STILL UNGLUED! by Tony Manley

I finally finished the book Unglued, and I will now go back and make it a study for the head and heart!!! Can I say powerful and potent to my soul?! Of all the wonderful things I could spew out about the truths of this wonderful and messy (I love messy people, after all, “it takes one to know one”) author, I am choosing to focus on one word – RAW. The subtitle to the book is “making wise choices in the midst of RAW emotions.”

Raw – the definition is - uncooked; in its natural state; not yet processed or purified;  “raw silk”  “raw sewage”   
Synonyms – crude, green, rough

Based on the definition of the word raw, the subtitle could read “making wise choices in the midst of uncooked, natural state, not yet processed or purified emotions.”  Wow, does that sum up the heart without the treatment plant or needed fire of the Word? To get something purified, there must be a filter and to get something cooked there must be fire. I love this thought process and truth! If I know anything about myself, it is I love any teaching, truth, principle about the heart. Maybe it is because I have such an intense battle to have a “cooked” and “purified” heart like Jesus. I know when God says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” (Prov. 4:23) He knows the raw heart is uncooked and unpurified. To choose wisely in the midst of fear, anger, hurt, loneliness, temptation, entitlement, etc., I must be “cooked” and “purified!”

This is my mission – to have a heart that is so washed and ready in the Word, that when my raw, emotional heart is startled and awakened unexpectedly, that raw sewage and raw meat (that sure will make the stomach sick) are not what I stuff into my heart or what I spew all over the bystander.

Father, cook me and purify me to the degree I become tasteful and pure like Jesus.  Amen

WAKE ME UP, GOD by Christie Smith

Looking back.

Ten years have slipped by.

How many days have I been alive, really alive...awake in each day?

The days seem to be moving faster, and my mind just wants to slow down and remember.

What do I remember?

My wedding day? The birth of my children? The obviously big, important days?

Yes... I remember those days... those precious days. But the moments that stand out even more are the ordinary days. The details of those seemingly "ordinary" moments so much more vivid in my mind. Moments sitting with my 10 year old son watching Star Wars and remembering 9 years ago when we were watching The Price Is Right, that same look of wonder and intense concentration in his eyes. I remember teaching my daughter how to make clover necklaces, her 4-year old mind full of excited conversation. And now I sit with that little girl, now 9, and silently look for four-leaf clovers...conversation optional. 

Will I look back in five years and wish I had been there more? Been fully there?

We fill our lives with so much, and in the end, so much of it turns out not to matter. What will matter? What will I miss? I think I'll miss the toothpaste splatters on the mirror, the sticky countertops, rolling over in the morning and finding a kid stowed away in my bed...again. I don't think I'll miss that latest episode of my favorite show or the status update of some random "friend" on someday in 2013. 

Oh God, wake me up to what really matters.

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES...OR GRANDCHILDREN! by Tony Manley

“Miracles can happen 

to those who love the Lord! 

Blessed are they that believe in Him, 

His kingdom shall be yours.  

It’s the miracle of Jesus, 

the greatest miracle of all…

He’s so far beyond our simple minds, 

yet so near when sinners call. 

All it takes is honest praying 

from an open, seeking heart –

and the miracle of Jesus can start.”

I have resurrected Sandi Patty’s “Friendship Company” cassette tape. While having the girls in the car, they have gotten to know some of the same songs their dad was raised with as a little boy! It is great fun singing and acting out the words as we run errands or picnic. The first miracle song is fun and lively, while the second song is pretty and calm. All is going well as we sing and ride, until out of Sara Louise’s mouth come the words, “Honey, I pray and I don’t get miracles.” Being the wannabe fix-it queen, who never wants the grandchildren to doubt or question God, I say, “Oh, Sara Louise, you have miracles every day!” Thankfully, this five-year-old still thinks everything I say must be right because I am the Honey. And this one sentence response is enough. (I am grateful, yet aware of the importance of clean words to believe). But I have spent a lot of time thinking about that statement “I pray and I don’t get miracles.” I wonder if that is the heart-thought of myself at times and even other children of our Father. When I was going through the study “One Thousand Gifts,” I believe the Holy Spirit seared a truth into my heart. The truth – God is more concerned with me being changed than with my circumstances being changed. Basically, I know the miracle of a changed heart, a reborn heart, a heart that will live eternally! What I am learning in a very fresh way is - God is miraculously changing me in my responses, emotions, and desires daily! When I “normally” get fearful, worried, angry, or any other “normal” response or way, and the Holy Spirit is free to rule, this is a miracle! I am convinced my greatest miracles are miracles of the heart.

