Smelling Coffee "...The sweet aroma of the knowledge of Christ in every place." 2 Cor. 2:14

Be strong, and work; {A loving "kick-in-the-pants-encouragement" if you are in need of one, and a FREE downloadable book}

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:23:00 +0000

Sometimes we just need a little "kick in the pants" motivation from the Lord to stop making excuses and to get up and get going. At least I know that I do. I've spent the better part of the week sick, rising out of bed or off of the couch to do only what was necessary. But today... I feel better. There's much to do before this weekend's Women's Event, and though at the time I didn't know it, apparently I needed a gentle "kick in the pants" from the Lord this morning to roll out of bed and get going. I know I needed it because before I dragged myself out of bed, I opened a well-worn and beloved devotional book, and these were the healing words that poured over me.

I needed the extra motivation in the physical sense this morning. However, there have been other times where I've needed it in the emotional and spiritual realm. How about you? Do you need a little loving-what-I-call-kick-in-the-pants-from-the-Lord-Who-loves-you-so? Then, my friends... here it is.

"'Be strong and work; because I am with you,' declares the Lord of Hosts.

I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can't produce anything without me. * I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. * Receive your power from the Lord and from His mighty strength. * The joy you have in the Lord is your strength.

This is what the Lord of Armies says: Be strong... you people who are presently listening to the words from the mouths of the prophets. * Strengthen limp hands. Steady weak knees. Tell those who are terrified, 'Be brave; don't be afraid.' * The Lord looked at him and said, 'Go in this, with the strength that you have.'

If God is for us, who can be against us? * Therefore, we don't become discouraged, since God has given us this ministry through His mercy. We faint not.

Let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. * Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Haggai 2:4; John 15:5; Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 6:10; Nehemiah 8:10; Zechariah 8:9; Isaiah 35:3-4; Judges 6:14; Romans 8:31; 2 Corinthians 4:1; Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:57

Scripture reading for February 3, Daily Light on the Daily Path ~ Morning and Evening Devotionals
God's Word translation and some King James thrown in here and there...

This wonderful devotional book has occupied a prominent spot on my bed side table for years. I can mark many stages and situations of life by its pages and the messages it contains. The paper cover is tattered, but its words are forever strong - they are ALL SCRIPTURE. Nothing but Scripture verses compiled into categories meant to be used for a "protein meal" as the day begins, and a "sweet sleep aid" as the weary head hits the pillow each night. Somehow, it always fits life, no matter what's going on - celebrating life's plenty, challenging through the drought, or encouraging through the difficult. That's the beauty of God's Word... timeless... piercing... effective... living... breathing life into limp bodies of clay each and every day, watering the parched places to new life.

You can download this devotional book FREE from these sites:

This one is probably in the KJV version and most likely in a PDF format: The SWORD Project

{BTW, I truly do love reading it in the King James Version. I don't study Scripture in the KJV anymore because the wording is much harder to understood and the phrasing often doesn't translate with the full impact it had when we spoke and read in a more formal English. I don't hold the KJV as the only acceptable translation of the Bible. However, there is something beautiful, poetic, and special about it. All of the Scripture hidden in my heart for the first 18 or so years of my life were in this version. I say all of that to say that I completely enjoy the KJV of this book - and if it's the only free copy you can find, I'm confident that you'll enjoy it just as much.}

You can read it on your computer in the KJV version here.

This is the "God's Word" translation - in more modern day language. When I downloaded this version, it was free for a day or so. I can no longer find the free version. Keep checking and googling "free e-book" after the title, and maybe you'll catch it when it is once again available as a free download.

It's healthy to get a little "get up and go" when we'd rather drag and delay. I'm praying for each of you today, that whatever it is God has planned to do with, through, and in you today, you'll get up and work with Him on it. Because He is with you. And your joy and trust in Him... That is your strength!

Let's do it! :-)

May the Lord bless and strengthen each one of us today and through the weekend... for His glory alone~
Jennifer

An Anchor of Hope for the storm-tossed soul

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Hope… it's such an over-used word these days that I rarely think about it in its truest context. Do you? I say things like, "I hope it doesn't rain tomorrow." Or "I hope this sweater will go on sale soon." Hope – we often use the word as carelessly as we do the word "Love."

Hope = to Expect with Confidence (according to Webster)

I never really even thought about it until this morning in my quiet time. My name of Jesus today was "Anchor" - from Hebrews 6:19. I've read this verse what seems like a million times. It's totally marked up in my Amplified Bible. But today, something struck me anew. I had just asked the Lord to open my eyes so that I might behold the wonderful things in His Word (Psalm 119:18) and to send forth His Word so that it would heal today (Psalm 107:20). Then I read these precious words about the Hope that belongs to us… when we belong to Jesus.

"Now we have this hope as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. It cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it – a hope that reaches farther and enters into the very certainty of the Presence within the veil, where Jesus has entered for us in advance…" Hebrews 6:19-20, Amp.

The beautiful thing about this verse and this Hope is that it follows Hebrews 6:18, which promises us that it is impossible for God to ever lie to us, prove to be false to us, or to deceive us. The verse goes on to say that those who flee to God for refuge have a strong encouragement and hope that is set before us. That hope, that Hope, is Jesus Christ, Himself.

So, for the ones of us who will flee to Jesus in the midst of what seems like a hopeless season of life…for the ones who are barely staying afloat right now…for the ones who are bruised and battered because of the storm… and for the ones who are standing on the shore, having made it through another storm, but wondering what tomorrow will hold… We have this Hope… This Jesus… as a Sure and Steadfast Anchor of the Soul.

Jesus cannot slip. Jesus cannot break down under whoever steps out upon Him. Jesus is Hope that reaches farther and enters into the very certainty of the Presence of God. (Heb. 6:19) And we can be sure of this – because it is impossible for God to lie or to mislead us. (Heb. 6:18)

So, my friends… what is it that is weighing you down, tossing you around, causing lost sleep and battered faith? Whatever it is – it is way to heavy for you! You weren't created to carry the weight of the storm, in the storm. But Jesus was. He has complete authority OVER the storms. Sometimes He will calm the storm for us. Sometimes, He knows that the storm will produce within us something that nothing else can, and that one day when we are out of it, standing on the shore, looking back… we will call it "good." But ALWAYS, Jesus is our ANCHOR IN the storm.

Throw your hope out on Him today. Hope in or upon any other person or thing can not survive. It's too much to try to manage ourselves. But if we toss our hope onto Jesus – who is our HOPE and the one that ANCHORS us in the midst of the storm… He will bring stability and a sure foundation under your feet… even if you don't feel like you can stand on your own at this present time.

I know. I've done it. He's done it. I’m on the shore, looking back at some remnants of past storms, smiling and shaking my head in amazement because of the Hope and Anchor I know Jesus to be. I'm also looking ahead, as I go through my prayer journal today, praying over what seems like some humanly impossible situations, and I'm choosing to toss out my anchor onto Jesus' Anchor of Hope. Hope for my children and their futures... Hope for my husband and his… Hope for loved ones... Hope for me… Hope for the world-wide body of Christ… Hope for YOU!!!

The Anchor Holds… That's a promise from God. And God doesn't lie.

PS: I just couldn't end this post without linking to a song that rings in my head every time I think of the Anchor. Its singer has publically struggled with sin – just as all of us do. Don't we praise God that our sins don't negate God's ability to use what He's created through us?

The Anchor Holds
by Ray Boltz

The Anchor holds, though the ship is battered.
The Anchor holds, though the sails are torn.
I have fallen on my knees as I've faced the raging seas.
The Anchor holds, in spite of the storm.

Valentine Snack Mix - It's about that time. :-)

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:10:00 +0000

"Love is in the air" - and on the shelves everywhere these days - since Valentines' Day is just around the corner. Of course, Pinterest is FULL of ideas for the cutest card and gifts and the most scrumptious looking treats, but I want to share a favorite of ours. Actually, it's my friend, Amy's.

Do you remember Amy's Fall Mix? The same basic ingredients (with a few changes) can be tossed together to make a delicious Valentine Mix. This looks so pretty (and "professional") in a clear crisp cellophane bag or a half-pint jar with a red or pink ribbon bow! The possibilities are endless. The mix is addictive. The recipients will be elated. Trust me on this.... ;-)

Amy's Valentine Mix

Sam's Choice brand Indulgent Mix (from Wal Mart)
pink colored M&Ms
pink candy corns
++ I think that adding chocolate covered craisins would be a great addition to this mix, too.

That's it! Mix and enjoy. :-)
Much love to you all... now and always...
Jennifer

If you live in or near the Cleveland, MS area - 4 things for YOU!

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Please join us for one or all of these events. We'd love to have you with us... and please bring your friends! Sorry, men, only one of the invitations includes you. The others are FWO {for women only}. ;-)

1. Feb. 4 Ladies' Night Out Event

Feb. 4 Festival of Tables

6:00 - 8:30 pm

FBC Cleveland Fellowship Hall

Beautiful tables, a fabulous dinner,

and a wonderful speaker: Heidi Plumley

(of the blog Mom's, Ministry,and More)

Tickets: $10

Call the church office by Wed. Feb. 1 to purchase/reserve tickets: 662-843-2701

This is Heidi. She came to see us and minister to us while Nathan was in the hospital in Memphis. She and two of her children brought supper, snacks, and sweet encouragement and fellowship for me one day. I've loved her as an online friend for several years, and she was even better in person!

I'm very confident in the Lord that she will also bring to our event that same type of food (Spiritual), fellowship, and encouragement in the Lord! Please make plans to join us!!!

2. Beth Moore's new Bible Study - James - Mercy Triumphs will begin in February.

Two classes will be held weekly at FBC Cleveland in room 105.

Sunday Afternoons beginning Feb. 12. 4 - 5:45 pm.
Tuesday Mornings beginning Feb 14. 9 - 11 am.

Books are $10
Call FBC Cleveland for more information and to register. 662-843-2701
Grab a friend and join in the Bible Study fun! (I'm facilitating this class & would love to have you in it!)

3. ONLINE Book Club

One

Thousand

Gifts

By Ann Voskamp

FBC Cleveland, MS

Book Club

via Facebook

How it will work: {Optional kick-off meeting Sunday, 4pm, Rm 105}

1. Buy your book (Bookstore, Amazon, Church office, electronic version, etc).
2. Make sure you are a member of the FBC Cleveland, MS Women's Ministry Facebook Page. (Click here and join.)
3. Read the book, two chapters a week.
4. Watch for a "discussion starter" to be posted on our FB page each Thursday pm, then jump in and share your answers and thoughts. Comment on each other's posts, and we'll have a great discussion going – all at your leisure. You have all week to post your thoughts. We'll read 2 chapters a week.

