Well I just posted about Hula and if you haven't read it please do. I really can't remember for sure but I believe it was on our trip to Hula's graduation that this story took place.
My Dad, Mom, Sister and I were staying in a Motel. Everyone except my Sister had fallen asleep, but she was still awake watching TV. All the sudden she starts snickering, then giggling and then full fledged laughing. Well by this time the rest of us have woke up and want to know what is going on and what is so funny. She proceeds to tell us that while she was watching a military movie, they started to play the TAPS on a bugle. When this happened, our Dad sat straight up in bed and saluted the TV, then laid back down and went back to sleep. Well if I had been the one awake I would have gone hysterical laughing myself. I'm actually smiling right now. Well the ironic thing about this is the fact that my Dad never served in any branch of the military, so why he sat up and saluted we still do not know.
But I was thinking about this and it occurred to me that God wants that kind of instant obedience from us. That even in our sleep we wake up and are at attention for his call. Have you ever had a dream and made a good decision in your sleep, then woke up and felt good about it? I have and it's great, to know that I have made God such a part of my life that he is in my dreams as well. God says his sheep know His voice:
John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.
Proverbs 4:1
HEAR, MY sons, the instruction of a father, and pay attention in order to gain and to know intelligent discernment, comprehension, and interpretation [of spiritual matters].
It really struck me that my Dad sat in his bed at Attention. That is what God wants from us our attention.
Take some time to give God your attention. Give Him Praise, and Thanks, for the attention He gives you.
Father God, thank you so much for the time and attention you pay to us. That you care about every need we have and every dream and want that we envision. Help us to always focus on you and and keep you so near to us that we will hear your voice and come to attention even in our sleep.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Thanks for visiting leave a comment it's always nice to know you were here. Also I do have another Blog check it out too. I am doing another Bible story on it but I will be posting stories on it too so read enjoy and comment.
Lynn
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Hula
When I was 11 years old my Sister signed up to be a host/trainer for a Seeing Eye Dog. She filled out all the paperwork and applications and was approved. Well shortly before the dog was to arrive she had a change of heart and decided that she no longer wanted to go through with the whole program. She may have gotten a job or something because she was about 18 or 19 at that point, however I don't remember the reasoning behind the change of heart. So my Mom and Dad made phone calls explaining it all and the administration was not sure what to do because the puppy was ready to go. So I asked if I could do it. Well they had never had anyone my age sponsor a Seeing Eye Dog before however they didn't have any rules against it so they said they would give it a try.
Well a few weeks go by and finally it is time to travel the 45 miles to the airport and pick up our new family member. We met her and found out her name was "Hula" be cause she was long and her back end swayed back and forth when she walked. She was a full blooded Black Labrador retriever, full of energy.
How the program worked was we would raise the dog for 6-12 months training her in basic obedience, then she would go back to the training facility and train for 3-6 months on how to be a Guide Dog. Then they match the personality of the Dogs with that of a blind recipient and then the two of them train together. If at any of these stages the dog can't complete within certain criteria they are not deemed a suitable Guide Dog. Well we had a list of rules and regulations a mile long and it was very important that we follow them or she (Hula) would not become an actual Guide Dog. She had to go everywhere with us and be by my side everywhere except school. Back then the programs and rules were not as accommodating as they are now. She had vitamins to take, special food and certain ways you could discipline her.
When we 1st got her we were instructed to tie her to the bed so that she learned she had to sleep right next to her master. This was all well and fine until she needed to go potty. Well my sister and I shared a bedroom and I would sleep through Hula's whimpers to relieve herself. Whereas my sister was ever so kind to get up walk over to my bed, shake me awake and tell me to take the dog out. Now this did not make sense, you're awake, you're out of bed, you let the dog out. I know she's my dog but come on would it really hurt you.
Well Hula was shipped back and her high spirit pushed her to the edge of training, but she did make it as a Guide Dog and I was able to go to her Graduation and present her to her blind mistress in a ceremony in San Rafael CA. Considering I was from a town with a population of 560, that was a huge deal, and we have funny family stories from the trip that I may share in another post.
But through the years at different times it has come to mind about waking me up to let the dog out and I still didn't get it -until now. This is one of those it's so simple you miss it. It was all part of equipping me.
