The Death of the Brain-Sapping Bug

The Death of the Brain-Sapping Bug

I had a bug, near the rug.

No crawling commenced, my focus was fenced.

Its presence commanded; attention demanded;

Bright colors and noise, with disharmonic poise.

Vile living included, Truth-living excluded.

A monster it became,

To some, only a game.

Its lies distrust,

Truth-Seeking a must!

How to remove, I reflected;

For Life & gaining true perspective!

With firm resolve,

The problem I solved.

A picture to prove,

This WAS the right move!

Don’t you know it’s true…

YOU have one too.

A clearer head, I never had

Until it was dead…on the T.V. stand!

Wingin' It Tilapia and Pepper Slaw

Wingin' It Talipia and Pepper Slaw Recipe (1-2 servings)

2-3 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp lime juice

1 head garlic, peeled & coarsely chopped

kosher salt (approximately 2-3 tsp, to taste)

fresh cracked pepper (approximately 2-3 grinds, to taste)

1 can green chilies (adjust to your taste using mild for no heat and hot for a little heat)

2 tilapia fillets, thawed & dried with paper towels

Cilantro, chopped, optional

Combine all ingredients except tilapia & cilantro; place in long shallow bowl; place fillets in marinade & cover.  Let sit about 10 minutes.  

Scrape marinade off fillets & p

lace fillets in baking dish; spoon just the liquid of the marinade over the fish & bake about 5 minutes; remove from oven & spoon remaining marinade liquid over fish & bake another 5-8 minutes, or until fillets are cooked through & flake easily with a fork.  Serve with cilantro sprinkled over.

Pepper Slaw (1-2 Servings)

1/2 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved OR 1 or 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped.

1 Serrano chili, sliced*

2-3 mini sweet peppers, seeded & julienned

2 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

cilantro, chopped (to taste)

*remove seeds & ribs to remove some of the heat

Mix all ingredients & refrigerate about 20-30 minutes to chill; mix before serving.

Bringing Peace to My Little Corner of the World

Three Questions To Ask Before Watching a Movie  (Link)

"Sacrificing our serenity of mind — or mental purity — is not worth a few minutes of supposed entertainment."


3 weeks ago I removed my T.V. from my living room.  Currently I don't have it plugged  in and I'm contemplating not plugging it in again until I have better choices to view. 

I found my self glued to it and I wasn't a joyful or kind person - I was a reflection of what I was watching...  

One of the things that was constantly in my mind in times of contemplation was Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." 

" Basically, we want to watch movies with an eye for the true, the honorable, the just, pure, lovely, and commendable. Heeding Paul’s instructions in Philippians 4:8, we should “think about these things”  " (from the article).

I realized that I wasn't "thinking on those things" and knew I needed a change.  Still, it took me several weeks AFTER making my decision to remove the t.v.  There has only been one day since that I thought I'd plug it back in, for about 1 minute...

I'm more peaceful and calmer.  My mind feels clearer.  I'm pleased with the decision.  My t.v. will quite possibly sit, unplugged, in the spare room.  I've also found myself being more active at home...cooking more (something I actually really like to do...) and actually being productive in some goals that I want to accomplish.  Of course, some days, I come home and just sit in my recliner with Penelope.  Those days, I can reflect on my blessings, other times I just sit and listen to the clocks ticking.  I'm also reading more.

More and more I'm also applying the same principle (Phil. 4:8) to other areas of my life - reading material, conversations, activities, finances, etc.

This is not a post to tell you that you need to get rid of your t.v./watching movies, etc.  It's a personal decision per person/family.  

My ONLY intent was to 
1) share the article (while good I don't agree with parts of it) & 
2) just to say what's been on my mind recently & the decision which followed.

Chicken Enchiladas

The other day, I needed something for a potluck...going through my freezer, I found some cooked chicken and I knew I had tortillas and cheese, I just didn't have any enchilada sauce so I looked one up.  It turned out delicious!  Someone requested the recipe so I thought I'd share what I did (it's a little long, but worth the effort).

