FAITHFUL OR FORGETFUL? by Beth Ann Lamply

Do you ever read something in the Bible and think, “I would never do that” or “I can’t believe they treated God like that after all He had done for them—how could they forget His goodness so quickly?”  I had one of those moments this week, but just as quickly as I was saying those things, I felt conviction in my heart for my life.  How often have I forgotten the goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love of the Father because of my sin, pride, and selfishness? 

Psalm 78 is historical; it’s a narrative that recounts the great mercies God bestowed on Israel.  This chapter urges the coming generations to remember the works of the Lord.  I encourage you to go and read this Psalm, but for now, I’ll just pull out a few nuggets.

This Psalm begins by commanding parents to teach their children the works of the Lord.  Moms, are you diligently and continually teaching your children the goodness of the Lord so they might forever hope in Him? The desire of each of our hearts should be to train up steadfast hearts for the Lord. 

Girls, are you setting an example for your younger siblings and peers? Are you quick to remember the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord?  I challenge you to proclaim His greatness in a world full of complaining, ungratefulness, selfishness, and lust.

 

The Psalm tells the story of all the miraculous and wonderful deeds God performed to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. After all God had done to rescue them, the people of Israel continued to sin, rebel, and test the Lord in their hearts.  This angered the Lord because they did not believe in Him or trust Him. Yet God continued to provide for His people, raining down manna for them to eat and water to drink. But the people were not satisfied—They demanded the food they craved.  Before they could finish all the food they craved, God killed the strongest of them. 

They continued to sin, so He made their days vanish like a breath. This pushed them to repentance, but their hearts were still not steadfast. Though they were not faithful to His covenant, God was compassionate and atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them. He restrained His anger often; He remembered they were but flesh. It saddens me to think how many times I have sinned against, rebelled against, and grieved the Father. Verses 44-55 detail all God did to deliver them from Egypt—How could they rebel after all God had done? Yet again, I’m convicted.  How can I forget so easily the goodness of the Lord in my life? How can I forget his grace and daily mercies? God finally had had enough, and when His wrath was full, He rejected Israel...but for only a season of time.

The story continues, but we’ll stop there. Let’s not allow ourselves to forget the great things God has done.  In hard times when you feel like God is doing nothing, remember the story of His faithfulness that’s written all over His word.

*Am I passing the truth on to the next generation?

*Am I remembering the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord in my life?

*Do I have a grateful and steadfast heart?

*Am I rebellious?

*What needs to change?

10 GREAT WAYS TO WEAR A PIN by Kristi Childs

1.   Put it on the lapel of a jacket.


2.  Pin it to the side of your cuffed jeans or capris.


3.  Pin it on the tops of your shoes (ballet flats, for example).

4.  Hang it from a short necklace strand.


5.   Put it on a sash like a belt buckle.


6.   Pin it on a thick bracelet!


7.   Gather the hem of a t-shirt for a flattering diagonal.

8.   Pin it across a strand of beads, bolo style.


9.   Slip a bobby pin through it and wear it in your hair.

10.   Twist two strands of beads and secure them with a pin.


Kristi Childs

Premier Designs Independent Distributor

901-569-8280

klchilds@mindspring.com

PINK...IT'S SO SPRING by Stacy McSpadden

So I have been reading through the recent issues of some of my favorite design magazines to see what the Spring trends are, and I have found that it is pink.  Pink is everywhere and since I love bright shades of pink, this is right up my alley.  I know some of you are thinking that your significant others are going to be opposed to this girly hue, but let me say to you what I say to those husbands that I know well...He doesn't get a vote when it comes to the house!!!  Ha ha!!!

We jumped on the pink bandwagon at the store this season.  We recently got these chairs in stock and I love them.  They can be used with neutrals and yellows and with the right pillows on the sofa, can really make an impact in your room.  It is best to invest in one piece and some accessories that are trendy so that you can move forward to the next trend.  

The following are three rooms that I found in House Beautiful magazine.  I love the way they incorporated pinks throughout the house.  I especially love the porch area.  It is so fun and looks great with the fresh flowers and greens that we see in our yards for this time of year.  

You can see that they left the big pops of pink in the dining chairs.  Now most of us don't have fully upholstered dining chairs, but if you have the easy kind that you can recover with your staple gun, then you can make this easy change.  I love the pink flowers on the table.  So fun.