This was my responsibility and as little as it may have seemed to have her do part of it that would not have equipped me. My sister shaking me awake to take the dog out is like the Nudging that God does when he is trying to get us to move forward or do what we need to do. It's like when you have hope of being a Pastor and God wants you to usher. God has already provided everything we ever need but it is up to us and our willingness to be obedient to His Nudge.
Luke 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
We don't always know why God moves us in such a direction, but he does. Be faithful and obedient and He will be faithful and rewarding in return.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Well a few weeks go by and finally it is time to travel the 45 miles to the airport and pick up our new family member. We met her and found out her name was "Hula" be cause she was long and her back end swayed back and forth when she walked. She was a full blooded Black Labrador retriever, full of energy.
How the program worked was we would raise the dog for 6-12 months training her in basic obedience, then she would go back to the training facility and train for 3-6 months on how to be a Guide Dog. Then they match the personality of the Dogs with that of a blind recipient and then the two of them train together. If at any of these stages the dog can't complete within certain criteria they are not deemed a suitable Guide Dog. Well we had a list of rules and regulations a mile long and it was very important that we follow them or she (Hula) would not become an actual Guide Dog. She had to go everywhere with us and be by my side everywhere except school. Back then the programs and rules were not as accommodating as they are now. She had vitamins to take, special food and certain ways you could discipline her.
When we 1st got her we were instructed to tie her to the bed so that she learned she had to sleep right next to her master. This was all well and fine until she needed to go potty. Well my sister and I shared a bedroom and I would sleep through Hula's whimpers to relieve herself. Whereas my sister was ever so kind to get up walk over to my bed, shake me awake and tell me to take the dog out. Now this did not make sense, you're awake, you're out of bed, you let the dog out. I know she's my dog but come on would it really hurt you.
Well Hula was shipped back and her high spirit pushed her to the edge of training, but she did make it as a Guide Dog and I was able to go to her Graduation and present her to her blind mistress in a ceremony in San Rafael CA. Considering I was from a town with a population of 560, that was a huge deal, and we have funny family stories from the trip that I may share in another post.
But through the years at different times it has come to mind about waking me up to let the dog out and I still didn't get it -until now. This is one of those it's so simple you miss it. It was all part of equipping me.
This was my responsibility and as little as it may have seemed to have her do part of it that would not have equipped me. My sister shaking me awake to take the dog out is like the Nudging that God does when he is trying to get us to move forward or do what we need to do. It's like when you have hope of being a Pastor and God wants you to usher. God has already provided everything we ever need but it is up to us and our willingness to be obedient to His Nudge.
Luke 16:10 "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.
We don't always know why God moves us in such a direction, but he does. Be faithful and obedient and He will be faithful and rewarding in return.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The Son is Shinning
Do you ever wonder why it is that we are so energetic when the sun is out. Living in northern Oregon, we see a lot of gray days and a lot of rain. I grew up in southern Oregon and my Husband in Southern Calif. so we like the sunshine. It was sunny today and is supposed to be for the rest of the week. I found myself thinking of all these projects that I could do and get done. It's like it super charged me. I came home cooked dinner, check other peoples blogs, commented on them and kept going. The sun just seems to have that effect on us.
But even more than that, I know that's the affect that the Son has on us. Do you see what I'm saying?
The Lord will give strength unto his people and the Lord will bless his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
This is one of my favorites: John 14:27
Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you,not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be affraid.
Philipians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ (the Son) who strengthens me.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
I am in the West so it is 7:33 and still light. It's great. I haven't been or lived in the east. However I will be going to Missouri in October, but the sunsets in the West are great.
Seek the light see some sunshine. And always may He shine brightly in your heart.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
But even more than that, I know that's the affect that the Son has on us. Do you see what I'm saying?
The Lord will give strength unto his people and the Lord will bless his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11
This is one of my favorites: John 14:27
Peace I leave with you my peace I give unto you,not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be affraid.
Philipians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ (the Son) who strengthens me.
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."
I am in the West so it is 7:33 and still light. It's great. I haven't been or lived in the east. However I will be going to Missouri in October, but the sunsets in the West are great.
Seek the light see some sunshine. And always may He shine brightly in your heart.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Monday, May 12, 2008
The Window
I read an email once that talked about a little boy that did something wrong and then let his sister black male him. After a period of time he got tired of doing all his sisters chores and fessed up with is Mother. She sat with him and let him know that she saw what he did out the kitchen window, that she was just waiting for him to come to her. I don't remember if the email mentioned God or not, but I try to remember this often. God sees everything out the window. And somehow we convince ourselves that we are fooling him. A bad thought, a poor attitude, He sees it all. If Jesus were standing in front of us how would we act. Bingo... that's what our daily attitude should look like.
