spirit. One pastor explained this in a wedding sermon and I could just rejoice at this explanation, because since I have decided to treat my husband as the king of our kingdom, the Holy Spirit has been by my side to help me. He encourages me to put aside my plans for the day when my husband needs something to be done. He helps me not to procrastinate in the things which my husbands asks of me to do. He also gives me helpful hints, such as buying candles for our room to create a romantic atmosphere, having a picnic outside, making myself beautiful, looking after and loving the dogs that my husband loves so much. I have stopped nagging my husband about not spending outside of our budget (here I also received help from the Spirit) and I have started making delicious and interesting meals. And when my husband comes in during my quiet time and wants some intimacy, I delight in it - and no longer grumble because this is the only time I have with the Lord! – because in that very act I am pleasing and worshipping the Lord.
I praise the Lord daily for making me aware of this. It has been so liberating and I can see the positive effects in our marriage. Every day I am falling more and more in love with my husband and every day I am loving him more and more. What a wonderful God and Saviour we serve who gave us such a relationship in which we can learn about how to relate to Him and how to please Him!
Grace and peace to you,
Rosa
P.S Christ is our ultimate authority and the one to whom both my husband and I submit. If my husband sins, I can gently show him the error in his ways, referring to the Word. If he expects me to sin I should also submit first and foremost to Christ and to His Word.
Here is an article which echoes my discovery:
Little Women
By: Zephyr Pearl
Pleasing Those You Love
I remember, as a young girl, my mother doing everyday things for Daddy, because Daddy was special. When he came home from work as an airplane pilot, Mom would have the house clean, supper prepared, the table set, and each of us six kids eagerly anticipating Dad’s arrival.
Mom would rush around like a giddy teenager in love, dabbing on a bit of Heaven Scent (Dad’s favorite perfume) as she scurried about. I remember so clearly her always preparing one of “Dad’s favorite” meals. I don’t know if that was her intent, but she was teaching us kids not just by words, but by actions, too.
As I got older, I would leave little “goodbye notes” that I sneaked into Dad’s flightbag the night before he left on a trip. Sometimes, my sisters and I would slip downstairs at 4:30 am and make him a simple breakfast of eggs and toast. Dad would send us postcards from his different destinations, even though we didn’t receive them until days after he had returned home. There were times when we all went with him on a three-day flight to someplace far away and exciting. Everything Mom did centered around pleasing Dad and making him happy. Mom’s little gestures of love did much more than make a happy husband. She was making happy little wives and a happy home, as well.
Today, I am now a wife and mother. I find myself doing these same things; and my daughters are following in my steps, learning from me, and perpetuating the tradition of love. Laura, our first child, now four-and-a-half years old, is constantly trying to buy this thing or that for her Daddy, because she knows “it is his favorite.” When we go to the local country store, she always gets two fireballs—one for her and one for Daddy.
As I write this, we are in the last month of our three-month stay in Honduras. The kids and I take a daily trek into town early, because it gets hot here well before noon. By the time we get to town, the kids are hot and thirsty, so they occasionally get to pick out a box drink from the store’s cooler. Needless to say, they don’t have all the commodities here that we do in the States. Well, Laura picked out the Honduran version of a Starbucks frappuccino that looked as if it had been sitting there for a couple of years. As we paid for it, she eagerly opened the straw and started slurping it down. “Mmm, this is sooo good,” she said, as we walked home discussing iguanas, whale sharks, airplanes, and other various and random subjects. Then, out of the blue, she stopped sucking on her straw and stated, “I am going to save the rest for Daddy and surprise him when he gets back from diving, because frappuccino is Daddy’s favorite.” When we got home, Laura carefully hid her drink box in the fridge, so Daddy couldn’t find it, and then went to take her afternoon nap. While she was sleeping, I tested the drink to make sure it was palatable. I gagged and spit it into the sink, quickly guzzling some orange juice to kill the taste. When Nathan got home, I warned him of what was to come. Laura woke up soon after and hurried excitedly to get Daddy’s treat. While she was busy making sure his eyes were closed for the surprise, I rushed to pour him a generous serving of OJ. The look of happiness, pleasure, and joy on Laura’s face as she watched Nathan choke down the drink was priceless. My girl’s Daddy is her knight in shining armor, and that is how it should be. My mother’s example is bearing fruit.
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/marriage-family/mothers-women/article-display/archive/2007/june/15/little-women/
A month ago, however, in prayer with my Father, I had this wonderful and consuming desire to make Nel, my husband, the king of our kingdom (our family and home), in all areas pertaining to family and home life: in our finances, in the management of the home, in the discipline of our child(ren). I felt like I wanted to treat him as a king, with reverence. I started thinking how one would be toward a king. Wouldn’t you want to make your king the most delicious and appetizing meals? Wouldn’t you want to wake him with hot coffee in the morning, because it is the only way he will be able to get up and start his day? Would I ever challenge my king in public on his choices or his way of disciplining his children? Or would I rather wait till we are in bed… and tell him gently and lovingly? Would I tell my king how he should spend his money all the time just because there is a strict budget?
