Tag Archives: Jesus

Casseroles and Cats

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Chewy has decided he (and Ebony) like the spaces my office provides. They can be found resting in my comfy reading chair, bathing on my desk chair, sitting in the window, and demanding my attention when I’m trying to work. (Sandpaper kisses always work!)

I tried a super simple recipe for a gathering we were having with friends.  I thought, no one has said they will bring dessert so I better come up with something.  Usually, Ray doesn’t like me to experiment in the food area when we have guests.  He had to agree, this was worth it.  All it lacked was a scoop of ice cream.  You can use any kind of fresh or frozen fruit with this.

Blueberry Cookie Casserole Yummmmmmmmm!

4 cups blueberries, rinsed and tossed in 1/4 cup sugar.  Put this into your sprayed, slow cooker.  Open a package of Sugar Cookie Mix and sprinkle the whole thing on top of the fruit.  Slice 1 stick of butter and dot the top.  Put the lid on and cook for 2 1/2 hours on High.

Don’t change yourselves to be like the people of this world, but let God change you inside with a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to understand and accept what God wants for you. You will be able to know what is good and pleasing to him and what is perfect. Romans 12:2 ERV

As I pondered these words I realized I was doing just that, letting those around me affect my thoughts. I love my cats and there are many who don’t understand why. They give me great joy and happiness as I watch them play and live life exactly as a cat should. I also love to eat and although I currently watch my diet very carefully, eating only foods that have no sugar or wheat, I do not let that stop me from enjoying my food. (Yes, I know the above recipe doesn’t reflect that because it is from several years ago, but it’s still a good recipe.)

God does not want us to base our lives on what others think or what we think they think. He wants us to enjoy the life He’s given us.

Blessings and success to you and yours!

Marie

Sunday Psalm 12

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Psalm 12

LORD, there is so much dishonesty, so many who lie.

It seems like no one is Godly, no one is faithful.

Abba, stop those who boast and lie. Stifle those who think that just because they said it, it is good.

GOD has heard the poor and needy. He will provide a safe place.

He always does what He says.

ALWAYS!

Sunday Psalms are the Psalms in my own words.  You can click on the Psalm number at the top to read it from the English Standard Version.

Small Stuff

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Years ago, a book called Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff was recommended to me. I immediately didn’t like the title. First, I’m a personality that believes everything matters. Secondly, the One and Only God does not ignore the ‘small staff’.

God’s story is full of the ‘small stuff’. God used the cry of a baby to start the process of freeing the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 2:1-10). David was just a little boy when he put the small stone in the sling and killed Goliath (1 Samuel 17). One boy’s lunch of 5 loaves and 2 fish fed 5000 men plus their families with 12 baskets left over (John 6). A rope kept the spies sent by Joshua into Jerico from being captured; consequently, that rope kept Rahab and her family safe from the invading Israelite army (Joshua 2 and 6:22-26). Paul was let down in a basket (Acts 9:23-25).

Never consider the small things worthless. God is exalted in both the small and the big stuff. He was able to create the universe with a word. 10 Commandments govern all His people. A tiny mustard seed becomes a ‘tree’ that can grow to 20 ft.

God cares about every small and large part of our lives. We need only trust Him!

Pathways to Understanding – Thompson Chain Reference Bible Review

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Sometimes, when I’m teaching God’s Words, I tell the class we are going to chase a bunny trail. In other words, we are going to dig deeper into the underlying meaning and application of a Bible verse or concept. Rabbit trails have a destination. They don’t just go off into unknown places. The rabbits are looking for sustenance or they are heading home.

So, how does that apply to the newest revision of the Thompson Chain Reference Bible? Let’s suppose you’re reading a section of the Bible and come across a topic that is new or interesting to you. All you have to do is go to that verse in Thompson’s and ‘chase’ the references (other places in the Word that refer to that verse or concept).

You might think with thousands of references and topics the process is complicated. It’s actually quite easy to choose how deep you want to get into the issue you are pursuing. There are several study helps in this revision including individual book synopsis, studies of individual Biblical characters, an extensive concordance, maps, and much, much more.

I’m delighted to have been given the opportunity to review and experience this new resource. I’ll be using it for many years to come as I write blog posts, prepare to teach, and just want to learn all I can about a concept I’ve come across in my daily Bible reading.

If you’d like a copy for yourself, which I highly recommend, you can click on the blue highlights. They will take you to the Faith Gateway Store and Amazon. (They are not connected to my affiliate stores and I receive no compensation for your purchase.)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR requirements, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” #BibleGatewayPartner

God Does Not Show Favoritism

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God’s Word is very clear about this subject. Just as God includes everyone we are to do the same. It does not matter whether we are male/female, rich/poor, educated, beautiful, young/old …

Look at James 2:1-13.  It’s really clear on the issue.  We are to welcome and love everyone who enters our ‘meeting’.  We are to be inclusive, not exclusive.

God loves us all the same.  So, if we’re truly trying to become more like Him, then, we are going to stop the favoritism game.  There’s a great song out right now by Mandisa, We All Bleed The Same, that says it all.  “…if we’re going to shout, let love be the cry.”

And so, in response to all he has done for us, let us outdo each other in being helpful and kind to each other and in doing good. (Hebrews 10:24) 

Blessings to you and yours!

This was first posted on May 11, 2018.