                                   

Now this is taking pink to the extreme and I don't know that I would paint my walls pink, but I love the combination of the neutral bedding with the green and pink.  

I absolutely love this.  And many of you have white wicker stashed away in your attic.  This is the perfect example of pulling pink in an area in a simple and inexpensive way.  Several fabric lines now carry really fun outdoor fabrics and any upholsterer can make a cushion.  Find a fun tablecloth and you have a great, inexpensive, yet trendy porch.  Looks great with all the greens that are outside!

The key is that you don't have to invest a lot to have a really fun and trendy room.  Just a little imagination and thrifty shopping will do.  Until next week....Happy decorating!

                                          

In Him,

Stacy 

Stacy McSpadden
Manager of Interior Design Services
Chestnut Hall Interiors
3075 Forest Hill Irene Road
Germantown, Tennessee 38138
901.753.8515

stacy@chestnuthall.com

SUPER BOWL BITES by Paula Roten

This past week at Care Group, I served Super Bowl Bites, a recipe I got from my favorite food site allrecipes.com. I was really surprised that 24 of these slider-style burgers fed 10 adults! I also served chips and dip and a fruit tray.


Super Bowl Bites


1 lb. ground beef chuck*
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese**
1 package dry Lipton Onion Soup Mix
1 T. mayonnaise
2 packages Hawaiian Rolls (24 rolls in all)


1. Mix together ground chuck, cheddar cheese, dry soup mix, and mayo.
2. Split rolls and place bottoms on a baking sheet.
3. Spread meat mixture evenly over bottoms of buns. Place tops on and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.


*Ground chuck produces less grease, so the bottoms of buns will not be soggy.
**I have found that these are better if you grate your own block of cheese (even though the original recipe calls for an 8 oz. package of shredded cheese)

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Somebody needs to hear this today.

Somebody needs to know God is crazy about you!

TODAY'S THOUGHT

5 S's OF JEWELRY DON'TS by Kristi Childs

DON'T

1. Spray - Wear jewelry only after putting on make-up, skin cream, perfume and hairspray. Jewelry should  be the last thing that you put on before you leave for the day.

2. Shower - Never bathe with your jewelry on.

3. Swim - Never swim in your jewelry.


4. Sweat - As cute as you look with all your jewelry on, take it off 

      when you work out!
  

5. Sleep - Don’t sleep in your jewelry. Jewelry should be the first thing that you remove when you arrive home for the day.

Kristi Childs

Premier Designs Independent Distributor

901-569-8280

klchilds@mindspring.com

CIRCUMSTANCES by Tony Manley

“Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly.”  Phil. 1:12-14

“…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.”  Phil. 4:11b

How can Paul write about contentment in chapter four when we read in chapter one he is in prison and in chains?  Not to mention all the other encouragement in the verses between 1:14 and 4:11!

Perspective helps! Chapter 3 verses 12-14:  “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

His “directionality” is seen in “press on,” “forgetting what is behind,” “straining toward what is ahead,” “toward the goal,” and “heavenward.”  My perspective in circumstances can strengthen/encourage my heart or enable me to grow weary.

Paul seemed to understand also that his response to his circumstance impacted others.  The gospel was seen more clearly as he endured without complaining or arguing (Phil. 2:14-15). Philippians 1:14 even says others were encouraged to speak out the word with courage and without fear.  My response in my circumstances can draw others to Christ and even strengthen another’s heart.  I never know who may be watching and listening to me while I am working through a difficult moment, but I can be encouraged that God has purpose to be glorified in me and through me to the degree I will respond in surrender to Him!

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds.”  James 1:2

I can honestly tell you I am not truly at the place of pure joy when I face trials, but I can tell you I want to know the freedom and fruit God promises as I grow in His perspective and respond with His heart to my circumstances!   (Did you notice I “snuck” a little James in there…it’s never too far away from the heart these days :)

HOT CHICKEN SALAD by Saundra Stroud

I am always looking for recipes that are easy and tasty.  Our Sunday School Class (teacher - Nellita Young) is so faithful and willing to provide a meal when there is a need.  It is oh so good when you can whip up a dish that you know will be enjoyed.  I think this fits the bill.