I'm not there, but I'm working towards it.
Father God, don't let us deceive ourselves. Let us always be conscience of your presence and your will. Let the meditations of our heart and the words of our heart be ever pleasing to you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Be Blessed,
Lynn
I'm not there, but I'm working towards it.
Father God, don't let us deceive ourselves. Let us always be conscience of your presence and your will. Let the meditations of our heart and the words of our heart be ever pleasing to you.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Thursday, May 8, 2008
... At the end of the Day...
Be ye angry, and sin not, let not the sun go down upon your wrath.
Ephesians 4:26
A Friend of ours was hosting a life group (Bible Study) and told us a story about her and her husband. She said that when they were meeting new people and talking to others her husband would often say that they had been married for 38 years and it was the best 4 years of his life. She told how that was peircing to her because she understood the truth in which it was spoken. She went on to tell that because of hurts in previous relationships she had a lot of pent up anger and she knew she could be difficult to live with. She said "you know there are just those times when you get so mad you're going to make them pay for what they did to you". You're not going to talk to them, how dare they. After all it feels good to be mad at them. And when God prompts us to forgive and not be harsh, we say ya I'll settle up before bedtime. So we have our mad and we just want to keep our mad we deserve it.
Then she went on to say.... But at the end of the day, when you have wasted another day of your precious time here on earth with the one you claim to love. Was it worth that mad that felt so good. But at the end of the day, when you look into their eyes and can see that you've lost a little respect they once had for you, was it worth that mad that felt so good.
At the end of the day.....
That old saying "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me" is all wrong. The words hurt. Words withheld hurt. The story was about a husband and wife, but it pertains to all relationships we may have. Parent and Child, co-workers, friends.
Let no corrupt word proceed out of you mouth but wat is good for necesssary Edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29
I am still a work in progress, however I want to always speak kindness that encourages.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight.
Psalm 19:14
Father in the name of Jesus, let us carefully choose our words. Help us to see others the way you see them and to have a pure heart twords them. Father break our hearts for what breaks yours. In Jesus name.
Amen
Be Blessed
Lynn
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Shorty
Hello Everyone,
Not sure whats going on but my time is flying by. Don't have a long post just wanted to touch base and say I'm still hanging in there. We are eating a lot of left overs this week, but I'm still doing my exercising so I guess it's ok. I have a funeral to go to tomorrow so say prayers for the family. I have my other Bible story tomorrow so that should be good.
Well I'm way tired so I'll close for now.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Not sure whats going on but my time is flying by. Don't have a long post just wanted to touch base and say I'm still hanging in there. We are eating a lot of left overs this week, but I'm still doing my exercising so I guess it's ok. I have a funeral to go to tomorrow so say prayers for the family. I have my other Bible story tomorrow so that should be good.
Well I'm way tired so I'll close for now.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Mays Dinner Party
Hi Ladies,
Well the dinner turned out wonderful, however I know Jesus was helping and intervening. I will back up a little so I can give you the whole story. My husband and I have couples from our church over to dinner about once a month. We try to get a couple or family that is newer and a couple or family that has been there for a while that we think may either blend or get one or the other to grow. And all of it is to help us to get to know people in our church better also. And since I love to cook, this works out great.
This month was a challenge we had a really hard time getting a Friday night that would work for them, due to their schedules but it was finally set. Then both of the other couples that were supposed to come could not make it. Oh well we would have the one couple and their triplet boys, it would still be fun.
As much as I love to cook, I always take way too long trying to decide what I should make to eat and what will go with it. Well a couple of the girls at work have been asking for me to make my chicken enchiladas and bring them in so I decided this would work great I could make and then take extras in to the gals at work. I just needed to decide what to have with it. So I decided, Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Re fried Beans, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Chips and 3 Salsas, and Guacamole. I don't usually do a whole lot on the desserts, I keep them simple, however with the 9 yr old triplets I thought it would be fun to have cookies. About a week ago I saw an advertisement for Peanut Butter and Jelly cookies, and thought that would be so fun. I also thought this would be a great opportunity to sneak in some of those Chocolate Cake cookies I love so much. :) Ok, I have Friday off, my Hubby said he'll go shopping with me on Thursday night (yes I'm very blessed) so I can just get up and work my stuff. So I'm good to Go!