Beverly McWilliams will be moderating our Book Club by posting our discussion starters.

Get to know Ann Voskamp through her blog:
www.AHolyExperience.com

* If you are not comfortable participating "online" - The club will be meeting "in person" at the home of Mrs. Betty Thigpin on Thursdays at 10am. Call the church office for more info. 662-843-2701

4. Men, this invitation includes you - the whole family, in fact! Have you seen this movie? It is WONDERFUL! I've seen it three times and can't wait to see it again! Everyone is invited. Bring the whole family!

Courageous Movie

Sunday, Jan. 29,
5:00 pm

FBC Cleveland Fellowship Hall

FREE

Bring the entire family!

Snacks and drinks for sale in order to raise money
for the Children's Minnistry .
Nursery provided for birth – 3 years old.

Please consider joining us for one, two, three, or all four of these events. It would be our honor and pleasure to serve you through these avenues. Blessings of the Lord upon each of you this weekend, my friends...

Jennifer

Happy BIG 5-0 to my friend, Stephanie!

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

This is my dear friend Stephanie. And today is her birthday. Her 50th, to be exact.

We have been friends for years, and she's like a sister to me. Several years ago, she, our dear friend Amy, and I were talking, and we decided that it would be fun to go on a cruise for Stephanie's 50th birthday. It seems like that plan was made a long time ago - but 2012 rolled around, and that's exactly what we did! We had a blast and made memories that will last a lifetime!

{We were on the cruise at the same time the cruise ship from Italy turned over. Praise God, we didn't even know about it until we were back in the port!}

This is Amy. Some of you know her as "Frappuccino Fun with Amy" - and I'm STILL hoping she'll write again for us one of these days:

Amy moved to Merritt Island, FL at just about the same time we moved to MS. She and I hadn't seen each other since we moved. I've missed her presence and influence in my life.

Stephanie's sister, Janet (who lives in Iowa), also went on the cruise with us. We enjoyed getting to know her! These are the sisters as we were leaving to shop in Nassau:

Our fun began as we all flew into Orlando and spent the night at Amy's house.

Amy is the consummate hostess, so we were greeted with treat buckets filled with items native to her area of Florida {including chocolate covered potato chips - YUM! and a flashy pair of Yellow Box sandals for the cruise.}

Because we were celebrating Stephanie's birthday, we brought each other "birthday treats". The funny thing was that they were all Pinterest - inspired!

I made these t-shirt scarves {I'm addicted now - I'm making one in almost every color scheme). I made Amy and Stephanie's scarves in their children's school colors, and made Janet's in a pretty maroon.

Stephanie made cute quilted luggage tags.

And Janet made these roomy cloth bags {that came in SO handy}, magnets, and the best new thing I've ever used: Lotion Bars (see also these instructions). It was so much fun giving out our treats for Stephanie's birthday!

Before we left Amy's house the next morning, we had to take a picture of our suitcases - it was just too good to pass up. Look at this:

Can you guess which one is mine? We posed with our luggage just for fun - and anyone that knows us all could easily pair each person with her luggage. My suitcase, btw, is affectionately named "Big Pink". She and Jesus and I have traveled many miles together!

The thing I still can't get over is that Janet - with all that she brought to us, plus 3 paper back books, plus clothing for the cruise... Janet packed it all in a backpack! I couldn't even fit all of my hair and make up paraphernalia in that thing! (And I'm thanking Jesus that I didn't have to!!!)

Once we got on the boat, we were so busy having fun and relaxing that we didn't take too many more pictures. The weather was absolutely beautiful! And as far as I'm concerned, we got to do everything I hoped we could: visit and eat... and we did both quite well. ;) We weren't into going on excursions on this trip - it was truly all about the fellowship and celebrating the life of our friend.

I took the pic above from a smaller boat that ferried us back and forth from Royal Caribbean's private island. Of all we did, that was my favorite day and activity.

We had the sweetest waiters:

And of course, we also had a fab cabin steward who took good care of our rooms and fashioned our towels into creatures like this little pooch:

After lots of cackles, calories, and conversations, we returned to Amy's house to find that her sweet husband, Richard, had fixed the plate: Welcome (Back) Cruise Girls. :-)

God was so gracious to us on this trip! He worked out both the tiny and the huge details in such a way that we can only give Him the glory. He did it for Amy, Janet, and me, I know. But more than for us, I think God blessed us all especially for Stephanie's sake. She is an unselfish servant of the Lord and others, and this trip was God's special birthday gift to her... an unexpected, but if I may say so myself, a much deserved "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

Happy birthday, Stephanie! May God continue to fill, bless, and use you in the next 50 years to come! (Hopefully, we'll all be cruisin' in Glory by then!!!)

Love you!
Jen

Crock Pot White Chicken Chili

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I rarely brag on anything I make, but this white chicken chili was absolutely delish and I can't wait to make it again! The original recipe came from a recipe blog I adore called Plain Chicken. The recipes on this blog are the kind that I make - simple, easy, quick, and delicious! When I decided to make the chili, of course, I didn't have all of the ingredients. So, I improvised, and actually liked the changes. I also needed to make much more than the original recipe made so I trippled some ingredients and tweaked some others. Below is the result that has now been rated as one of our new family favorites! I hope you enjoy it just as much as we do.

Crock-Pot White Chicken Chili

Jennifer Walker

3 lb. bag of chicken tenders

1 can of whole kernel corn (undrained)

1 can of navy beans (undrained)

2 cans of rotel tomatoes (undrained)

2 cans of petite diced tomatoes (undrained)

3 cans of water

8 oz cream cheese (low fat, optional)

3 packets of ranch dressing mix

2 Tbs. cumin

2 Tbs. chili powder

2 Tbs. onion powder

Place all ingredients in a crockpot. Cook on low all day or on high for 4-5 hours. Before serving, use forks and shred the chicken. (This chili is so good that it doesn't even need cheese or sour cream on top! But you can add those if you wish.)

Easy enough??? That, plus how delicious it is is why this crock pot white chicken chili is a new Walker fav!

Checking in and an important Q & A

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:54:00 +0000

Hi friends. I had every intention of writing all about why I was away from my computer this week, but a death in the family always trumps a report on a girls' cruise. Right? My Uncle Robert died this past Thursday and I'm writing this post on the way back from his funeral. He married my Aunt Bibby (who has always been like a second mama to me) 36 years ago. The funny thing is that I thought Aunt Bibby was "so old" when they married... And she was younger than I am now! It's all relative, isn't it?

Uncle Robert hadn't been well for some years, so as we can for every believer, we rejoice in his total healing and full joy in the presence of Jesus. But that doesn't make him any less missed by those left on this earth that loved him. It's times like this that I'm so thankful that the scriptures promise that death is NOT the end of life! For those who love and walk with the Lord, it is just the beginning!

Which brings me to a most important question: Do you know that if you died tonight, you would go to heaven? Being a "good enough" person isn't the answer. There are some questions asked by most human hearts about salvation. Maybe you've been asking these yourselves. If you have, here are the answers from the Bible:

I consider myself a ‘good person’… won’t that be enough?

Romans 3:23 – for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Romans 3:10 – As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one;
Romans 5:12 – Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned–

The creator of the universe is HOLY. God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 1Jn 1:5 He has set laws in place for his creation to obey. What are these laws? They begin with the 10 Commandments. While you might consider yourself ‘good’ compared to most people, how do you measure up against God’s law? Have you ever told the smallest lie? Then you are a liar. “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” James 2:10. Disobedience to God is sin.

Is sin really THAT big of a deal? If it is… what HOPE is there?

Romans 6:23 – For the wages of sin [is] death, but the gift of God [is] eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Disobedience to an infinite eternal God deserves an infinite eternal consequence. God shows us His character and his laws in his creation, the world around us. He has also written his laws in our hearts… on our conscience.

He has also given us his WORD the Bible. No good judge would let the guilty go free, the criminal go unpunished. Neither can a holy righteous God allow sinful man to go unpunished… but God LOVES man whom he has made in his image and He has provided a way of escape by sending his only son to die in our place.

After what I’ve done to grieve God… HOW could He willingly die in my place?

Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jn 3:16.

While he died on the cross, he was mocked, spit upon, and cursed. Yet Jesus cried out, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do…” (Lk 23:34) With such love, Jesus died in your place… knowing every evil act, word, and thought you would commit. What powerful love! He loves you unconditionally even to the point of death when you are at your worst!

HOW can I be saved?

Romans 10:9-10 – that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

You can never be saved by trying to be a good person, nor can you be saved through any amount of ‘good works’. Ephesians 2:8,9 says “For by grace have you been saved by faith. And that, not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works. Lest any man should boast.” You and I can be saved only by confessing our sins and placing our faith in God’s son, Jesus Christ who died and paid for our sins on the cross. We must also surrender our life to His lordship… placing him in charge of every area of our life because we now belong to him.

This prayer doesn’t “save” you, but if you need some help expressing what is on your heart, you can pray something like this:

Lord God, yes, I’m a sinner, and I want to give up the sinful way of living and live the kind of life You would have me live. I confess now that I believe that your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, died for me. He took the punishment for my sins on Himself, thereby offering me the forgiveness of sins and the opportunity for everlasting life, as is Your will for me. I now believe in Him, and receive Him as my Savior and Lord. Amen.

Did God HEAR me? Did He accept me?

Romans10:13 – For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”

God promises that “to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (Jn 1:12)

Yes, God does hear and accept ALL who come to put their faith in Him. There is no need to fear death any longer because Jesus BROKE the power of death on the cross with his own blood. The price has been paid in full and it is God’s promise to receive all who come to him by placing their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

There is no need to fear “sin” keeping you from staying “saved”. Ephesians 2:8-9 says “For by grace you have been saved by faith. And that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast.” Praise God we can’t be good enough to earn salvation or to keep it, or bad enough to lose it. If Jesus is really Lord of our lives, and we’ve placed our lives into His hands, we are saved, and will spend eternity with Him.

What do I do now?

Romans 10:17 – So then faith [comes] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Your journey as a child of the King of Kings has just begun! You must begin by spending time daily in prayer and in God’s Word, the Bible. Start reading in the book of John. Get to know Jesus and how much He loves you. Don’t worry about what you don’t understand. Just obey what you do understand, and you’ll find the Scriptures come alive to you.