HOT CHICKEN SALAD

2 cups chopped, cooked chicken breast  (Probably 2 to 3 boneless)

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1 cup sliced water chestnuts

1 cup sliced pimiento

2 cups diced celery  ( I do NOT use that much celery)

1 tsp. onion juice  (I substitute onion powder)

1/8 tsp. black pepper  (or to your taste)

2 T. lemon juice

3/4 cup mayonnaise (could use low fat)

2/3 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup crumbled French fried onion rings (canned)

1/2 cup crushed potato chips

Mix chicken, almonds, water chestnuts, pimiento, seasonings, lemon juice, and mayonnaise.  Place into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.   Sprinkle cheese on top, then crushed onion rings and potato chips.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

WORD FOR THE WEEK - Sleep

What are you trusting in for your safety these days...your husband, that home security system, those safety doors and windows, the fire alarms?  While all these things are good, they are not our protection.  God alone is the One who protects us. Remember, "The one who watches over you will not slumber." (Psalm 121:3)

DECISIONS by Beth Ann Lampley

The dictionary defines decision as:  a conclusion or resolution reached after consideration, the action or process of deciding something or resolving a question.  We have to make decisions everyday; it is unavoidable.  I’ve never counted the number of decisions I make daily, but I know they are many in number.  My day starts with seemingly simple decisions: what to eat for breakfast, which outfit to wear, how to fix my hair, will I have my quiet time now or later, will I walk or drive to school? You get the idea—I’m sure you all make a few of the same decisions every morning as well.  These decisions aren’t the most monumental considerations in life, but nonetheless, you still make decisions. 

What about the bigger decisions in life?  I’m sure many of you are in the process of choosing a potential college, the place where you will invest four years of life.  Choosing a college is just the beginning because, once in college, you will be faced with many new decisions everyday.  You will have to decide what to major in, what to minor in, whom you will be friends with (which is HUGE), where and what you will be involved in on campus, which church home to choose (also HUGE), where you should work, how you will balance your time, who you will date, what your standards are, whether you will fit in or stand out, how you will serve the Lord, what your legacy will be.  I could write out hundreds of questions and decisions you will face, but you’ll get there soon enough and discover each one on your own.

So if we understand that decisions are an inevitable part of life, how can we best make them? First, I want you to rest in these truths:

            -God loves you and will take care of you

            -God is sovereign

            -God is faithful

            -God is worthy of our trust and our praise

            -God is present and in all things even when we can’t seem to find Him

            -God has a specific purpose for your life—He has GREAT plans for you

The best way to make decisions is to fervently and whole-heartedly seek the Lord.  Sounds broad and general, doesn’t it, or easier said than done.  Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Proverbs 3:5-6 lays it out for us, “TRUST in the Lord with ALL your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In ALL your ways ACKNOWLEDGE Him and He will make your paths straight.  That verse tells me, if I trust God and seek Him in my decision-making, HE WILL show me what to do.  Verse 7 goes on to say, “Be not wise in your own eyes.”  As women, how often do we think we have the best and most logical way to make decisions on our own?  Does anybody know what I’m talking about? I believe it all goes back to our pride and realizing that we do indeed need God. 

If we call to God, asking Him what in the world we are supposed to do, He will answer us.  Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”  He doesn’t say he’ll think about answering us; he says HE WILL! Praise God for that!

How do we seek Him? In all things, seek God through prayer and the intentional reading of His Word. I promise you, there is an answer for everything in His Word. Also, ask that God would give you peace as you make decisions. I’ll leave you with this, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Phil. 4:6-7) Don’t be anxious, dear sisters; God’s got you. You may not always understand the ways of God, but that is okay—His ways and His answers are much higher (and better) than our own. 

HOT TREND THURSDAY by Kristi Childs

The color that jumps out at the head of the line for spring is TANGERINE! It's a color that makes a fashion statement!

Do you crochet? Well, it's back! Crochet vests are big this spring. Maybe you can look to the back of your closet...you might have a little crochet number lurking back there.


The long & the short of the spring look that's really a hit is the short necklace and long necklace combo.

Kristi Childs

Premier Designs Independent Distributor

901-569-8280

klchilds@mindspring.com

CHEVRON STRIPE...WAIT, AREN'T YOU JUST A ZIG ZAG? by Stacy McSpadden

The Chevron Stripe.  One of the hottest trends in home design and fashion this year.  We started seeing these zigs zags a lot over the past year, and they are becoming more visible by the season.  I started thinking of places that I may have seen this little fashion statement in the past, and one of the people who made this so popular is our good friend Charlie Brown.