Thursday morning on my way out the door to work I got a call from a co-worker that changed the schedule for the day and threatened to cancel Fridays plans. I will post about this later on my other Blog. Jesus intervened and I didn't have to work Friday as I thought I may need to. However I did end up working 12 hours so shopping would have to wait until the morning.
Friday Morning: We got up like normal well I slept in until 4 am. (I didn't work out :( - figured with the cooking and cleaning it would have to do. ) we did our bible studies and I made my Husbands lunch and he left about 5:30. So I finish up my list and head out the door to go shopping. Aren't 24 hour stores the greatest. Got all my stuff, came home put it away and started in. I try to organise myself okay I organize a lot. :) But I like to think ahead, if I start this it can be cooking while I'm doing this.... So i started the cookies so while they were baking I could do something else. I made the Chocolate ones first, then I ended up making a double batch of Peanut Butter Cookies and made 1/2 with Jelly and 1/2 with out. I balled them up like normal but instead of pushing them down with a fork I made a little indent and put the jelly in. They turned out pretty good. Not that I'm supposed to be eating them. OOPPS! Then I started my Beans, and simmered them for a bout an hour before I put them in the crock pot to finish cooking for the day. Cooked the chicken so it could cool before I need to roll the enchiladas and then did the Rice. Once the rice was simmering I started all my chopping for the salad and salsas, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapenos..... Okay so the salad and salsas are done, now it's time to roll the enchiladas. And this will be the recipe I will give you. Quantity is up to you I made 49, but I had a reason to make that many. I cook a lot from scratch, example re fried beans from the dried bean... however there are some things that I use to save time or cut corners, as you will see.
Cheese Enchiladas
Grated Cheddar and Jack Cheese. (I bought it already grated this time It was so nice)
Cotija Cheese
Corn Tortillas
Canned Mild Enchilada Sauce
Chili Powder
Cumin
Green onion (Optional)
Mix the cheddar and jack cheese 3 parts to one part of the cotija cheese. Add a dash or so of cumin and chili powder. Pour some of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish you are using for the enchiladas. Heat some tortilla's so they are pliable. Put some of the cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla, fold the tortilla in half over the filling, roll you hand back sliding the top 1/2 of the tortilla back to the edge of the filling, this will make it tight, however don't rip the tortilla. Now roll it up and place it in the baking dish with edge down. Finish rolling the rest. Next cover the tops of the tortillas with enchilada sauce enough to cover not to drown. Sprinkle some cheddar and jack cheese on top and add Green onion on top if you like. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 approx 30 minutes to heat and melt cheese.Chicken Enchiladas are made very much the same the filling is just a little different.
Chicken filling: Again portion is your choice.
Diced Cooked Skinless Chicken Breast seasoned with garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder.
Diced canned Green Chili's
Diced Green Onion
Cheddar, Jack and Cotija cheese. Again about 3 to 1 mix.
Roll and top like the cheese, however instead of the green onions on top I added sliced Black olives.
So after the cooking was all done and put in the fridge for later, I had to clean my hurricane Jane kitchen (that's what my Husband teases me about when I'm cooking) and spruce up the rest of the house, set the table and rest for a little while be for my guests arrive.
It went very well, we had a great time of fun and fellowship and got closer to some more of our church family. I did find later that I had forgotten to put out the salad. But there were plenty of leftovers so I don't think they went hungry.
Hope you're all have a great day. It is very bright and beautiful here today which is a nice change from all our rain. I'll post on my other blog so check back.
Be Blessed
Lynn
Well the dinner turned out wonderful, however I know Jesus was helping and intervening. I will back up a little so I can give you the whole story. My husband and I have couples from our church over to dinner about once a month. We try to get a couple or family that is newer and a couple or family that has been there for a while that we think may either blend or get one or the other to grow. And all of it is to help us to get to know people in our church better also. And since I love to cook, this works out great.
This month was a challenge we had a really hard time getting a Friday night that would work for them, due to their schedules but it was finally set. Then both of the other couples that were supposed to come could not make it. Oh well we would have the one couple and their triplet boys, it would still be fun.