I am going to be very intentional in teaching the grandchildren (and anyone else that wants to jump in with me) about miracles of the heart – the miracle of a fruit of the Spirit heart, the miracle of finishing their race well, the miracle of putting off the old self and putting on the new self. These are the miracles that they can see daily as they love, pray, and trust the Lord. Truly, God is the God of miracles! 

GRILLED TILAPIA WITH PINEAPPLE SALSA by Brenda Riden

'Tis the season for grilling...indoors or out! 


PINEAPPLE SALSA
1⁄2 medium pineapple* 
1⁄4 small red onion 
1 serrano pepper
2 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 
1⁄8 tsp. salt
1 lime

TILAPIA
1 packet (1.25 oz) taco seasoning mix
3 tbsp. Garlic Oil or olive oil
4 boneless, skinless tilapia fillets (about 4 oz. each)

1. Heat Grill Pan over medium-high heat 5 minutes. As pan heats, using Santoku Knife, peel pineapple half; cut lengthwise into two pieces and remove core. Slice each pineapple piece lengthwise into three strips. Arrange strips in a single layer over Grill Pan; cook 2-3 minutes on each side or until grill marks appear. Set aside on Cutting Board.
2. While pineapple cooks, chop onion. Cut serrano pepper lengthwise in half; remove and discard seeds. Chop serrano pepper and cilantro. Combine onion, serrano pepper, cilantro and salt in Small Batter Bowl. Zest lime using Microplane® Adjustable Grater to measure 1 tsp. zest. Juice lime to measure 1 tbsp. juice. Add zest and juice to batter bowl; mix well.
3. Whisk taco seasoning mix and oil in Stainless (4-qt.) Mixing Bowl. Add tilapia; turn to coat. Place two tilapia fillets onto Grill Pan. Cook 2 minutes or until grill marks appear. Turn tilapia over using Jumbo Slotted Turner; cook 2 minutes or until tilapia flakes easily with a fork. Remove tilapia from pan. Wipe out pan and repeat with remaining fillets.
4. As tilapia cooks, chop pineapple and add to onion mixture in batter bowl; mix well. To serve, top tilapia with pineapple salsa.

Yield: 4 servings 

U.S. Nutrients per serving: Calories 240, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 1.5 g, Cholesterol 55 mg,
Carbohydrate 13 g, Protein 23 g, Sodium 780 mg, Fiber 2 g 

U.S. Diabetic exchanges per serving: 1 fruit, 3 low-fat meat, 1⁄2 fat (1 carb)

*Cook’s Tip: To save time, buy peeled and cored pineapple from the refrigerated section of your produce department.

*If desired, 1 can (20 oz.) pineapple slices in juice can be substituted for the fresh pineapple. Pat pineapple slices dry with paper towels before cooking to promote grill marks.

© 2013 The Pampered Chef used under license. 
www.pamperedchef.com

Brenda Riden
Pampered Chef Consultant
www.pamperedchef.biz/brendariden 

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Let everything that breathes 

sing praises to the Lord. 

Praise the Lord! 

Psalm 150:6 (NLT)

I will praise the Lord at all times. 

I will constantly speak his praises. 

Psalm 34:1

With all my heart 

I will praise you, 

O Lord my God. 

I will give glory 

to your name forever. 

Psalm 86:12

Let all that I am praise the Lord; 

may I never forget 

the good things 

he does for me. 

Psalm 103:2

JESUS LOVES ME??? by Christie Smith

My heart is so heavy. So overwhelmed. How do I sort through all the emotions that run through a week like this? As I watch parents grieve for their babies, how do I sit here and rock my own? I feel guilty, but only because it took seeing the tears of a father who lost his baby to fully wake me to the gratitude for my own! Why do we let so many moments pass us by...too busy to notice them until they're gone!