 Chicken Enchilada’s

1 onion, sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

8 ounces unpeeled scrubbed ginger, cut into 1/2"-thick slices

2 garlic cloves, crushed

10 whole black peppercorns

1 3-pound whole organic chicken, cut into 7 pieces (2 breasts, 2 legs with thighs attached, 2 wings, 1 back)

Kosher salt

Fresh jalapenos, chopped (seeded, optional – leave in if you like it spicy)

Fresh or jarred cactus, chopped (if jarred, rinse before chopping)

Hot and spicy spice mix (I use my own blend)

¼ c oil

2 tbsp flour

2 tbsp chili powder

8 oz tomato sauce

1 c water, more if needed

¼ tsp cumin

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

Salt, to taste

Flour tortillas (1 pkg, gordita size)

Cheddar Cheese, shredded (@ 1lb)*

Combine the first 5 ingredients in a large heavy pot. Add chicken, placing breasts on top. Add 6 quarts water (preferably filtered or spring water); bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover with lid slightly ajar. Reduce heat to low; simmer until chicken breasts are just cooked through, about 30 minutes. Transfer chicken breasts to a plate; let cool, then cover and chill. Continue to simmer soup, uncovered, until broth is fully flavored, about 2 ½ hours longer. Return breasts to soup to re-warm, about 5 minutes.

Remove chicken from broth. When cool enough to handle, coarsely shred meat; discard skin and bones. Place a fine-mesh sieve over another large pot; strain broth, discarding solids in strainer (you should have about 8 cups broth). Season with salt.

Set aside the broth for another use.

Place chicken in skillet; add chopped jalapeno (I used approximately ¼ to ½ cup) and chopped cactus (approximately ¼ cup, fresh…jarred can also be used, rinse & chop and add to chicken). 

Add 2-3 tsp to 2-3 tbsp of a hot and smoky spice mix and a small amount of water (1/4 cup); stirring occasionally, cook over medium-low heat until water is evaporated.  Set aside.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; stir flour and chili powder into oil.  Cook and stir until smooth.  Gradually add in remaining ingredients, reduce heat to low and cook until thick, about 10 minutes.

Lightly spray a baking dish (I used 10” x 15”) with cooking spray.

Heat a tortilla in microwave for about 10 seconds – remove and add a scoop of chicken, roll up and place in sprayed dish; repeat with remaining chicken and tortillas.  When dish is full and/or you are out of chicken/tortillas, spoon enchilada sauce over, covering well.  Top with cheese (the more the better, I say!!) and bake in 350 degree oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted.

before mine went in the oven.

*Use non-Dairy Cheese for a non-dairy version.

Truly “My Little Corner of the World”

This past August, I received a double blessing and what has and is quickly becoming my little corner of the world.  My first blessing of August was a delightful little companion, a Chiwennie puppy at 7 weeks old.  I wasn't sure I was going to survive the puppy stage.  A Chiwennie is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Wiener Dog.  My little girl is Penelope.  She is now 7 months old and such a delight (most of the time).  She makes coming home less lonely.

7 weeks old

about 5 months old

My second blessing I received in August was moving out of my parent’s house one short year after moving back to the West Coast from Michigan…a move that I fought.  Even though I didn’t want to return, I’m glad I did.  I have a great job at the company I wanted to work at in 2008 when the economy slumped.  I just celebrated my first year anniversary of becoming an employee.  My apartment is just a few short blocks from where I work.  Even though it is on a busy one way street near the heart of downtown and in one of the not so nice areas of town (there are worse areas though…), I’m blessed in my apartment.  I celebrated Thanksgiving for once, being able to do more than just make mashed potatoes.  In addition to potatoes, I was also able to carry part of the load of one of the turkeys and 2 pumpkin pies.  I’ve only cooked a couple of turkeys before and it has been quite a few years.  It turned out beautifully.  My second attempt ever at making pies became quite the challenge.  The first pie dough ended up in the garbage…it wouldn’t roll out or cooperate in any other way.  My second batch rolled beautiful, but almost wasn’t enough for the two pies.  The filling and baking of them turned out okay and everyone seemed to enjoy them.  I’m so thankful I had a place of my own to help carry the family traditions.  I’ve also had friends and family over for meals in my new little corner of the world. 