Pray about everything. Nothing is too big or too small for God! Philippians 4:6-7 tells us “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Find a church that teaches and preaches the Bible, plant yourself in it. You will need the strength of the fellowship of other believers. They will bless you, and you will bless them. You should also now confess Jesus, your savior before men. Share about your new faith in Christ with your family, coworkers and others whom God has placed on your daily path.

You now hold the good news answers to every human heart. Death has no victory over the believer in Jesus Christ. It is only the beginning of true living! That's what my daddy, Uncle Robert, all of my grandparents, and so many other loved ones are enjoying this very moment. I praise God for the hope of eternal life! Dear friends, do you have that hope?

Want to feel like you've lost 100 pounds today?

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Try forgiving.

This is a re-post that bears repeating. Especially as we begin a new year. We don't want to carry around the weight of bitterness all year long, do we? Forgiveness: The best weight loss plan there is!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In yesterday's Sunday school lesson, we talked about forgiveness, and how important it is in living a peace-filled life. Sometimes, we don't know we need to forgive someone who has wronged us. And sometimes we know we need to, but we just plain don't want to.

I asked the class to give some reasons for NOT wanting to forgive, and here's some of what they shared:

The offense was too big
The offender didn't ask for forgiveness
I'm still mad/hurt
The offender doesn't care... why should I?
If I forgive, it will seem to the offender that what he/she did was ok, and it might happen again

At one time or another, I've used every one of these reasons. Have you?

As I prepared our SS lesson, I felt the Lord lead me to share some of the same truths with you. There is genuine freedom in forgiveness. The following is something that you can copy and paste onto a word document and work through with the Lord. It came from a magazine put out by LifeAction ministries.

I'm praying for each one who will let the Lord release him/her from the bondage of unforgiveness... I know from experience that once we let go and release that offense to God for His handeling of it, it will feel like 100 pounds have been lifted from our shoulders. I dare you to try it and see for yourself. You'll be happer and lighter than you have been in a long time.

Much love to you, my friends. I'm praying...

Jennifer

Forgiveness: Making it Personal
From - LifeAction.org/revive

Have you ever found yourself making (or thinking) any of the following statements?

1. “There’s no unforgiveness in my heart.”

If you have truly forgiven every person who has ever sinned against you, then you are able to experience the great freedom, joy, peace, and blessing that result from being a forgiven, forgiving child of God. However, it is possible to live with unforgiveness for so long that we become blinded to its presence in our lives.

Put a check next to any of the following hurts you have experienced:
__ Lied to
__ Rejected by parents
__ Promise(s) broken
__ Stolen from
__ Neglected by grown children
__ Cheated in a business/financial deal
__ Violent crime against self or a loved one
__ Rebellious/wayward son or daughter
__ Treated unfairly by an employer
__ Belittled
__ Parents divorced
__ Alcoholic parents or mate
__ Slandered/falsely accused
__ Abandoned by parent or mate
__ Divorced by mate
__ Publicly humiliated
__ Adultery or other sin against you
__ Abused (physically, emotionally, sexually)

As you reflect on the ways you have been sinned against, do you find any of these statements true?

__ Every time I think of (person or offense), I still feel angry.

__ I have a subtle, secret desire to see (person) pay for what they did to me.
__ I wouldn’t mind if something bad happened to the person(s) who hurt me.
__ I sometimes find myself telling others how (person) hurt me.
__ If (person’s) name comes up, I am more likely to say something negative about them than something positive.
__ I cannot thank God for (person).

These statements are an indication that we have not fully forgiven all those who have sinned against us.
Remember: Forgiveness means that I fully release the offender from his debt. It means fully clearing his record. It is a promise never to bring up the offense against him again (to God, to others, or to the offender himself).

God’s word says that if we say we have not sinned, even though His Spirit shows us otherwise, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us (1 John 1:8). Have you deceived yourself into believing that you have forgiven everyone who has sinned against you? As God examines your heart, does He find any unforgiveness there?

2. “I could never forgive (person) for (offense). They have hurt me too deeply.”

What are some of the hurts Jesus suffered from us?

Isaiah 53:3-7
Psalm 22:6-7, 16

How has God dealt with us who have sinned against Him so greatly?

Ephesians 2:4-5
Isaiah 43:35; Hebrews 10:17
Micah 7:18-19

How did Jesus command us to respond to those who wrong us?

Luke 6:27
Romans 12:17-21
Colossians 3:13
Luke 17:3-4

According to Colossians 3:13, what should be the measure (the standard) of our forgiveness?
On that basis, what offense is too great to forgive?
When God commands us to do something, He always enables us to do it. How are we enabled to forgive (Philippians 2:13)?

3. “They don’t deserve to be forgiven.”

What did we do to deserve God’s forgiveness?

Romans 5:8
Ephesians 2:4-9

What are the reasons we should extend forgiveness to those who sin against us?

__ The offender is genuinely sorry for what he has done.
__ I have been forgiven an infinite debt by God, so I forgive as I have been forgiven.
__ God commands me to forgive.
__ The offender promises never to do it again.
__ The offense was an “understandable mistake.”

Would I be willing for God to deal with me in the same way that I want to see my offender dealt with?

4. “If I forgive them, they’re off the hook!”

We may feel that if we forgive another, justice wall not be served – they’ll get off scot-free. The problem is, we have put ourselves in the position of a “bill collector.”

What does Romans 12 :19 have to say about “bill collecting”?

Remember: Letting the offender off of your hook does not mean they are off of God’s hook. Forgiveness involves transferring the prisoner over to the One who is able and responsible to mete out justice. It relieves us of the burden and responsibility to hold them in prison ourselves.

5. “I’ve forgiven them, but I’ll never be able to forget what they did to me.”

According to the Scriptures, when God forgives us, what does He promise to do?

Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 10:17
Psalm 103:12

Remember: Forgiveness is NOT forgetting. It is a transaction in which I release me debtor from the obligation to repay his debt.

An omniscient God cannot forget, in the sense of being unable to recall something. But He does promise not to remember our sins, not to hold them against us. God does not ask us to forget the wrong that has been done to us, but to forgive it.

6. “I really have forgiven, but I still struggle with feelings of hurt.”

According to the following passages, what must we be willing to do, in addition to forgiving those who sin against us?
Luke 6:27-31
Romans 12:17-21

Remember: The act of forgiveness is only the starting place for dealing with those who wrong us. The initial act of releasing the offender must be followed by a commitment to invest positively in their life. This investment is the key to experiencing emotional healing and wholeness.
Whenever possible, we should seek to rebuild the relationship between ourselves and the offender. In situations where this is not possible or appropriate, we can still invest in their lives through prayer.
What are several practical ways that you could return good for evil, or invest in the life o someone who has wronged you?

7. “I won’t forgive!”

Ultimately, forgiveness comes down to a choice. It is a choice that God both commands and enables. But some simply refuse to make that choice.

According to the following Scriptures, what can we expect if we refuse to forgive those who sin against, us and what does a bitter spirit reveal about our spiritual condition?

Matthew 6:14-15
2 Corinthians 2:10-11
Matthew 18:32-35

Choosing to ForgiveIf God has revealed any lack of forgiveness in your heart, move on to this next section: “Moving from Bitterness to Forgiveness” and prayerfully complete the five steps to freedom.

Moving from Bitterness to Forgiveness by Steve Cranfield

1. Make a list – make a list of the people who have wronged you.If you’ve been harboring bitterness, this list won’t be difficult to generate. Family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, former employers, pastors, ministry leaders… list whoever has caused you pain or grief.

Be honest with God and with yourself. You can’t take the steps of forgiveness if you haven’t acknowledged the need.

2. Clear your conscience – Confess to God, and then the offender, any wrong responses you may have had (e.g. hatred, bitterness, gossip). (Acts 24:16)

Jesus taught that we should deal with offenses quickly and personally. While we cannot control what happens to us, we are responsible for our responses.

In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus lays out a simple plan to resolve conflicts with other Christians. When someone sins against you, first go and lovingly confront the guilty individual. If that meeting goes nowhere, have another one, this time with two witnesses. Finally, if the person refuses to repent, bring the issue to leaders of your church. (Notice that Jesus doesn’t say: share the issue as a prayer request with your small group, ask three friends for counsel, call the pastor and express concern, or vent to your spouse and kids.)

When we fail to walk through the process Jesus outlined, we disobey His direct command. If that’s the situation you find yourself in, confess your wrongdoing to God and to others necessary. Then go back and start at step one.

3. Thank God – Thank God for each person who has wounded you. (1 Thess. 5:18)

Like it or not, God has used the people on your list to humble you and to mold you to the image of Jesus. The Bible says, “In everything give thanks,” not just, “In the good times,” or , “When you feel thankful.” You might pray, “God, I don’t fully understand why I was hurt, but I trust You. As an act of my will, I thank You for these people and for whatever You can teach me through them as I work through this list.”
I’m not asking you to give thanks for sins that were committed against you. I’m asking you to give thanks for the fact that God is bigger than everyone eels and their sin, and that He can take what others meant for evil and use it for good.

4. Choose to forgive – As Christ has forgiven you, fully forgive each offender. (Eph. 4:32)
Make a commitment to clear the other person’s record – forever. Whenever your mind brings up the offense, renew your forgiveness. Choose to never mention it again, just as we trust God to fully forgive the sins we have committed against Him.

After Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 18, Peter asked the question that all of us wonder about: “How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Wouldn’t that be pretty gracious, Lord?

Jesus answers, “Peter, I’m not asking you to forgive seven times. I’m commanding you to forgive seventy times seven times.”

What? So, every time someone hurts us, we get out a little book and say, “Okay, that’s the 432nd time, buddy; when we hit 491, you’ve got it coming!”? Obviously, Jesus is illustrating that there is no limit to the breadth of our forgiveness.

Most of us aren’t wronged 490 times by the same person, but we do think about the wrong that was done that many times. We see reminders all around us; and every time, we have to choose between bitterness and forgiveness.

That’s why I teach that forgiveness is not a one-time act. It’s not that you just forgive somebody one time, and you say, “That takes care of that.” It requires forgiving them every time you think about it- 490 times. Or more.

5. Rebuild relationships – Confirm your Christian love to the people on your list. (2 Cor. 2:8)

Look for ways to return good for evil. We do this by investing positively in the lives of those who have wronged us. You repay the damage they have caused, just as God sent His Son “while we were yet sinners” (Rom. 5:8). He came looking for us when we should have come looking for Him.