Who can forget this awkward little guy and his famous yellow shirt with what I would have always called the "zig zag" stripe, but little did I know this was my first introduction to the Chevron Stripe.

I was in a fabric store this afternoon and there were Chevron Stripes all over the place.  The question is, with all its popularity, how can I use this little treasure in my home furnishings?  I believe in the less is more theory with this pattern.  I think if you do a whole room in the Chevron pattern, then you may get a headache from all the busyness.  I think that Chevron Stripes are best used in small doses, like a pillow or rug.  It is alway nice to mix your patterns up, so the addition of something other than a plaid or straight stripe can be fun!  Here are some examples of what to do to introduce this fun trend. 

           

          

Use the Chevron Stripe to really introduce color and have a lot of fun with it!!!  Happy Decorating!!!!!

                                                               

Stacy

Stacy McSpadden

Manager of Interior Design Services

Chestnut Hall Interiors

3075 Forest Hill Irene Road

Germantown, Tennessee 38138

901.753.8515

stacy@chestnuthall.com

PENNE PASTA AND CHICKEN SALAD by Saundra Stroud

This recipe is great because you can make it and store it in the refrigerator until the next day.  Also, as the weather gets warmer, it's refreshing to have something light and cool.  This is just such a good recipe for spring days.

8 oz. penne pasta, cooked according to pkg. directions and drained

1 cup Italian salad dressing

Salt and pepper to taste

3 to 4 cups cooked, chopped chicken

1 cup mayonnaise (could use low fat)

4 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup chopped green onions

2 T. chopped fresh basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 (6 oz.) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

Combine cooked pasta and salad dressing; salt and pepper pasta, if desired, and marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

Combine chicken and other ingredients.  Pour over marinated pasta mixture.  Mix well.  Chill for several hours before serving.  Makes 8 to 10 servings.

WORD FOR THE WEEK - PRAYER

Prayer DOES change everything, doesn't it? Just think, it has the potential to change our circumstances if God wills. But if not, it changes US.  Through constant prayer, our anxiety calms into peace and trust. We learn to walk through the storm with the Peacemaker at our side. 

GOD WANTS YOU TO COMPLAIN

Psalm 142:1–2,

With my voice I cry out to the Lord; with my voice I plead for mercy to the Lord.
I pour out my complaint before him; I tell my trouble before him.”

God wants you to complain...to Him! 


"But learn from the psalmists how to be a faith-full complainer. Remember our great hope, as Jesus also said, 'take heart; I have overcome the world' (John 16:33)."


To see Jon Bloom's full article, go here.

LIFT THE FACE by Tony Manley

When I am in a situation, everyone around me is in that situation!  For example, if I decide to change my eating habits (isn’t this code for diet), then my family will be made to change their eating habits.  I tell this because Monday night at Bible study, yes, the James study (this is why I told you the first sentence, if I am going to be taught the book of James, I will bring you into it with me :), the word favoritism was defined as “lift the face.”  Now, I want you to know I immediately took a field trip on those three words “lift the face.”  You see, I can be guilty of standing in the face cream aisle and hoping to find the one true promise of “lift the face.”  So, needless to say I was brought back to reality when she began to teach what favoritism really means - “lift the face” - and believe me, it had nothing to do with firming or unwrinkling the face.  What an encouragement to know we can actually be better than any face cream!  We have the ability to “lift the face” or in my translation “lift the heart” of another!  To be “lifted” is always a blessing.  I pass so many hearts everyday and rarely do I know what is in that person’s heart at that moment.  Because I am either too busy, preoccupied, or even uncaring, I miss the magic of “lifting a heart/face.” Because of this truth, I am now more attuned to an area of my day I may have never even thought about.  I think the Holy Spirit said to me, “Pay attention! There are many ministering moments you can experience if you will be sensitive to the hearts/faces I bring your way!”  I am so grateful for “tweets” from God (short messages with meaning :)  Don’t you know it is a joy to Him when He gives us a nugget of truth and we act on it…hmmm, sounds like the one who doesn’t forget what he sees when he looks into the perfect law of liberty – he acts on it and is changed (not just penetrated with truth, but actually activated/changed)…I told you in the beginning, if I am going there, I will take you with me!!! 