Decorating my corner has been interesting; the decorating scheme seems to be whatever I have and some of what others have given.  My coffee table is a table I had that the original paint job had been ruined.  I sanded it and spray painted the legs brown; the top was painted a peach/apricot color that I used on three chairs that my parents gave me that they just had sitting around.  Thankfully, the three chairs are a matching set; the paint was just the thing to make them fit.

chair before

table before (after sanding)

chair after

table after (it's hard to see it, but it is the only picture I could find)

 One of my unique items I have is an old window in my living room.  A few years ago, at one of my old apartment buildings, when the windows were being replaced, I was given the old one.  I wanted to do a craft project with it someday.  When I moved in August, it came with me.  It was in my spare room for several weeks.  When I was working in there, unpacking, I moved it into my living area so I wouldn't break it.  I have grown to admire having it in my space.  It just seems to fit well. (I don't have a picture of it yet).

When I was moving, the lovely lady who lived across the street was planning her own move and shared many items of furniture, dishes and food with me (what a tremendous blessing!!!).  One of the items was a queen size bed.  It is on a metal frame, no head board or anything.  I really wanted to have something to cover the bare wall behind.  With minimal finances at that time, I came up with the following idea:  I had a set of decorative curtains – an “English Garden” scene looking through a set of French doors at that garden.  The only thing I purchased to make my headboard was a $10 curtain rod at Walmart.  I hung it on the wall with the curtains…it works perfectly.  My room is a mismatch of items with the colors leaning towards blue, pink and purple.  My brother, who is a painter, gave me one of his recent paintings as a house-warming gift…a blue background with a tree with pink buds growing on each branch - a perfect match for the room.    I recently purchased 20 small sparkly orbs on clearance and 6 huge ones.  I’m looking forward to hanging them from the ceiling.  I think the room will be mostly complete at that point, only needing newer bedding – another purchase and story for another time.

Dwell refreshed

Pet Peeves

Thinking about pet peeves.  Here are mine:


#1:  Not pulling over for emergency vehicles

#2:  Talking on the phone while in the restroom (disgusting to all and especially rude to who you are talking to)

#3:  Being told, after I've done something, that I'm not supposed to do something (eg:  not being trained correctly for a job and then being criticized for not doing it right).

#4:  People chewing with mouth open or talking with food in their mouth, someone eating noisily (eg:  hearing them from across the room and over a movie being on)

What are yours?






Dwell refreshed.

Engagement & Marriage

There are many resources for those who are wanting to be married, planning a wedding or married.  This is a list of links one should listen to if in the above mentioned groups (wanting/planning/married):




1) The Basics of a Christian Marriage
2) Praying Big for Your Marriage
3) Important Topics to Discuss during Engagement
4) Staying Pure during Engagement
5) Leave and Cleave
6) Making the Decision: Moving from "Do I?" to "I Do"
7) Preparing for the Marriage (not just the wedding)
8) Knowing God's Will for Marriage: Part 1
9) Knowing God's Will for Marriage: Part 2
10) Lasting Love: Part 1
11) Lasting Love: Part 2






For additional resources, click on the title above.  The www.oneplace.com website has many, many resources on all aspects of life.




Dwell refreshed.

We must remember to give thanks in all things...in the good, we usually just go about our merry without saying thanks...when in tough times, we can become overwhelmed we forget to pray, for thanks or for help.  It's in these times that we need to seek Him, to draw close to Him for our comfort and our shelter.   He is always there, even when it feels like you are completely alone.  