One more thing, friends. This is one of the most beautiful examples of forgiveness, and something that God has used for many years to convict me about His power in helping me to forgive~

Corrie Ten Boom's Story on Forgiving

“It was in a church in Munich that I saw him—a balding, heavyset man in a gray overcoat, a brown felt hat clutched between his hands. People were filing out of the basement room where I had just spoken, moving along the rows of wooden chairs to the door at the rear. It was 1947 and I had come from Holland to defeated Germany with the message that God forgives.

“It was the truth they needed most to hear in that bitter, bombed-out land, and I gave them my favorite mental picture. Maybe because the sea is never far from a Hollander’s mind, I liked to think that that’s where forgiven sins were thrown. ‘When we confess our sins,’ I said, ‘God casts them into the deepest ocean, gone forever. …’

“The solemn faces stared back at me, not quite daring to believe. There were never questions after a talk in Germany in 1947. People stood up in silence, in silence collected their wraps, in silence left the room.

“And that’s when I saw him, working his way forward against the others. One moment I saw the overcoat and the brown hat; the next, a blue uniform and a visored cap with its skull and crossbones. It came back with a rush: the huge room with its harsh overhead lights; the pathetic pile of dresses and shoes in the center of the floor; the shame of walking naked past this man. I could see my sister’s frail form ahead of me, ribs sharp beneath the parchment skin. Betsie, how thin you were!

[Betsie and I had been arrested for concealing Jews in our home during the Nazi occupation of Holland; this man had been a guard at Ravensbruck concentration camp where we were sent.]

“Now he was in front of me, hand thrust out: ‘A fine message, Fräulein! How good it is to know that, as you say, all our sins are at the bottom of the sea!’

“And I, who had spoken so glibly of forgiveness, fumbled in my pocketbook rather than take that hand. He would not remember me, of course—how could he remember one prisoner among those thousands of women?

“But I remembered him and the leather crop swinging from his belt. I was face-to-face with one of my captors and my blood seemed to freeze.

“ ‘You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,’ he was saying, ‘I was a guard there.’ No, he did not remember me.

“ ‘But since that time,’ he went on, ‘I have become a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein,’ again the hand came out—’will you forgive me?’

“And I stood there—I whose sins had again and again to be forgiven—and could not forgive. Betsie had died in that place—could he erase her slow terrible death simply for the asking?

“It could not have been many seconds that he stood there—hand held out—but to me it seemed hours as I wrestled with the most difficult thing I had ever had to do.

“For I had to do it—I knew that. The message that God forgives has a prior condition: that we forgive those who have injured us. ‘If you do not forgive men their trespasses,’ Jesus says, ‘neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.’

“I knew it not only as a commandment of God, but as a daily experience. Since the end of the war I had had a home in Holland for victims of Nazi brutality. Those who were able to forgive their former enemies were able also to return to the outside world and rebuild their lives, no matter what the physical scars. Those who nursed their bitterness remained invalids. It was as simple and as horrible as that.

“And still I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart. But forgiveness is not an emotion—I knew that too. Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart. ‘… Help!’ I prayed silently. ‘I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.’

“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes.

“ ‘I forgive you, brother!’ I cried. ‘With all my heart!’

“For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely, as I did then”

(excerpted from “I’m Still Learning to Forgive” by Corrie ten Boom. Reprinted by permission from Guideposts Magazine. Copyright © 1972 by Guideposts Associates, Inc., Carmel, New York 10512>).

May the words of my mouth...

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

A repost from a long time ago. ;-)

This morning I was studying in Genesis 1 and was struck by one of those thoughts that I’ve known for a long time, but never really thought about until today. (I call these "luminescent flashes". They’re sort of like hot flashes…but they don’t make me sweat. They just come over me all of a sudden, when I’m not expecting it and bring a change with them!)

When you read what my luminescent flash was, you’ll probably say, “well… duhhhhhh!” But at the risk of your “duhhhh”, here is my thought:

God spoke words and every detail of creation was formed. (Go ahead… I’ll say it with you… “well…duh…”)

Here’s why this struck me today. I had just prayed through Psalm 19:12 - 14 which says (in the Amplified version, of course): “Who can discern his lapses and errors? Clear me from hidden [and unconscious] faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then shall I be blameless, and I shall be innocent and clear of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my [firm, impenetrable] Rock and my Redeemer.”

I was just thinking about the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart when I flipped over to study in Genesis. How sinful my words and thoughts are – especially when they are measured against God’s Words and thoughts! When God thinks and speaks, life is created (Genesis 1). His Words bring healing (Psalm 107:20). The Words of His mouth bring life, guidance, protection, delight (Psalm 119), and innumerable other gifts to their hearers.

I started thinking about my words… What do they give their hearers? I admit… my answer was not what I want it to be. I struggle daily over surrendering my thoughts and words to the Lord. I’ve heard that your greatest gift taken to the extreme is one of your greatest liabilities. In my case, this is a fact. I’m so capable of thinking and saying words that tear down and destroy instead of thoughts and words that build up and create. As life gets busier and my patience gets shorter, my words get sharper.

Ephesians 4:29 is the goal I’m striving to reach. “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it.” (Amp.)

Oh, how I want to be a blessing and give God’s favor to those who hear my words! How I want my words to bring healing, and to build up my husband, children, family, and all who hear them… How about you?

May The Lord bless you with His Words and may your words be a blessing to all who hear them. :-)

May the words of my mouth
      and the meditation of my heart
   be pleasing to you,
      O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

The "Red Sea Rules"

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

As we were packing up our Nashville home, I was cleaning up the never-ending pile of papers on my desk and came across a bookmark containing Robert J. Morgan's "The Red Sea Rules - 10 God Given Strategies for Difficult Times". I've not yet read this book, but these 10 strategies spoke volumes to me, and I wanted to share them with you. I found a review of the book and explanation of the rules, and posted below.
I just want you to know that I think of and pray for you so often, especially when I see your sweet faces on my side bar and SC facebook page, or your e-mail addresses in my feedburner. I love to see the happy pictures of those of you who follow this blog. Sometimes I go through every picture praying for you, and thanking God that in some unimaginable way, you are a special part of my life. May the Lord bless you with Himself and a sweet awareness of His presence in your life.

Jennifer

The Red Sea Rules: 10 God Given Strategies for Difficult Times

By Robert J. Morgan
Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2001,
Reviewed by Shirley McDonald, Copy Editor for ninetyandnine.com
May 05, 2003

Using the Israelites’ story of deliverance from Egypt via the Red Sea, Robert Morgan writes of ten strategies for getting through difficult times. Just as the Israelites were trapped between the Egyptians and the Red Sea, sometimes we find ourselves trapped between that proverbial rock and a hard place. Morgan attempts to show that if you allow Him, the same God who led you in will lead you out.

Morgan devotes a chapter to each of the following “Red Sea Rules.”

■ Realize that God means for you to be where you are.
God, in Exodus 14:1-2, gives Moses specific instructions of where they are to camp: “Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon.”

When you are in a difficult situation, remember that the Lord placed or allowed you to be there.

■ Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief.
God told Moses “…Then I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord” (Exodus 14:3-4).

God can take an impossible situation and gain honor for Himself in the midst of our adverse situations – if we let Him.

■ Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord.
It would have done no good for the Israelites to ignore the fact that the Egyptians were pursuing them. Yet God made a way of deliverance. Satan can do us no lasting harm when we are enclosed by the grace of Christ.

■ Pray!
“When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord” (Exodus 14:10).

When you face impossible odds, our prayer-answering God will impart the grace needed.

■ Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work.
Moses told the Israelites to fear not, but stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. How many times are we faced with situations where we cannot solve the problem or heal the hurt? Yet, we must leave room and give God time to work.

■ When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith.
”The Lord said to Moses, ‘Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exodus 14:15).

Trust God for guidance in small steps.

■ Envision God’s enveloping presence.
God will let us feel his comforting presence, just as He let the Israelites know of His care and presence through the angel of God and the pillar of cloud (Exodus 14:19-20).

■ Trust God to deliver in His own unique way.
Who would ever have thought God would have used an old man’s raising his rod over the obstructing sea to part the waters so that the Red Sea became a gateway to the Israelites and a graveyard for the Egyptians? God does not always view things as we do, and His methods of deliverance are often mysterious to us.

■ View your current crisis as a faith builder for the future.
“The Lord saved Israel that day…so the people feared the Lord and believed the Lord and His servant Moses” (Exodus 14:30-31).

Trials and troubles are the “treadmills” for the soul, developing strength and stamina.

■ Don’t forget to praise Him.

Moses and the Israelites sang a song of triumph to the Lord after their deliverance, exalting Him. We must not forget to be grateful for God’s deliverances because He truly is our strength and our song, and He has become our salvation (Exodus 15:1-2).

Getting Back on Track - The Spiritual Life (Part 3 - & some FREE resources)

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I love devotional books and Bible studies! I can literally spend hours in a Christian bookstore pouring over its shelves of studies and devotionals. There's just something about picking them up, touching, smelling, and imagining which ones the Lord will have me study at some future point in my life. And those on the shelves that have already been a part of my life ~ they are like running into dear old friends. And as I stroll those Bible study isles, I can't help but remember the life happenings my family and I walked through as the Lord led me in each particular study.

As much as I love these books and so very much appreciate the ones God has called to write them, I'm still a proponent of learning to receive a Word from the Lord through (what I call) the raw Word of God. There's something energizing about sitting down with the Lord and His Word alone, and having Him leap off of the pages of Scripture straight into the heart and mind. Getting Back on Track - The Spiritual Life part 1 offers a good start in learning to receive from the raw Word of God.

As I am studying, the two websites that add to my own personal study of the Word are:

BibleGateway.com and Biblos.com

Both of these sites are full of resources and references that the everyday Bible student would need. I can hardly write a lesson or message without them.

For today's post, I want to share a few of my all-time favorite Bible studies and devotionals. Some of these are staples in my life - I'll go through them every several years. They are like family to me. Much of my walk with the Lord has been challenged and changed because of these books. Just thinking about them makes me smile.

Daily Devotionals

My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
I actually prefer the original edition, with the older language, probably because that's the one I started with some 20+ years ago. It's been modernized since then. You can even read it online here.

Daily Light for the Daily Path compiled by the children and grandchildren of 19th century London bookseller, Samuel Bagster

This book is a compilation of Scripture. No "man made" words. Just beautiful scripture and I adore it. I keep this one by my bed. The Daily Light for the Daily Path that I have is in the KJV. But just the other day, I downloaded a free version of this book in the God's Word translation. I have searched everywhere to find the free download to share with you, but for the life of me, I can't find it! However, you can sign up for each day's devotional to be e-mailed to you on this site.