As much as I love to cook, I always take way too long trying to decide what I should make to eat and what will go with it. Well a couple of the girls at work have been asking for me to make my chicken enchiladas and bring them in so I decided this would work great I could make and then take extras in to the gals at work. I just needed to decide what to have with it. So I decided, Chicken and Cheese Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Re fried Beans, Tomato Cucumber Salad, Chips and 3 Salsas, and Guacamole. I don't usually do a whole lot on the desserts, I keep them simple, however with the 9 yr old triplets I thought it would be fun to have cookies. About a week ago I saw an advertisement for Peanut Butter and Jelly cookies, and thought that would be so fun. I also thought this would be a great opportunity to sneak in some of those Chocolate Cake cookies I love so much. :) Ok, I have Friday off, my Hubby said he'll go shopping with me on Thursday night (yes I'm very blessed) so I can just get up and work my stuff. So I'm good to Go!
Thursday morning on my way out the door to work I got a call from a co-worker that changed the schedule for the day and threatened to cancel Fridays plans. I will post about this later on my other Blog. Jesus intervened and I didn't have to work Friday as I thought I may need to. However I did end up working 12 hours so shopping would have to wait until the morning.
Friday Morning: We got up like normal well I slept in until 4 am. (I didn't work out :( - figured with the cooking and cleaning it would have to do. ) we did our bible studies and I made my Husbands lunch and he left about 5:30. So I finish up my list and head out the door to go shopping. Aren't 24 hour stores the greatest. Got all my stuff, came home put it away and started in. I try to organise myself okay I organize a lot. :) But I like to think ahead, if I start this it can be cooking while I'm doing this.... So i started the cookies so while they were baking I could do something else. I made the Chocolate ones first, then I ended up making a double batch of Peanut Butter Cookies and made 1/2 with Jelly and 1/2 with out. I balled them up like normal but instead of pushing them down with a fork I made a little indent and put the jelly in. They turned out pretty good. Not that I'm supposed to be eating them. OOPPS! Then I started my Beans, and simmered them for a bout an hour before I put them in the crock pot to finish cooking for the day. Cooked the chicken so it could cool before I need to roll the enchiladas and then did the Rice. Once the rice was simmering I started all my chopping for the salad and salsas, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, jalapenos..... Okay so the salad and salsas are done, now it's time to roll the enchiladas. And this will be the recipe I will give you. Quantity is up to you I made 49, but I had a reason to make that many. I cook a lot from scratch, example re fried beans from the dried bean... however there are some things that I use to save time or cut corners, as you will see.
Cheese Enchiladas
Grated Cheddar and Jack Cheese. (I bought it already grated this time It was so nice)
Cotija Cheese
Corn Tortillas
Canned Mild Enchilada Sauce
Chili Powder
Cumin
Green onion (Optional)
Mix the cheddar and jack cheese 3 parts to one part of the cotija cheese. Add a dash or so of cumin and chili powder. Pour some of the enchilada sauce on the bottom of the baking dish you are using for the enchiladas. Heat some tortilla's so they are pliable. Put some of the cheese mixture in the center of the tortilla, fold the tortilla in half over the filling, roll you hand back sliding the top 1/2 of the tortilla back to the edge of the filling, this will make it tight, however don't rip the tortilla. Now roll it up and place it in the baking dish with edge down. Finish rolling the rest. Next cover the tops of the tortillas with enchilada sauce enough to cover not to drown. Sprinkle some cheddar and jack cheese on top and add Green onion on top if you like. Cover with tin foil and bake at 350 approx 30 minutes to heat and melt cheese.Chicken Enchiladas are made very much the same the filling is just a little different.
Chicken filling: Again portion is your choice.
Diced Cooked Skinless Chicken Breast seasoned with garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder.
Diced canned Green Chili's
Diced Green Onion
Cheddar, Jack and Cotija cheese. Again about 3 to 1 mix.
Roll and top like the cheese, however instead of the green onions on top I added sliced Black olives.
So after the cooking was all done and put in the fridge for later, I had to clean my hurricane Jane kitchen (that's what my Husband teases me about when I'm cooking) and spruce up the rest of the house, set the table and rest for a little while be for my guests arrive.
It went very well, we had a great time of fun and fellowship and got closer to some more of our church family. I did find later that I had forgotten to put out the salad. But there were plenty of leftovers so I don't think they went hungry.
Hope you're all have a great day. It is very bright and beautiful here today which is a nice change from all our rain. I'll post on my other blog so check back.
Be Blessed
Lynn
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