Are you in a situation that seems hopeless?  He can heal all, but remember He resolves it in His time, not ours.  We don't know why we have to suffer through certain things, but whether it is a time of testing for us or a situation that is out of our control (such as our pain being the result of the actions of someone else), we need to turn to Him.  We need to give thanks for what He is going to do.  At the same time, we need to ask what lesson we need to learn, or can learn through it all - good or bad.


When you don't know what to pray, or you are so tired/overwhelmed, just remember Romans 8:26...The Spirit utters groanings for us (paraphrase...the Spirit prays for us, when we don't know what/how to pray).  This also would apply when we are excited and/or overwhelmed in the blessing/joy we have in our lives.  Just remember to thank Him for the good and the bad and keep holding on.


Hold fast to the promises in the Word!






Dwell Refreshed...

True Woman | Sign the Manifesto

True Woman | Sign the Manifesto

Check this out.

Dwell refreshed

Mary's Belongings (A Poem)

Mary had a little lamb

all fricassed with peas,

then a little lobster salad

and some energetic cheese;

A quart of hock to wash it down,

a taste of mountain dew - 

All those our little Mary had; 

and a little coffin, too.

I found this on a newspaper clipping glued in the front of a 1903 "The White House Cookbook".

(A comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home by Hugo Ziemann [steward of the White House] and Mrs. F. L. Gillette; The Saalfield Publishing Company)

Thought it was cute

Dwell Refreshed

Beginning Cooking Tips

My recommendation for beginners (for everyone, actually) is to always read the recipe through before even beginning. You'll know what you will be needing.

Next, gather all the ingredients & cooking utensils you'll be needing (bowls, spoons, measuring cups/spoons, pots & pans, etc).

Yes, this is a little time consuming, but having everything in reach means you won't be spending precious time searching for something at a critical point in a recipe. 


Happy Cooking & Dwell Refreshed

Marriage

I wrote this a few years ago, when life called for it; felt the need to share it now.


Marriage:

Are you married?  How is your marriage?  If you are not married, what is your view/idea of marriage?  Have you given it any thought as to your role in the couple?  What do you plan to do, when the going gets tough?  Are you going to plant your feet and say, "This is what I committed to and I am going to stick with it no matter what..." (not counting that which is harmful to you) OR are you going to throw up your hands and just give up, thinking it is too much trouble or too much work?  Carefully consider the following, before you throw in the towel.

When you marriage is in trouble, you will need to face the situation head-on and focus on your marriage.  (Colossians 3:23; 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a; Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7)

First, you need to make sure ALL OF your priorities are in the correct order.  Is God/Jesus first?  Is your husband/wife second in your life? (Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:7; Genesis 2:24).  Third would be any biological or adopted children you might have; fourth would be your biological extended family and fifth would be yourself.  After that would be anyone else, including any job/career you might have.

Second, is money a problem?  Are you in a house that is bigger than you need or are you driving a brand new vehicle or anything extra like that?  Downsize.  This will save you money and help you live within your means and hopefully eradicate any problems this might be causing.  (1 Timothy 6:6-8, 10; Philippians 4:11 [Key words:  I HAVE LEARNED]; Philippians 4:5, 19)

Third, is the internet a problem in your home or computer/video games, television or any such item?  If it seems to be a source of trouble, these should be limited or purges as needed.  (Matthew 5:30; Philippians 4:7-8)

Next, have patience with each other, go slow and take it one step at a time.  Rebuilding a marriage is WORK.

Your marriage commitment made to each other, before God and man IS a binding contract (Matthew 5:37).  The marriage foundation needs to be grounded on Biblical standards (Matthew 5:27-37; Colossians 3:12-19; Ephesians 5:33; Mark 10:2-12; Genesis 2:23-24; Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Corinthians 7:2-12 [especially verses 10, 11 & 39]; Ephesians 5:15, 17.  Also, read the story of Hosea (Hosea 1:1 - 14:9) - the moral of the story - keep going back!!)  If your husband/wife moves to another state, for their job or any other reason, it is your obligation to go with him/her, no matter who you leave behind or how homesick you might be.  Your husband/wife is now your life (Genesis 2:24).  Just remember, we live in a time of travel & transportation.  Just because you leave your family doesn't mean that you have to break your ties with them.  They are not going to love you any less, if you don't live near them.