Streams in the Dessert by L.B. Cowman
Just like it's name suggests, this devotional book offers streams of encouraging water for the parched soul. You can sign up here for each day's devotion to be e-mailed to you.

These next 3 books aren't devotionals, but I read them as if they are. These are books that I re-read every five or so years. Wonderful wonderful wisdom from two of my favorite writers: Andrew Murray and Brother Lawrence.

The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Amazon has a free edition of this book here.

Waiting on God by Andrew Murray

Absolute Surrender by Andrew Murray

Both of these Andrew Murray books can be found here. Many of his works are free in e-book form. He wrote many others, and some on prayer that I have stored away in my Kindle app to read one of these days... :-)

Bible Studies

If you're looking for a transformational Bible study, again, the Christian bookstore and internet shelves are full of them. But there are two that have had the greatest impact on my life and walk with the Lord. If I could only recommend one Bible study ever, it would be Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby. Our church ladies just finished going through this study in the fall. It was my ninth time to study this book, and I learned something new every day!

And if I could only recommend two Bible studies, I would add Living God's Word by Waylon B. Moore to the list. This study "demonstrates how to move from a Bible verse to life change and helps you cross the bridge from devotional to motivational study." A men to that!

Living God's Word is much shorter and lighter weight than Experiencing God, but the outcome is just as rich. Both Bible studies teach how to practically and powerfully live-out the Word of God.

I almost didn't write this post because how in the world could I talk about wonderful Bible study resources and just name a few? There are so many resources available to help believers grow in Christ. If you have some favorites of your own, please share! Leave a comment and tell us about them. That's the beauty of walking with the Lord... He uses numerous ways to accomplish the beautiful things in each of His children's lives. The important thing is that we get back on track in our walks with Him.

Now onto those FREE resources ~

Free Resources in e-book form:

I'm sure there are others, but I know for a fact that these three sites offer many wonderful Christian books, both old and new, for FREE.

Gospelebooks.net offers free and discount books for the Amazon Kindle. (And just an FYI, anyone can have a free kindle app on their computers or tablets or smart phones.) Sometimes these discounts and freebees will be available for only a day, so I try to check it daily. Sometimes it will say "free" on the price, but when I try to download it, the price has already gone back up. This is the link to the section on this site that lists only the free books. Lots of goodies here!

Project Gutenberg is a site where thousands of books of all types have been made available for free. Many of these are in EPUB form. Others are in plain text form. All will work on computers, tablets, and smart phones. The old literature classics are available, as well as many older theological, spiritual growth, and Christian fiction books. These are books that were written before copyright laws were in place and are considered public domain. You can search by author, book, or category. I had a lot of fun looking through all of the choices.

Many of the writings of Charles Sheldon (most recognized for In His Steps - WWJD), Andrew Murray, John Bunyan (most recognized for Pilgrim's Progress), and George Muller are available here. Plus there are other favorite classics like those written by Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austin, and all of those authors we so fondly remember (or try to forget *grin*) from our beloved High School and College English Lit classes. *another grin*

Totally Free Kindle Books is an Amazon site where free books rotate quickly on and off of the list. All types of books are here - not just "good ones" - but if you check it frequently, you'll find some blessings. When you find a free book on Amazon that you download, pay close attention to the bottom of the screen. It will say something like "Others who bought this book also bought" and other free books will be listed there. My kindle app (on my computer, smart phone, and tablet) is full of these freebies. Many of the free public domain books are found here among these lists.

Have fun on your search for resources to help you get back on track and stay on track in your walk with the Lord. :-) If you know of others, please share!
PS:

*For the next few days, I'll be away from my computer. So, I'm posting some "oldies but goodies" from the blog archives that fit the theme of "getting back on track." I pray that they, too, will be a blessing to you.

With love and prayers for your walks with the Lord~

Jennifer

Getting Back on Track - The Spiritual Life ((part 2 - A Spiritual Goal for this year?))

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Do you have a spiritual direction from the Lord for your 2012 yet? Did you set any goals for your spiritual life? Did you ask God to give you direction in this area for the coming year? If not, would you like to?

For lack of a better word, I'll call this a "Spiritual Resolution".

Regular resolutions are great to make, but are easily broken. Mostly because they are selfishly driven: looking better, having more, gaining less, achieving something, etc… and when it gets hard on the "self" to continue – the "self" screams out to stop, and usually we choose to gratify "self" and the resolution falls by the wayside.

Spiritual resolutions are investments in today, tomorrow, and eternity. When these committed actions become hard to do and we "fall off the wagon," we are not alone. Because of God's mercy and faithfulness and strength, we have something more than "self" to motivate us to press on. We can seek forgiveness, call out for the mercy of our Lord – which is new every morning (Lam. 3:23), and start over. Fresh. Every day. Every hour. Every minute that we choose to genuinely seek the Lord for a new start.

Instead of asking yourself what you want to be or do in 2012, try asking Jesus. When you do ask Jesus about this, you have these three promises to cling to:

• He will tell you (James 1:5) "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking." NLT

• He will help you (Phil. 2:13) "For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." NLT

• He will complete you (Phil 1:6) "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns." NLT

So, do you know what God your Daddy, Jesus your Savior and Friend, and the Holy Spirit your Companion wants for you this year? Whatever it is, you can rest assured that it is for your best!

Somethings in our lives need reform. These are areas that we are working on already, that can still use some improvement. Some things in our lives need to be flat-out transformed. Changed completely. I did the following exercise with the ladies in my Sunday School class this past Sunday and used Ephesians 4-5 as our focal passage.

If you'd like to find out what God is speaking to you about your 2012 life, download and work through this worksheet on Ephesians 4-5. The directions are on the worksheet. ***I'm so sorry, the link isn't working right now. Don't understand why. I have to leave the house for a while and when I'm home I'll work again on it. For now, I'll just copy and past the info from the worksheet pages at the bottom of this post. They won't be in pretty form, but at least you can see what the questions are.

I worked through this passage and worksheet last week and the Lord gave me a list of transformations He wants to make in my life this year. None of it was a shock... and I'm glad to be working on some of the things that are recurring strongholds in my life.

{I can't believe I'm about to do this, but feel led by the Lord to be transparent in this issue - so here is a picture of my journal of the things from Eph. 4-5 that need Reforming and Transforming in my life.}

Once the lists were made, I noticed that there were basically 5 categories these instructions addressed: time, selfishness, words, love of others, and spiritual warfare. I went through the list and highlighted each instruction according to the category in which they best fit. Now, when I'm reminded of the need to work on my tongue, I can flip back to these pages and look at specific instructions that need to be either reformed or transformed. Eventually, I will focus on one category at a time, asking the Lord to work out of me and into me what He desires and what pleases Him in these areas. Make sense?

As I prayed through the list of things that needed transformed, the Lord really highlighted and summed them up using the verses from Eph. 5:14-16, NLT

“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”

So be careful how you live.

Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

Eph. 5:14-16

The two words to remind me of God's instructions for my 2012 are "Awake and Arise." And I'm seeing them everywhere! I used BibleGateway.com to find every verse that contains those two words and am now studying through those verses to find additional instruction.

What I've learned so far:

Awake - early in the morning to spend my time with Him, and also Awake - to what is going on around me in the lives of others and in the spiritual realm.

Arise - out of bed once I'm awake - and also Arise - take a stand, not only knowing about something, but actively fighting for righteousness and justice.

As I was studying through the word, Awake, this passage seemed to put everything into perspective, and I couldn't get it out of my mind, so it has become my "Verse for 2012".

"So my dear friends, listen carefully;

those who embrace these my ways are most blessed.

Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;

don't squander your precious life.

Blessed the man, blessed the woman,

who listens to me,

awake and ready for me each morning,

alert and responsive as I start my day's work.

When you find me, you find life, real life,

to say nothing of God's good pleasure.

But if you wrong me, you damage your very soul;

when you reject me, you're flirting with death."

Prov. 8:32-36 Msg

I can't help but wonder what the Lord will bring my way this year as He has me awake and arise... It's kind of exciting!

It was energizing for the ladies in our class to have a personal spiritual goal for their 2012 from the Lord. And it is a tremendous relief to know that He will speak it, empower us as we do it, and complete whatever it is in our lives.

What is God saying to you about your spiritual self for 2012? :-)

Worksheet begins below

Prayerfully read through the Scriptures below. The verses contain blanks. When you reach a blank, ask the Lord to show you if you are complete in what you just read, or whether you need to be reformed or transformed. If the scripture speaks on an area that you have already mastered, with no more temptation toward sin in that particular sphere, write "complete" in the blank – and praise God for the work He has completed in your life. If the scripture speaks on an area that you are working on, having seen some progress, but still need to grow into completion in that part, write "reform" in the blank. Also write anything else the Lord specifically shows you about that subject area in your life. If the verses convict you of something that needs to be changed in your life (thoughts, actions, reactions, desires, etc.), then write the word "transform" in the blank, and record what God is showing you about your need to change.

Further instructions will be given after you've worked through the Scriptures.

Ephesians 4:17-5:20

Living as Children of Light

With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18
Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.

17

New Living Translation (NLT)

But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth
that comes from him, 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust
and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to
be like God—truly righteous and holy.

20

25

So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger
gives a foothold to the devil.

26

__________________________________________________________________________________________

28

If you are a thief, quit stealing. ______________________________________________________________

Instead, use your hands for good hard work, ______________________________________________________

and then give generously to others in need. _______________________________________________________

29

Don’t use foul or abusive language. ___________________________________________________________

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear
them. ____________________________________________________________________________________

30

And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his
own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. ___________________________________

Jennifer Walker © 2012 www.SmellingCoffee.com

31

Get rid of all bitterness, ____________________________________________________________________

rage, _____________________________________________________________________________________

anger, ____________________________________________________________________________________

harsh words, ______________________________________________________________________________

and slander, _______________________________________________________________________________

as well as all types of evil behavior. ____________________________________________________________

32

Instead, be kind to each other, _______________________________________________________________

tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Ephesians 5

Living in the Light

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for
us, a pleasing aroma to God.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s
people.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. ________________________________________________________

You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God.
For a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Jennifer Walker © 2012 www.SmellingCoffee.com

Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the anger of God will fall on all who disobey him.
__________________________________________________________________________________________

Don’t participate in the things these people do. 8 For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light
from the Lord. So live as people of light! 9 For this light within you produces only what is good and right and
true.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

10

Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. ____________________________________________________

11

Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret. 13 But their evil intentions will be
exposed when the light shines on them, 14 for the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said,

12

“Awake, O sleeper,
rise up from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Living by the Spirit’s Power

15

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

16

Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

17

Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

18

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. _________________________________________

Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and
making music to the Lord in your hearts.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

20

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Jennifer Walker © 2012 www.SmellingCoffee.com

Look back over all you have marked. In the columns below, list the areas of your life that need to be "reformed" and the
areas that need to be "transformed."