At the same time I realized that I am his queen. I won’t just let him make bad choices, because his kingdom would be at stake and therefore his reputation. I am his adviser, not the decision-maker. My job is to get everything in order so that he can make wise decisions; to make sure his day runs smoothly; to decorate his life with jewels of special surprises that he likes. I speak highly of him in front of the children so that they will also reverence him and love him and feel proud about him.
For the last month, as far as I possibly could, this has been what I have done. I cannot describe how it has helped me to be submissive to my husband, to respect him and to love him. What has motivated me the most is the fact that I am pleasing my Father whom I love. I have realized by treating my husband as my king, I am in fact treating Jesus as my King, because I am respecting Him and loving and obeying His command.
In Ephesians 5:18-33 Paul explains the profound mystery of the fact that the union of a man and a woman in marriage is a symbol of the union between Christ and His bride, the church. Because this is true, he exhorts us to “submit to our husbands as to the Lord.” By treating my husband as a king, I am correctly showing that Christ is the King of the church and that He is also my King. In verse 18, Paul says that we should “be filled with the Spirit.” This is an epilogue to the section on the relationship between a husband and his wife, because by submitting to our husbands we are being filled by the Spirit. One pastor explained this in a wedding sermon and I could just rejoice at this explanation, because since I have decided to treat my husband as the king of our kingdom, the Holy Spirit has been by my side to help me. He encourages me to put aside my plans for the day when my husband needs something to be done. He helps me not to procrastinate in the things which my husbands asks of me to do. He also gives me helpful hints, such as buying candles for our room to create a romantic atmosphere, having a picnic outside, making myself beautiful, looking after and loving the dogs that my husband loves so much. I have stopped nagging my husband about not spending outside of our budget (here I also received help from the Spirit) and I have started making delicious and interesting meals. And when my husband comes in during my quiet time and wants some intimacy, I delight in it - and no longer grumble because this is the only time I have with the Lord! – because in that very act I am pleasing and worshipping the Lord.
I praise the Lord daily for making me aware of this. It has been so liberating and I can see the positive effects in our marriage. Every day I am falling more and more in love with my husband and every day I am loving him more and more. What a wonderful God and Saviour we serve who gave us such a relationship in which we can learn about how to relate to Him and how to please Him!
Grace and peace to you,
Rosa
P.S Christ is our ultimate authority and the one to whom both my husband and I submit. If my husband sins, I can gently show him the error in his ways, referring to the Word. If he expects me to sin I should also submit first and foremost to Christ and to His Word.
Here is an article which echoes my discovery:
Little Women
By: Zephyr Pearl
Pleasing Those You Love
I remember, as a young girl, my mother doing everyday things for Daddy, because Daddy was special. When he came home from work as an airplane pilot, Mom would have the house clean, supper prepared, the table set, and each of us six kids eagerly anticipating Dad’s arrival.
Mom would rush around like a giddy teenager in love, dabbing on a bit of Heaven Scent (Dad’s favorite perfume) as she scurried about. I remember so clearly her always preparing one of “Dad’s favorite” meals. I don’t know if that was her intent, but she was teaching us kids not just by words, but by actions, too.
As I got older, I would leave little “goodbye notes” that I sneaked into Dad’s flightbag the night before he left on a trip. Sometimes, my sisters and I would slip downstairs at 4:30 am and make him a simple breakfast of eggs and toast. Dad would send us postcards from his different destinations, even though we didn’t receive them until days after he had returned home. There were times when we all went with him on a three-day flight to someplace far away and exciting. Everything Mom did centered around pleasing Dad and making him happy. Mom’s little gestures of love did much more than make a happy husband. She was making happy little wives and a happy home, as well.
Today, I am now a wife and mother. I find myself doing these same things; and my daughters are following in my steps, learning from me, and perpetuating the tradition of love. Laura, our first child, now four-and-a-half years old, is constantly trying to buy this thing or that for her Daddy, because she knows “it is his favorite.” When we go to the local country store, she always gets two fireballs—one for her and one for Daddy.