PRISCILLA SHIRER

Ladies, we all love Priscilla Shirer! She is going to be in our own city...well, Memphis, anyway. We get to see and hear her in person and not on video! We don't have to travel miles and miles on an uncomfortable bus! What an opportunity!


Priscilla will be at Central Church on Friday night, April 13 and will bring one message.  Then she will bring two messages on Saturday morning, April 14.


This event is too good to miss! Invite a girlfriend, neighbor, sister, mother, co-worker or someone you meet during your daily routine to this POWERFUL two-day event! Tickets are $10 per day or $15 for both days and may be purchased online at www.centralchurch.com/women or call 255-8113.

HEAVENLY LEMON ANGEL CAKE by Brenda Riden

Ingredients:
5 drops red food coloring
1 pkg (16 oz) angel food cake mix
3 lemons
2 cups powdered sugar
2 cups thawed frozen fat-free whipped topping
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen raspberries in syrup, thawed


Directions:
1.  Preheat oven to 350°F. For cake, add food coloring to amount of water specified on package. Prepare cake according to package directions. Pour batter into Rectangular Baker. Bake on center rack 35-40 minutes or until top is golden brown, cracked and center is slightly sunken. (Do not underbake.) Remove baker from oven; invert onto Stackable Cooling Rack. Without removing baker, let stand until completely cool (about 1 1/2 hours).


2.  Poke holes in cake about 1 1/2 in. deep and 1/2 in. apart with large fork. Zest lemons using Zester/Scorer to measure 1 tbsp zest. Juice lemons using Juicer to measure 1/3 cup juice. In Small Batter Bowl, combine sugar, juice and zest; whisk until smooth. Pour glaze over cake, spreading evenly. Let stand 30 minutes or until glaze is set.


3.  Attach open star tip to Easy Accent(R) Decorator; fill with whipped topping. Garnish each serving with whipped topping; top with raspberries.


Yield:  15 servings


Nutrients per serving:  Calories 220, Total Fat 0 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrate 52 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 300 mg, Fiber 1 g

Brenda Riden
Pampered Chef Consultant

www.pamperedchef.biz/brendariden

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Familiar verses but in a more down-to-earth language from The Message translation.  Did you catch the phrase "Don't try to figure out everything on your own"? Don't we do that!? We only go to God with the big stuff...the stuff we can't figure out.  After all, why worry God with every little detail of our lives?  Right? WRONG! Notice what the rest of this passage says.  It tells us to listen for God's voice in everything and that he's the one who will keep us on track.  Could it be the reason we get off course in life sometimes is because we aren't going to him about EVERYTHING? This week, let's run to God with every detail, trusting him to answer and show us his perfect will for our lives. Then, we can do it week after week until it becomes habit.

TRUE RELIGION by Beth Ann Lampley

We are so blessed.  We may not have everything we want, but most of us have everything we need to survive. There are so many around our city, state, country, and world that have much less who are in great need. Jesus calls us to take care of the needy, the sick, the poor, and widows and orphans. May we desire for the world to see Jesus through our love. 

“This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. My dear children let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality.” I John 3:16-19 (The Message)

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27

There are so many great organizations and ministries today making strides to feed the hungry, rescue the captives, clothe the naked, educate the poor, heal the sick, and ultimately just love and help the millions of broken people around the world. Below are just a few of my favorite ones—you may not have much to give, but we can all make sacrifices to give something. Some of these organizations even offer great fashion that will in turn help someone else! Check ‘em out!


1. Your purchase of a fashionABLE scarf creates sustainable business for women in Africa. To read more about this non-profit company, go here.

2.  With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need.  

Or purchase a pair of sunglasses and help give sight to someone else.  Check out their One for One Movement.

3.  When you buy from Amazima Ministries, you employ a Ugandan woman, feed a hungry child, and receive a beautiful piece of jewelry. To read about this ministry and place an order, go here.

4.  27 million people are in the bondage of slavery today. That’s the highest it’s ever been. The A21 Campaign is a non-profit organization, principally engaged in the abolishment of human injustice in the 21st Century, with particular emphasis on human trafficking.  www.thea21campaign.org

Ignorance is not an excuse and indifference is not an option. Worship is bringing relief and life to those in need. You can be the mobilization that brings change.