God wants to Reform me in these areas:

____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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God wants to Transform me in these areas:

____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________
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____________________________________
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____________________________________
____________________________________
____________________________________

Jennifer Walker © 2012 www.SmellingCoffee.com

Look over your lists. Pay close attention the the areas God wants transformed in your life. Are there things that
can be grouped together? Prayerfully consider your areas of needed transformation and write a general
summary of those areas here. Use 1-3 sentences, or even a verse or two. Ask God to make His desires for you
clear. This is what God is speaking to you about your 2012. This is what He wants to do in your life this year.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

What do you need to say back to God? Respond to Him below.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________

Signed __________________________________________ Date _______________________

Getting Back on Track - The Spiritual life ( Part 1)

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Even though Christmas is a "Spiritual" holiday, it seems that most of us end up so busy with the celebrations that we put our spiritual lives on the back burner. Sound familiar? If you haven't yet done it for 2012, I want to encourage you to get back on track in your walk with the Lord and to "fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you" (2 Tim. 1:6).

One way we do that is to make a consistent habit of meeting with and fellowshipping with the Lord on a daily basis. When we come to Him as we begin each day, He will give us what we need to get going in His strength. If you have just 10-15 minutes to invest in improving your life each day, spending it with Jesus will reap eternal rewards.

The following is a post I wrote several years ago, and on busy mornings, it is exactly what I do in my time with the Lord. For me, because of the call God has placed upon my life, getting back on track spiritually also involves getting back to scripture memory and deeper digging in the Word. I'm a firm believer that if you just have a few minutes to spare, you can't go wrong by using it to read the Word of God. You can pray as you go about your day. God can hear from us all day long, but we need to be in His Word to know His voice, and to hear from Him.

If you haven't established a habit of having a daily quiet time yet, I pray that the Lord will use this idea below to fan into flame the gift {of intimate relationship with Jesus} that God has given to you.

Do you want to spend some time with Jesus, but you’re not sure how to do it or where to start? An intimate fellowship with The Lord, time in His Word, soaking in what He has to say to you and responding to Him as if you are "best friends" is offered to each one of us. We just have to take the time to invest in our relationship with The Lord.

Like building any friendship, it takes an investment of time, energy, and purpose. But friends, it is SO worth it!

If you're wondering where you'll get any extra minutes in your day, let me ask you this: Do you use your snooze alarm? If so... there's your answer! ;-) My personal philosophy is that if I have time to snooze in the mornings, I could invest those 10 minutes in Jesus and be more rested than if I had slept a few extra minutes. If you'll set your alarm back just 10 minutes earlier, and get up when it goes off, you can start your day filled and refreshed - rather than tired and cranky. I promise. You can never out-give God. You give Him those precious 10 minutes, and see just what He gives you in return: strength, encouragement, hope, a plan for your day, inspiration, peace... to name a few.

{Soon, you'll find that 10 minutes just isn't enough, and you'll see such a "return" on your investment, that you'll be craving more and more time with Him.}

Need a Jump Start? Here is a plan for 10 Precious Minutes with the Lord.
Have these items handy:

A Bible (easy to read and understand version - I LOVE the Amplified, Holeman Christan Standard, Message, NIV, and the New Living Translation)

Paper - I use a spiral notebook or several sheets of notebook paper folded up in my Bible for these moments with God.

A Pen or Pencil (highlighter optional)

Here's the plan:

1 minute - Submit yourself to the Lord. Bow yourself to Him, acknowledging Him as your King and Authority over you. Give yourself and your day to Him. Ask Him to speak to you.

1 minute - Praise God for three of His Characteristics and Thank God for three ways He's blessed you. Quickly write the date and record these on your paper.

1 minute - Ask God to create in you a clean heart (Ps. 51:10). As He reveals any unconfessed sin, repent of it lay it before Him. (Of course, this is more than a minute long process - it's an every day, all day long process. This minute just opens the door for the Lord to speak to you throughout the day about your sin. As He convicts you of sinning, repent right then. Don't wait until later. Confess it. Ask for forgiveness immediately, and stay clean throughout the day. It's like washing your hands each time they get dirty, instead of waiting till the end of the day or the next morning. There are times we all need a long, deep spiritual cleansing, and I encourage you to set aside a special time with The Lord to do that.)

2 minutes - Ask God to fill you, cover you with His armor, shine through you, and speak to you.

"Fill me" - Colossians 2:10 says in the Jewish New Testament, "It is in union with Him that you have been made full." Especially when we are rushed and stressed, we tend to run on empty. It is in union with Jesus - this time together with Him before anything else depletes us - that we are made and kept full.

"Cover me" - Using Ephesians 6:10-14, put on the armor God has provided for you to wear in Victory! You might want to list the armor pieces at the top of your notebook paper so you can quickly go through and picture each piece. I picture myself putting them on piece by peace, as I speak each piece aloud, thanking God for this awesome protection.

"Shine through me" - Pray that you will "Shine (be radiant with the glory of the Lord), for your Light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." Isaiah 60:1

"Speak to me" - Pray Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes that I might see wonderful things in Your Law." and get ready for God to reveal Himself to you through His Word.

(Now, you're about 5 minutes into the 10.)

3 minutes - Read God's Word. Have a specific place in the Bible in mind, so you won't waste your time randomly searching. I'm going through Psalms right now. Other wonderful books are Proverbs, John, James, Philippians... they are all so wonderful, it's hard to choose one. But for this quick quiet time, I would encourage you to stick to one of the books mentioned above.

There is just something special about getting a Word from what I like to call "the raw Word of God". I LOVE devotional books and Bible studies... and I encourage you to find time through out your day to add a Bible study or devotional book reading to your life. But if you truly have only 10 minutes, I encourage you to spend them in God's Word first and add what someone else has written about God's Word later. {If you have The Holy Spirit living within you, He will speak to you just as He speaks to those who write those devotions and Bible studies... That is...if you ask Him to…and if you then get in His Word. :-)}

What to do: Start at the beginning of the book/passages you are reading. Read for 3 minutes or until you have some type of "reaction" (Wow! or Oh, You are so Good, Lord! or I am so sorry! or I never thought of it like that before... or even, I don't understand...) Stop reading at that point. You’ll pick up at this spot tomorrow and continue reading.

1 minute - On your paper, under your praise/thanks, write the reference for what you just read, then write your reaction. This makes Scripture come alive, because God has just spoken to you, revealing His Truth to you in some way, and in your reaction, you are responding to Him. It's like you are writing to each other. This is so important, because as we get busy, we tend to forget the wonderful things The Lord revealed to us. Having them written down, gives us a reminder and a visible picture of God's activity in our lives at the moment. These types of papers are a treasure to me.

1 minute - Pray these truths into your life. Ask God to help these truths be a reality in your own life.

The 10 minutes is over, but your fellowship with Jesus has just begun.

As you begin preparing for your day, continue to talk with Jesus about the day ahead, about your family, your concerns, your needs and those things/people heavy on your heart. You can even pray that these same truths you just heard from God in your time with Him would be found true in the lives of others. As you go about your day, drive to work with Him... fold the laundry with Him... acknowledge The Lord in your daily life ... lingering in His presence as you would your best and dearest friend. The presence of God’s fellowship and the awareness of His personal involvement in your life will be a sweet blessing and reward for seeking Him!

No matter how busy the day ahead becomes, or what lies ahead, this 10 minutes with the Lord will help jump start your day with the breath of the Lord God Almighty propelling you forward in His strength, joy, and fellowship!

And if you want to really dig deep into God's Word, check out this post from June 2011:
How to Study the Bible for yourself, by yourself (with the help of the Holy Spirit)

It took a week to write this post...

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 01:54:00 +0000

And humorously, it was originally entitled " 'You can do anything for 15 minutes' says the Flylady."

While I completely agree with the Flylady's theory, I learned - or re learned -

something this week that changes the statement just a bit. We had the privilege of keeping a precious baby in our home this week. She turned one on Thursday, and I love her as if she were my flesh and blood. It was great fun for our entire household. But, not having been in the baby stage in a long time, I didn't get much else done all week long. I determined to soak up every moment with the baby and my own children, and decided that if we all ended each day with full stomachs and clean clothes, it could be considered a successful day. haha. Boy! I sure had forgotten what life is like with a little one in the home. It's both delightful and draining. ;-)

I'm so grateful for the reminder. As I serve the Lord and the women He has placed in my path, I'm thankful to be reminded of just how hard it is for the young moms to get everything done in a day's time. So when they show up at Bible study with their hair washed and fixed, and all of their questions answered, and when they talk about the sweet quiet times they've had with the Lord, I'll be doubly amazed that they could get it all done. And when they show up in their pj shirt with a squash or carrot stain on it, no questions answered, and desperate for a word from the Lord, I'll know much better how to pray for these precious souls. (grin)

The post I tried to write this week was going to be about deciding to spend just 15 minutes a time to improve the areas of life that have fallen short over the holidays. But I quickly realized that some of you dear ones don't even have the extra 15 minutes to spend as you wish. I didn't. ;) So if you don't - you won't get any guilt from me! However, if you can find 15 minutes a day to make a difference in your life, I want to share a few resources that have helped me tremendously.

I don't make New Year Resolutions - mostly because I never keep them. Thus to lessen my sense of failure, I just don't make them. However, I do have some consistent habits that I'm always working on, and during the busy holiday time, I let them slip a bit or a lot. So once the new year comes rolling around, I try to get back on track.

The three areas of "back on track" that I usually need each January are in the Spirit, Home, and Health arenas. To get myself back on track, I've learned to set a timer and spend 15 minutes doing something in each of these areas each day.

The blog world is full of wonderful posts, people, ideas, and inspiration to help us get back "in control" of the heart, home, and life. But I know that if I took the time to read all of the available "inspiration," I'd never get up and get anything done. So, when I need a jump start to get back in the saddle of keeping good habits, I turn to a few "pros" who have been part of my life for a long time.

To keep this post a readable length, I'll be sharing those resources with you in the next few posts. So, my friends, stay tuned, and may the Lord bless you as you bless and worship Him on Sunday. :-)

To be continued ...

Two things and Six Words that can change your life in 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Happy New Year!