You need to be responsible and you need to do what you must to honor that commitment.  Marriage does not mean maturity!  How you handle the ups & downs of marriage - and sticking with the marriage - helps you grow to maturity.  Also, how you treat your husband/wife is a sign of maturity.  Do you respect him/her?  Do you nag and batter him/her when he/she doesn't do things the way you want him/her to?  Do you ridicule him/her or treat them like a child?  You need to evaluate your actions towards him/her.  You married him/her to be your husband/wife, not your child or toy.  Treat him/her as such.  You should always speak highly of your spouse to others.  No matter what you say, it will almost always get back to him/her.  Which would you rather they hear:  that he/she is the best man/woman you could have married or how that when he/she walks away from you in a store, you treat him/her like they are 3 and they can't be trusted.  Think about it!!

If you have troubles (and who doesn't...) you should follow the next step carefully:

Counseling is the next step.  I suggest it in two forms.  1)  a "counselor" - separate (the husband's is to be male; the wife's is to be female) and see a separate marriage counselor, at the same time (separate from the afore mentioned two).  2)  Encourage your spouse to find 2-3 close, trusted friends (male - male; female - female).  At least two of these friends should be older, with advanced wisdom in these matters, who would be willing to counsel and advise you as necessary.  Another should be a prayer & accountability partner.  Someone you can go to when you are struggling; someone who can lift you up in prayer and someone who can check to see how you are doing often.  Your pastor would be an excellent place to start.  (The women's group or the pastor's wife would also work, for the ladies). 

You need to "date" each other OFTEN.  Take time to remember why you wanted to marry him/her.  My recommendation - date night each week.  Suggested ideas:

Cooking together

rides

dinner

bowling

skating

breakfast (at a restaurant)

museums

picnics

zoo

long walks

treasure hunts

historical landmarks

hay ride

(NO MOVIES!  movies don't give you a chance to reconnect)

Once a month, spend a weekend together - PLAN AHEAD & write it down!!  Plan every detail, down to your toe polish color.  Some suggestions:

Rent a houseboat & go out on a lake/river for the weekend

camping

marriage seminars (Marriage Alive! International has some great resources - www.marriagealive.com)

couples spa

rent a room in a hotel or B&B, just to spend time quietly & alone

Remember, plan ahead!

You need to purchase (if you don't already have one) an exhaustive concordance (Strong's is good).  Then, spend time looking up & studying references on marriage (2 Timothy 2:15 & 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  Some words to begin with:

husband

wife

marriage

love

man

woman

children

spouse

home

submit and submission (learn what it actually means!)

obey and obedience

discipline

See what the Bible says about marriage/home and DO IT!  (Note:  not all of the verses in each category will apply to marriage per se, but it is important to study those too)

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• How are you making this marriage work?  Are you keeping it interesting?
• What part of the situation did you cause?  (Take responsibility for your own actions [2 Corinthians 5:10])
• What changes can you make to eliminate that cause (Philippians 2:14)

Finally, remember, it takes two to make a marriage and it takes two to break a marriage.  Write a contract of what you chose to do to change or enhance your marriage and share it with two of those close, trusted friends - encourage your spouse to share with 1 (same gender) and you need to share with 1 (same gender).  These two should be willing to check upon your progress and encourage you at least once a month.

If you have a friend that is getting in the way of your marriage, after deep reflection, counsel from more knowledgeable individuals & prayer, you should take an indefinite break from the friendship, or eliminate it immediately...ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE STARTED ANOTHER RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OPPOSITE GENDER.  Your first earthly priority is & ALWAYS will be your spouse.  Don't give them reason to be jealous.