As I write this, we are in the last month of our three-month stay in Honduras. The kids and I take a daily trek into town early, because it gets hot here well before noon. By the time we get to town, the kids are hot and thirsty, so they occasionally get to pick out a box drink from the store’s cooler. Needless to say, they don’t have all the commodities here that we do in the States. Well, Laura picked out the Honduran version of a Starbucks frappuccino that looked as if it had been sitting there for a couple of years. As we paid for it, she eagerly opened the straw and started slurping it down. “Mmm, this is sooo good,” she said, as we walked home discussing iguanas, whale sharks, airplanes, and other various and random subjects. Then, out of the blue, she stopped sucking on her straw and stated, “I am going to save the rest for Daddy and surprise him when he gets back from diving, because frappuccino is Daddy’s favorite.” When we got home, Laura carefully hid her drink box in the fridge, so Daddy couldn’t find it, and then went to take her afternoon nap. While she was sleeping, I tested the drink to make sure it was palatable. I gagged and spit it into the sink, quickly guzzling some orange juice to kill the taste. When Nathan got home, I warned him of what was to come. Laura woke up soon after and hurried excitedly to get Daddy’s treat. While she was busy making sure his eyes were closed for the surprise, I rushed to pour him a generous serving of OJ. The look of happiness, pleasure, and joy on Laura’s face as she watched Nathan choke down the drink was priceless. My girl’s Daddy is her knight in shining armor, and that is how it should be. My mother’s example is bearing fruit.
http://www.nogreaterjoy.org/articles/marriage-family/mothers-women/article-display/archive/2007/june/15/little-women/
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Great website for activities with your toddler
I have been looking at activities to do with my 15 month old an dhave found this site with thousands of suggestions. Go have a look!
http://www.savvysource.com/activities/
http://www.savvysource.com/activities/
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Muffins fit for a king!
I made these muffins today and have received so many compliments that I have decided to post the recipe. It is very easy to make and ends up being delicious!
Cinnamon and Coconut Muffins
400ml cake flour
350ml breakfast oats
200 ml cocunut
15 ml baking powder
2ml salt
100 ml sugar
30 ml cinnamon
250ml cream (replace with milk if you don't have cream)
300 ml milk
75ml vegetable oil
1 egg
Grease a muffin tray. Preheat the oven at 180 Degrees Celcius. Mix the dry ingredients - flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon - in a bowl. Mix the cream, milk, vegetable oil and egg in another bowl. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until well mixed, but do not overdo it. Pour into the muffin tray. Sprinkle a little bit of brown or white sugar over the tops of the muffins and bake for more or less 20 minutes (until golden brown). It can be eaten alone or with honey and cheese. My husband really enjoyed them and that is why I believe they are muffins fit for a king.
Cinnamon and Coconut Muffins
400ml cake flour
350ml breakfast oats
200 ml cocunut
15 ml baking powder
2ml salt
100 ml sugar
30 ml cinnamon
250ml cream (replace with milk if you don't have cream)
300 ml milk
75ml vegetable oil
1 egg
Grease a muffin tray. Preheat the oven at 180 Degrees Celcius. Mix the dry ingredients - flour, oats, coconut, baking powder, salt, sugar and cinnamon - in a bowl. Mix the cream, milk, vegetable oil and egg in another bowl. Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients until well mixed, but do not overdo it. Pour into the muffin tray. Sprinkle a little bit of brown or white sugar over the tops of the muffins and bake for more or less 20 minutes (until golden brown). It can be eaten alone or with honey and cheese. My husband really enjoyed them and that is why I believe they are muffins fit for a king.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Running with Grace
One of the themes of my 2008 December holiday was learning that we can run with the grace that God has given us in Christ Jesus our Lord. I have been a Christian for almost 5 years and it was only in the last year that I truly came to an understanding of what it means to receive grace from God, that we are redeemed from the curse of the law and that we do not, and definitely can’t, work our own righteousness in the face of a holy God. This has set me free to love God and to treasure Christ through whom I can enter the Most Holy Place and sit at the feet of my Father.
What do I mean when I say “Running with Grace?” The concept was formed for me this holiday after reading Sally Clarkson’s book The Mom Walk. This book truly encouraged me as a mother and a wife and mostly as a child of God. She touches such relevant areas of life. She describes many of her family’s daily experiences and adventures and what one comes to see is a family that has taken hold of the full assurance and acceptance of Christ and is running with it in order to do great things for God’s kingdom. They know they are not perfect, but they do not wallow in self-pity. Rather they accept that Christ has paid the full price for every sin we have done and will ever do. They no that, in God’s covenant of grace, there is a place for failure. After all, God “knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). At the same time, they strive to be godly and wholeheartedly devoted to Christ in every aspect of their lives.