At the end of each year and the beginning of the next, I always look back at each month, pick out the "big thing" that would characterize it, and ponder how God used it in our lives. Even if it is something "not good," I always come to the same conclusion - God was faithful to us in it and through it. Sometimes life is hard. But always God is faithful.

I can't help but wonder what God has in store for the 12 months ahead. Whatever it is, one thing will hold true: God will be faithful. No matter what, God will be faithful. Whether or not I think He's fair, I can rest in knowing that He will be faithful.

Because of God's total faithfulness, we can do two things to insure that we don't miss a single good thing He has planned for our next 12 months. These two things can be summed up in six words. Personally, I think that if we would do these two things - just six words - our lives would be lived to the fullest, deepest, and richest in the Lord. Want to know what those two things and six words are?

Trust The Lord.
Obey The Lord.

Every thing else that we could think of to do or not to do this year could actually fall into this category.

Whatever it is that The Lord reveals to us to do or not to do - to start or to give up - to say or not to say - to think or not to think - If we would make it our goal to simply trust and obey Him, those two actions will cover every life event, crossroad, and need that will arise. Then no matter what it is, day by day, situation by situation, If we would just trust the Lord and obey the Lord, we would have success... because we would be smack dab in the middle of His will for our lives. We can never go wrong if our aim is to simply trust and obey the Lord.

Trust The Lord.
Obey The Lord.

Two things and six words that can have an eternal impact on this new year.

"This is God's Word on the subject: "... I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." Jeremiah 29:10-11 (The Message)

Happy New Year, and much love to you, my friends. May the Lord be greatly glorified in all of our lives as we trust Him and obey Him in 2012!

Jennifer

Undecorate your house ... but not your heart!

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:22:00 +0000

By the end of today our Christmas tree and all of the festive decorations will be safely packed away in the attic. The furniture will be moved back into its normal places, and our home will once again look like it does for 10 1/2 months of the year. I'm never really ready to pack up our Christmas decorations. I love the added lights and color they bring to our home. But alas, today is that day, and by tonight, things will be "back to normal."

As I was thinking about "back to normal" this morning, I told the Lord that I don't want things to "get back to normal!" I don't want to forget or ignore the miracles and gifts that have been such a focal part of my life since this fall. Because of writing Keeping Christ AS Christmas, I've been in the Christmas mode since September, and I've honestly loved every minute of it. I'm not ready to stop keeping Christ AS Christmas...

Then I realized that the Christmas story doesn't stop with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in the stable. On the days that followed the birth of Jesus, the Christmas story was very much alive and active in their lives. Jesus ate, slept, and grew. Eventually Mary and Joseph moved out of the stable and into some type of a dwelling in Bethlehem. Their first home. Their first baby. Their first of everything. Their lives were changed forever. And so were ours.

As you are undecorating your house this week, I want to issue you the same challenge that the Lord issued to me this morning: Don't undecorate your heart. Don't go back to "life as usual." Don't stop dwelling on gratitude for all God has done for you and given to you. Don't stop letting Jesus be the center and focus of your days. Don't leave Jesus in that manger in the stable. Ask Him to LIVE and SHINE and INVADE every spot of your life, heart, mind, home, family, sleep, activity, and breath.

Today I"ll pack away the ornaments, lights, bows, and most manger scenes. But I will not pack away Jesus. I will uncheck the Christmas music on my ipod, but I will not remove the Christmas Song Jesus has placed in my heart. The melody of Joy that began on what we call Christmas is the song that will carry me every day of this next year.

I'm asking God to decorate and fill my heart so vividly that even though my house is "back to normal," my life never will be. Will you join me in undecorating your house, but not your heart?

:-)
Jennifer

These things make me smile:

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

I was looking at Pinterest yesterday and among the almost 2000 things I've pinned, one of my favorite boards is "This Makes Me Smile." As Buddy the Elf says, "Smiling's my favorite."

The Target Lady - I bet she's resting up for next year.

This was on the picture of Tim Tebow: "When Tim Tebow wore John 3:16 on his eye black to a certain game, over 92 million people looked that verse up on Google. That means over 92 million people heard the Gospel just because one man took a stand."

In my town, this is kind of true. Haha.

And so is this :)

But of all of the things that make me smile on Dec. 27th, 28th, and 29th, it is this:

This precious little boy (who is trying to listen to the door knob with his parents' ipod earbuds) is what has brought big smiles to our whole family on these days each December. God sent him to us to redeem a sad time in our lives. My daddy died on December 27th fifteen years ago, when Nathan was 10 weeks old. Even sadder, Daddy was buried on my sister's birthday. But two years ago, God graced my sister and our whole family with an unexpected gift from above. On the day between Daddy's death and burial date, when my sister's family previously thought it was complete, my sister gave birth to a delightful little boy, and they named him Crawford (our maiden name).

Crawford has been a delight since day one. He's been a good baby, and "easy" baby, and is already wearing "big boy pants"! The earliest potty training for a boy I've seen in my motherhood lifetime. He makes us smile every time we think of him. I could just eat him up!

What a precious gift of life God has given us all on this anniversary of death. We miss Daddy so much.... Fifteen years seems like both a lifetime ago and just a few years ago. But now, when we come upon these days after Christmas, we smile. We remember Daddy and we think of Crawford, and we smile about how much Daddy would have enjoyed him.

We love you, Daddy.
Happy Birthday, Crawford!
Thank you, Father, for your gifts of both!

Hanukkah and Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 16:53:00 +0000

What is Hanukkah

Hanukkah began on Dec. 20th and ends tomorrow night on the 28th. While many people know that it lasts for eight nights and it involves lighting candles, the real significance of the holiday may be a little more obscure. The events surrounding Hanukkah begin when Alexander the Great conquered the known world and advanced Greek culture across his empire through Hellenization. Some in Israel abandoned their Jewish traditions and adopted Greek culture and Greek names. After Alexander's death, his generals divided his kingdom amongst themselves. Two of these kingdoms had a significant impact on Israel. The Ptolemaic Empire, based south of Israel in Egypt, initially governed the region of Judea, but the Seleucid Empire, based to the north around Syria, eventually gained control of the region.

Soon Antiochus IV, king of the Seleucid Empire, invaded Egypt, but the Romans drew a line in the sand and sent him back to Syria. Humiliated and enraged, Antiochus Epiphanes (god manifest) invaded Israel in the midst of a cultural civil war between the Hellenistic and traditional Jewish communities. Antiochus sided with the Hellenized Jews and looted the temple treasures to fund his military campaign. He outlawed Jewish traditions, enforced idolatry, erected an altar to Zeus in the Temple and desecrated the Temple by sacrificing pigs on the altar.

A small family of priests decided to stand against Antiochus' in their rural village of Modiin. Mattathias and his five sons, Eliazer, Yochanan, Simeon, Yonatan and Yehuda, revolted against both the Seleucid army and the Hellenists. When Mattathias died, Yehuda HaMakabee, the hammer, succeeded his father in leading the rebellion. Two years later, the rebels defeated the Seleucid army and drove the Greeks out of Israel. Once they were victorious, the faithful Jewish priests purified the Temple. According to legend, they only found one small container of olive oil, which was enough to light the menorah for one day. Unfortunately, it would take eight days to produce ritually pure olive oil. Miraculously, the small jar of olive oil lasted for eight days. The celebration of Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish defeat of the mighty Greek army and the miraculous preservation of the olive oil.

Why is this important?

About 160 years after these events a young woman gave birth to a baby boy in the Judean Hills, not far from where the rebellion began. This birth is still remembered around the world at Christmas. If God did not intervene and deliver the nation of Israel from the Seleucid Empire then Jesus' birth may not have been possible. God's preservation of Israel allowed him to fulfill His promise to send the anticipated Messiah, the Son of David. Hanukkah reminds us of God's faithfulness to deliver His people and orchestrate all events to fulfill His divine redemptive plan.

Hanukkah also warns us of the danger of assimilation. Many within Israel were more concerned about fitting into the Greek culture than they were about remaining faithful to their covenant with God. In our generation we must learn how to live holy lives in the midst of a godless society.

Jesus and Hanukkah

During the Feast of Dedication, Hanukkah, Jesus traveled through the colonnade on the southern side of the Temple complex, leading to an interaction with the religious leaders (John 10:22-42). Previously, John describes a debate within the Jewish community concerning Jesus' identity. Due to his enigmatic parables, some thought he lost his mind (10:20); others responded by stating a demon cannot make a blind man see (10:21). They rightfully acknowledge that life-giving miracles only have a divine origin. This logically leads to the retelling of an encounter Jesus has with some religious leaders during Hanukkah, since the holiday reminds the Jewish community of when God miraculously gave Israel victory over the Greek army and of how God allowed the sacred oil for the menorah to miraculously last for eight days.

John intentionally includes the temporal reference to the holiday to show how Jesus' miracles betray his true identity. Just as God had miraculously delivered Israel from their Greek oppressors, Jesus demonstrates his divine origin by miraculously healing the sick. The people recognize these great miracles and question whether or not Jesus is truly the Messiah (John 10:24). Jesus responds by saying that the works he does testify to his true identity (10:25). The word Jesus employs to describe his deeds recalls the miraculous works of God described in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint (Josh 24:29; Pss 45:9; 65:5; 85:8). Despite the astounding nature of Jesus' miracles, only his followers recognize his unique identity (10:26-27). To his followers, Jesus gives eternal life (10:28). Following this statement, Jesus declares perfect unity between him and the Father (10:30).

The surrounding crowd recognized the magnitude of Jesus' statement and decided to stone him, knowing that he claimed to be God (John 10:31-33). Jesus challenged their actions and asked them for which of his miracles did they seek to stone him, since his works prove his divine nature (10:32, 37-38). Ultimately, Jesus' works caused many people to believe in him.

The celebration of Hanukkah commemorates God's intervention into the life of Israel when he miraculously saves the nation from the Seleucid army. Just as the miracle of Hanukkah speaks of God's intervention in the lives of His people as their divine deliverer, Jesus' miracles remind us that God has intervened in human history when He took on human flesh to deliver us from our sin. Jesus promises, "my sheep hear my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they will never perish; no one can snatch them from my hand" (10:27-28). The shepherd knows his sheep, because he is frequently in their presence. If we want to hear our Shepherd's voice, we must make enough room in our lives to hear him.

This wonderful information comes from Scott Nassau, of Chosen People Ministries. Scott came and spoke to our church on one of the Jewish festivals and its importance to us today. Hi and his family ministers in a Jewish community in Los Angeles, sharing that Jesus IS the Messiah they have long awaited. You can find out more about this ministry from this email I received. I signed up to receive their updates and have been blessed to learn more about the Jewish culture. If you are interested at all in this, you'd enjoy their newsletters and the www.chosenpeople.com website.