Last, but not least, spend much time in prayer.  (1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 2:19, 22; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18, 21-22; Philippians 4:6,  Ephesians 6:18; Hebrews 4:16 [KEY WORDS:  COME BOLDLY]; Matthew 21:22; Luke 6:12 (example we should follow:  continued all night); Acts 6:4)


Dwell refreshed!

June 2011

Job hunting again & house sitting again...


Have had one interview, but nothing came of it; the house sitting is okay, just a little tired from insomnia (it takes a couple of days to settle in).  The dog snoring doesn't help the insomnia! 


I really like living in Michigan; it is so different than California.  I'm not just referring to the weather, but things like I actually hear birds chirping and there are bugs everywhere.  Where I'm from in California, there doesn't seem to be as many birds and the bugs are usually just flies.  The air also smells fresher here in Michigan and on cloudless days, the sky looks bluer and brighter.  I'm really hoping to get a permanent position in Michigan; I'd love to stay!

Wren Bay

Wren Bay

I was excited when I discovered Wren Bay; a book about making a house a home spoke to my heart. When my copy arrived, I eagerly anticipated finishing my day & curling up with the book. I wasn't disappointed!

The French influence in the book was a delightful surprise, from the fashions of the day to the delicious recipes included. Other books that I have read that included recipes only had one or two per book; having multiple recipes per chapter made this book a delicious read!

Each step of a homemakers heart is addressed in this book. Gardening in a home garden to feed your family and herbal care; learning and creating a daily routine; home cooked goodness & cocooning a house to become a place of refuge for her family. Wren uses her time of separation to settle in and create that haven for Devlin & herself.

The blessings book that helps Wren survive the separation from Devlin is an inspiration to anyone going through a difficult time. She choose to focus on the positive in her life rather than her separation. Wren also choose to focus her daily activities to what she had on hand...creating her own style of dress, combining parts of the latest fashions with "a combination of Sophia's sleek, comfortable style & the romantic fashion of Grace's day." Wren also uses that creativity to mold her home into a personal oasis. "It is the small, simple things that makes a house a home," she states.

In Wren Bay, I believe Clarice Fox-Hughes brings out the heart of the homemaker, evoking a response of "what more can I do in my home."


Storybook Woods Blog
Storybook Woods on Facebook

Buy Wren Bay



Dwell Refreshed!

The Reason For The Season

Amazing work! ... SMS (Shine)

Found this video of musicians who utilized the use of the Lite-Brite...Amazing. The fireworks are the best! Enjoy!

Lyrics:


(Verse 1)
Send me a sign
A hint, O whisper
Fill me with life
'Cause I am listening

Come break the quiet
Breathe your awakening
Bring me the light
'Cause I am fading

Surround me with the rush of angels' wings

(Chorus 1)
Shine Your light so I can see You
Pull me up, I need to be near You
Hold me, I need to feel loved
Can You overcome this heart that's overcome?

(Verse 2)
You sent a sign
The hint, O whisper
Human, divine
Everyone is listening

Death laid low
Quiet in the night is stirring

All around the rush of angels

(Bridge)
O the wonder of the greatest love has come

(Chorus 2)
Shine Your light so all can see it
Lifted up, 'cause the whole world needs it
Love has come, what joy to hear it
He has overcome, He has overcome

Fall

The days grow shorter,
the nights grow cooler;
the frost is blossoming;
the leaves are languishing...
the promise of snow hangs in the air;
the geese are honking,
the fires are rolling;
the promise that cold is coming here...
each is a piece of a puzzle;
the finished picture states...
that over all...it is fall!

Thought provoking post: Being Unique

Today's post I hope will be thought provoking. After reading the referenced article (right click the title of this post and open in a new tab to read article), I have done much thinking and there are several things I hope to implement in my life.

"Christianity is unique and because of that uniqueness, Christians are expected to be different from those who do not know Christ."


What does it mean to be different? In what ways are we to be different?

In my life I attempt to remember this in the choices I make. I lean toward what most would consider a more conservative approach, however, after reading this article, I believe that I need to be more conservative in some areas of my life.