Through this book and this idea of running with the grace that God has provided us, I have come to understand the parable of the tenants. Before understanding grace, I have always been a closet one-talent servant. I was too afraid to do anything, because I didn’t know God as a loving and rewarding Father and Master. I only could see the extent to which I failed and thought that He must be angry with me more often than not. Now that I understand the extent of God’s grace, however, I see that He wants to reward us; He wants us to enter into His joy. He looks at us with pleasure as we are in Christ, his dear Son. We already have the righteousness of Christ. The result of this assurance is the desire to please God and to work for His kingdom, as the servants with the five and ten talents respectively did.
It is so easy for us to focus on our sins and weaknesses only. This actually paralyses our work for the kingdom. But when we are humble enough to accept that we are weak and not to stop there but to look at God’s all-sufficient provision in Christ and to accept it and live in praise and thanksgiving of it, then we can do great things (by this I mean serving our families, reaching our children’s hearts for Christ, serving in our church-family, reaching the lost) for God.
Some other verses from Scripture which confirmed this for me was Isaiah 40 verse 30-31:
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
These verses speak the new covenant that Jesus established and shows that in this covenant of grace we will be able to move up and to move forward, and all this without tiring.
Another part of Scripture is Hebrews 10 verse 19-24:
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood ofJesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…
Here I saw that we have such a strong assurance in the blood of Christ, that we can enter the very throne room of God and come in His presence having put on the righteousness of Christ. And after the writer has so gloriously emphasized this fact, he encourages us to stir each other to love and good works. It is because we have this assurance and hope that we can run with love and good works and encourage each other to do the same.
I am now convinced that I can run with the grace that God has provided me. I do not think it is my own strength, but Christ who is strength in my weakness. I see that I am multiplying my talents even in the meal that I prepare my family and the coffee I make my husband every morning so that he can wake up. I also see that I can use this desire that I have - to encourage other moms and expectant ladies to walk closer with God – and start reaching out to others. That is one of the reasons for this blog. I praise God at the same time that the results are in His hands and not in mine.
My desire is that anyone who reads this will also start running for God’s kingdom. His gospel is the power to save!
What do I mean when I say “Running with Grace?” The concept was formed for me this holiday after reading Sally Clarkson’s book The Mom Walk. This book truly encouraged me as a mother and a wife and mostly as a child of God. She touches such relevant areas of life. She describes many of her family’s daily experiences and adventures and what one comes to see is a family that has taken hold of the full assurance and acceptance of Christ and is running with it in order to do great things for God’s kingdom. They know they are not perfect, but they do not wallow in self-pity. Rather they accept that Christ has paid the full price for every sin we have done and will ever do. They no that, in God’s covenant of grace, there is a place for failure. After all, God “knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14). At the same time, they strive to be godly and wholeheartedly devoted to Christ in every aspect of their lives.
Through this book and this idea of running with the grace that God has provided us, I have come to understand the parable of the tenants. Before understanding grace, I have always been a closet one-talent servant. I was too afraid to do anything, because I didn’t know God as a loving and rewarding Father and Master. I only could see the extent to which I failed and thought that He must be angry with me more often than not. Now that I understand the extent of God’s grace, however, I see that He wants to reward us; He wants us to enter into His joy. He looks at us with pleasure as we are in Christ, his dear Son. We already have the righteousness of Christ. The result of this assurance is the desire to please God and to work for His kingdom, as the servants with the five and ten talents respectively did.
It is so easy for us to focus on our sins and weaknesses only. This actually paralyses our work for the kingdom. But when we are humble enough to accept that we are weak and not to stop there but to look at God’s all-sufficient provision in Christ and to accept it and live in praise and thanksgiving of it, then we can do great things (by this I mean serving our families, reaching our children’s hearts for Christ, serving in our church-family, reaching the lost) for God.
Some other verses from Scripture which confirmed this for me was Isaiah 40 verse 30-31:
Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
These verses speak the new covenant that Jesus established and shows that in this covenant of grace we will be able to move up and to move forward, and all this without tiring.
Another part of Scripture is Hebrews 10 verse 19-24:
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood ofJesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works…
Here I saw that we have such a strong assurance in the blood of Christ, that we can enter the very throne room of God and come in His presence having put on the righteousness of Christ. And after the writer has so gloriously emphasized this fact, he encourages us to stir each other to love and good works. It is because we have this assurance and hope that we can run with love and good works and encourage each other to do the same.
I am now convinced that I can run with the grace that God has provided me. I do not think it is my own strength, but Christ who is strength in my weakness. I see that I am multiplying my talents even in the meal that I prepare my family and the coffee I make my husband every morning so that he can wake up. I also see that I can use this desire that I have - to encourage other moms and expectant ladies to walk closer with God – and start reaching out to others. That is one of the reasons for this blog. I praise God at the same time that the results are in His hands and not in mine.
My desire is that anyone who reads this will also start running for God’s kingdom. His gospel is the power to save!