This is what Scott says about this ministry:

By creating a Messianic Community in West Los Angeles, we seek to act as a catalyst for Jewish people to put their faith in Yeshua as the Messiah. We will provide creative, accessible and meaningful worship, where we can express our faith in a Jewish context. We are committed to maintaining the authority of Scripture with its emphasis on discipleship, fellowship and outreach. As a congregation we will be intentional about engaging with the community through relevant events and service.

Our congregation seeks to have an impact upon the young Jewish community in Los Angeles, including those involved in the city’s large entertainment industry. We seek to express God’s eternal truth in relevant, artistic, and creative means that connect with this culture.

Our vision is to make Tikkun Olam a Messianic community that seeks to spiritually transform the world one life at a time. We believe Tikkun Olam can have a significant impact upon the Jewish Community of West Los Angeles, but we need others to partner with us to make the congregation a reality.

We would love to hear from you. If you have any questions or thoughts you would like to share, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for standing behind us.

Scott, Dana, Ilan and Aitan Nassau

Chosen People Ministries

snassau@chosenpeople.com

310-993-7231

What did you get for Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 15:37:00 +0000

What did you get for Christmas? That seems to be the question most asked during the weeks after Christmas. As adults, we often ask this question to children as a conversation starter. And children of all ages ask it of each other. It's fun to find out what new things were given and received during the holiday. But as I was keeping Jesus Christ AS my Christmas this year, I began to realize that I have a set of answers to "What did you get for Christmas" that beats the most lavish human list. If you belong to Jesus Christ, then you, too, received this amazing list of Christmas gifts.

This is what I got for Christmas:

A Rock in Whom I take Refuge (Psalm 18:2)
Complete forgiveness and absolution from my sins (1 John 1:9)
New starts - fresh every day and every moment as I choose to surrender myself to Jesus (Lam. 3:21-25)
Deliverance from the chains that try to bind me (Psalm 40:1-4)
A Savior (John 3:16)
A Friend (Luke 7:33-35)
Peace that surpasses my ability to understand it (Phil. 4:7)
Joy that transcends my circumstances (Phil. 4:4-8)
Deep comfort in my sorrow (Psalm 3)
Rest in place of fear (Ps. 56:3-4)
Sleep (Psalm 3:5)
Everything I need to survive in this world (Phil. 4:19)
The hope and expectation of eternity in Heaven (John 3:15)

These are just a few things I got for Christmas. The list can go on and on...
What did you get for Christmas, my friends?

With love and thankfulness for each of you...
Jennifer

The best answer to the question, "What did you get for Christmas?"

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Merry Christmas

And

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

A Rock in Whom I take Refuge (Psalm 18:2)
Complete forgiveness and absolution from my sins (1 John 1:9)
New starts - fresh every day and every moment as I choose to surrender myself to Jesus (Lam. 3:21-25)
Deliverance from the chains that try to bind me (Psalm 40:1-4)
A Savior (John 3:16)
A Friend (Luke 7:33-35)
Peace that surpasses my ability to understand it (Phil. 4:7)
Joy that transcends my circumstances (Phil. 4:4-8)
Deep comfort in my sorrow (Psalm 3)
Rest in place of fear (Ps. 56:3-4)
Sleep (Psalm 3:5)
Everything I need to survive in this world (Phil. 4:19)
The hope and expectation of eternity in Heaven (John 3:15)

These are just a few things I got for Christmas. The list can go on and on...
What did you get for Christmas, my friends?

With love and thankfulness for each of you this Christmas...
Jennifer

Much love to you all...

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 22:52:00 +0000

Is your Heart at Home this Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

It's almost Christmas! Where will you be when you celebrate the birth of Jesus? Are you going "home" this year? Until the last several years, our Walker family of four had never celebrated Christmas in our own house. We always packed up everything and went "home" to MS where I grew up. But now that we live a little more than an hour away from "home," my mom is packing up and coming to stay with us for Christmas.

We went "home" this past weekend and had wonderful time with extended family. We laughed and laughed!

My sister, Rebecca

My brother, Chris

All of the "Crawford" grandchildren

The only thing missing was my daddy. He went to live with Jesus 15 years ago on the 27th of this month. We miss him a lot, even after 15 years. He was our town's Santa Claus, and he was a fantastic Jesus-loving Santa!

Daddy with a little girl who is now a sophomore in college

There is something special about going "home" for Christmas ~ and there is also something special about staying "home" for Christmas. "Home" and Christmas seem to go sweetly together.

I read an Advent devotional about home and Christmas that was a tender call to the heart. Whether or not your body is "home" for Christmas this year, your heart can be...

GOD CALLS us to come home for Christmas. God calls us to come back from all those places where we have settled for less than the fullness of life promised to us in Christ.

God calls us back from all the ambitions and possessions we have pursued, thinking they would satisfy us.

God calls us to let go of any bitterness and resistance to forgive that block the light of love from warming us.

Preparing for Christmas means looking deep within ourselves and asking if our heats are truly at home in the lives we are living.

God calls us to come home and to rest, to be embraced by one who loves us as we are. God offers us a place where we are fully known and also fully accepted.

-Mary Lou Redding

While We Wait

From page 45 of While We Wait: Living the Questions of Advent by Mary Lou Redding.

Merry, Merry Christmas weekend~
Jennifer

"I am the Lord's Servant" - A Wonderful Advent Devotional on Mary

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

"I am the Lord's Servant"
by Nancy Guthrie

It's hard to imagine how frightening it must have been for teenage Mary to see an angel and hear him speaking to her. The Bible says that "Gabriel appeared to her and said, 'Greetings, favored women! The Lord is with you!' Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. 'Don't be afraid, Mary,' the angel told her, 'for you have found favor with God!'" (Luke 1:28-30). We can't help but wonder what the angel looked like and what he sounded like.

As frightening as it must have been to see and hear an angel speaking to her, it must have been even more frightening for Mary to process what the angel was telling her--that she was going to become pregnant, even though she had never been intimate with a man. This would be a scandal in her village. Everyone would whisper about her. She would be shunned and perhaps sent away by her fiance, Joseph, because he would think she had been unfaithful to him. And yet, even though she probably had a million questions and concerns, Mary responded to the angel by welcoming whatever God wanted to do. She said, "I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true" (Luke 1:38). In a
sense she said to God, "I'm yours. You can do anything you want with me," even though she must have known that this situation would be very hard for her, for Joseph, and for her whole family.

It's easy to label what we consider "good things" in our lives as gifts from God and to welcome them with gratitude. But when difficult things happen, we don't look at them as part of God's good plan for us. Mary's example shows us we can also welcome those things we would not necessarily label "good," confident that God's gifts sometimes come in perplexing and even painful packages. When we belong to God, we know he will use whatever he allows into our lives for good. Somehow, in God's hands, these things also become gifts of his grace toward us.

It takes faith--faith to rest in who God is and his love for us; faith to be confident that he is doing something good in and through our difficult circumstances--to see the hard things in our lives as gifts of God's grace.

PRAYER

God, give us faith to surrender ourselves to you even in the hard places of life. We want to be your servants. We believe that anything you ask of us will be good and right because you love us. Fill us with faith to trust you with whatever you ask of us.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

* What thoughts do you think went through Mary's mind when the angel was speaking to her?
* What did Mary believe about God and his promises that allowed her to respond with a song of praise?
* What difficult things has God asked our family to do or endure? How might these difficult things be God's gifts to us?

Today's devotional reading is taken from "Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room" by Nancy Guthrie. Used by permission. Learn more: http://click.lists.biblegateway.com/?qs=2a39e31c57868a43da36285758d4758752825dd5bb6c930e55085e4434e805a2

A fabulous entertaining idea - Hot Chocolate & Hot Apple Cider Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

If you're looking for a fun new addition to your entertaining this season, try a hot chocolate bar and/or a hot apple cider bar like "Your Homebased Mom" did. She writes a wonderful blog full of family ideas to make everyday life special. I especially like her entertaining ideas... like her hot chocolate and hot apple cider bar.

Hop over here to read all about it. I'm thinking it would be a fun New Year's Eve tradition to begin....

May the Lord bless each of you this week as you seek to keep Him as the Center of this Season.
:-) Jennifer

"The Days Before Christmas" poem

noreply@blogger.com (Smelling Coffee) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 13:00:00 +0000

This anonymous poem went around the internet years ago. Since no one knows who wrote it, I took the liberty of changing it a just a bit to make a point for myself and my family. I hope it blesses you with a smile on your face and a pause in your heart as you continue to strive to Keep Christ AS Christmas this year.

The Days before Christmas

T'was the days before Christmas and all through the town

Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found.

The people were all busy with Christmas time chores

Like decorating, and baking, and shopping in stores.

No "Away in a manger, no crib for a bed."

Instead, songs of Santa dressed up in bright red.

Mama watched "Martha" while Papa took a nap.

As hour upon hour, the presents they'd wrap.

When what from the T.V. did suddenly appear?

A brand new add for a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall they all flew like a flash...

Buying some things on credit, and others with cash!

And as they made their way home from their trip to the mall,

Did they think about Jesus? Oh no, not at all.

Their lives were so busy with their Christmastime things.

They forgot about Jesus, The Savior, The King.

To pray to the Savior, they had no time to stop...

Because they needed more time to "shop till they dropped!"

On Wal-Mart! On K-Mart! On Target! On Penny's!

On Hallmark! On Zales! And a quick lunch at Denny's.

From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall,

They would dash away, dash away, and visit them all!

At home on the roof, there arose such a clatter

As Grandpa hung lights with his brand new step ladder.

He hung lights that would flash. He hung lights that would twirl.

Yet, he forgot Jesus... The Light of the World.

Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!

Christ's Spirit... how merry!

Christ's love... how enormous!

All our burdens... He'll carry!

So instead of being busy, overworked, and uptight,

Seek Jesus this Christmas, and all will be right.

Original author of the poem is unknown. Adaptations were made by Jennifer Walker.

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Mat. 6:33 (NLT)

Need a fresh approach to Christmas this year?
Read Keeping Christ AS Christmas

an e-book by Jennifer Walker

A practical and inspirational approach to seeking and finding Jesus this Christmas season, Keeping Christ AS Christmas offers simple strategies and sanity savers to help your Christmas be meaningful in a new and treasured way. Prepare your hearts, households, and homes for Peace this Christmas season by Keeping Christ AS Christmas.

$4.99 Amazon.com
ChristASChristmas.com (for all other e-book formats)