I try to be dressed modestly, but I believe there is room for growth. In my entertainment choices I know that I could do better. There is a verse that says we are not to allow sin to reign in our lives (body; Romans 6:12). To me personally, the area that I need to mostly apply it currently is to the area of entertainment. Is what I choose glorifying to God? If it isn't, why am I watching/reading/listening/etc to it. Even if it is just one point in a 400 page book or one word in a 90 minute movie, why should I allow it? If I do then maybe next time I'm watching a movie or reading a book do I say, "no, I'm not going to watch that movie/read that book" or am I going to say, "well, last time there was just one word and that wasn't too bad; maybe this time I'll just let it go again." Before I know it, I am encased in sin.

We need to remember I Peter 5:8... the devil walks about like a lion, seeking whom he may devour. If I give him one toe hold in my life, he will devour it and take it all.

A couple of other things along this line that the author stated is: "there ought to be an observable difference in the way Christians live - how they think and what they do," and "it is meaningless to tell people that Christ will make a difference in their lives, when there is no difference to be seen in one's own life."

Wow. I really need to evaluate my life and begin to make changes.


In the author's section entitled "It is a Corporate Concern" he addresses the concerns of the modern day church service. He states "the clamor for relevance in such churches has masked any sense of the true difference that exists between Christ and the World."

I have to ask myself, what is my hand in this? Is there anything I need to change about my activities in the church and it's service.

One of his final thoughts is the most provoking of all:

"When a woman dresses seductively to catch a man, we question her moral integrity. Why is it that when the church dresses seductively to "catch" a convert, we applaud its clever use of deceit?"



What is it that makes me unique as a Christian? (I am bought with a price [I Corinthians 6:20]; I am chosen [John 15:16, John 15:19, Titus 2:14])

How can I be unique in my Christian life?

(choosing truth [I Corinthians 13:6], choosing Philippians 4:8 [true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of a good report, with any virtue, any praise - thinking on those things])

Personally, I need to evaluate my entertainment, my clothing choices, my words (Matthew 15:17-20), my friends (yes, this is included...friends are influencing in our lives and if they do not live godly lives they will not be encouraging us to live godly lives.), what I do with my resources & my stewardship choices (not just $$, food, care of our bodies, care of the material goods that is provided for our use, etc is included here).

One final quote:

"[Christianity] is not just another religion, it is the only way to God (John 14:6)"

Let us be unique!


Dwell refreshed!

Blessings

I have arrived in Michigan with minimal problems. The trip was a long one but enjoyable when I wasn't sleeping. I've setteled and have started orientation for my new position. I am so blessed to be working at a job where we spend the first part of our day in prayer and devotions. I have became more peaceful since I have arrived and am being refreshed daily in this fellowship. I look forward to next week, when the students arrive and to having a great year!

I am being overwhelmed with the blessing that have been bestowed upon me this past few weeks/months. I pray that I am able to be a blessing to others as a result of what has been given to me.



Dwell Refreshed!

Doors Flying Open, Left and Right

I've been praying some time for direction on the employment front since I've been off work. It has finally came together. Beware...if you are around me...the doors are flying open everywhere.

First, the opening of the door to apply for the position I accepted today. Girl's Dorm Assistant Dean, Study Hall Supervisor and Keyboarding and Computer teacher at our church's boarding school.

Next, the means...

a) the unemployment (which I had not received since mid-June) was reinstated after the Senate signed the bill a week or so ago;

b) receiving my unemployment claim forms and the unemployment check process only taking a couple of days, instead of the normal 5 and coming in early;

c) the school offering to help in paying a portion of the relocation costs.


The third thing I was concerned with was that I had already committed to house-sitting. In visiting with the house owner yesterday, she mentioned that her son was flying in from out of state and would be visiting 2 weeks, including the week she is going to be gone, and that relieved me of the house-sitting.


Now I'm heading east and so excited at the prospect!


Dwell refreshed!