As I rock my baby girl, her body melted into mine and me trying to hold her as tight as I can, I sing "Jesus Loves Me." But today the song brings uncontrollable tears to my eyes as I think of the parents in Oklahoma. Could I sing those words today if I were holding my baby's lifeless, crumpled body? With thoughts of them drowning while waiting for me to come get them, could I even say the name Jesus? Horrible thoughts, yes...but reality for so many today!!! "Jesus loves me this I know...." How do I know this? Because He's blessed me so much? Protected me and my family? Spared my little world from the devastation He's allowed in Moore, OK? Does He not love them? What if it had happened here and He took my babies? Could I still sing of His love? Would I? 
"Little ones to Him belong...." Do we really believe this? Would there be any part of me that could say these words in such a situation? They are His... I believe this! Oh God, help me truly believe this if you ever take them from me!!! I think of all those parents in Oklahoma, all the parents here around me that have had to let go of their babies for now. Which way would I turn? Anger or faith? Faith that He truly does love me and has the best in store through it all. Those are just words until you have to live it out! Praise God for those parents who have had to live it out and come through still praising His name! That is TRUE faith! Today I'm praying for blessings heaped upon the parents who are trying to figure out how to live in their world that has been changed forever. I pray that they cling to God's Word even when it doesn't make sense to their heart!  "...they are weak, but He is strong!"

I AM INTRIGUED by Tony Manley

I am into a book right now that is really resonating with my heart! I have a tendency to look at people and believe they have “it” (whatever it is) all together. Parenting, grandparenting, exercise, housecleaning, house decorating, shopping, marriage, church, devotions, and the list goes on! So, when someone kindly gave me this WONDERFUL book, I smiled and said thank you. I am convinced a book is not deemed wonderful until it is gotten into! Thus, the WONDERFUL book lay by my chair quietly waiting its turn, until last week. The very first pages were comforting to me because this woman sounded as much like a wreck as I feel and then to think she was actually published for her transparency! I am enjoying her heart and presentation of truth.

Hopefully, you are frustrated with my long-winded introduction enough to find out you just might benefit, along with me, the guidance of this dear messy lady who absolutely wants to honor Christ in her life…and the title is “UNGLUED.” Great book about the raw emotions we all feel and need to process in the moment when “it” all falls apart! What comes out and what gets stuffed.  
Lysa, the Proverbs 31 woman, explains we either explode or stuff. If we are exploders, we tend to explode all over others blaming them for the ugly or we explode and then go into shame about how we just exploded all over everybody in explosion range! The other way we process our hearts when “it” falls apart, is to stuff it. Smile and keep saying it is all ok, but in reality, we build barriers or we are stacking rocks of retaliation. Both exploders and stuffers are dangerous and ugly!

Sadly, but gratefully (grateful so that I can get help!), I saw myself in each area. I am an outstanding exploder with certain unnamed people and circumstances. I can also be a gracious stuffer in order to save my proud heart (I just wouldn’t want someone to see the real me in that moment ☺). After identifying the response tendency or tendencies, the author begins to share teaching from God’s way on how to have what she calls “soul integrity.” 

This is as far as I have gotten! I think the reason this book about emotions in the raw is gripping my heart so strongly is that life can come hard, fast, and deep. Sometimes I can’t catch my breath before I respond and I want to be so ready and clean that I am thinking and responding like Christ would. I know this sounds so impossible to achieve, but the more I am intentional with being prepared and filled with truth, the better shot I have of not responding in the most shallow level of response –the emotional level. Roller coaster living is just not fruitful!

UNGLUED – check it out!  

HOT TEA OR RASPBERRY LEMONADE?

We served Earl Grey hot tea and cold Raspberry Lemonade at the Refresh Spring Tea a few weeks ago. Many had never had hot tea before and wondered what kind it was. It was my favorite, Earl Grey.

I am not a "proper" tea drinker because I take the easy way out and use tea bags. 

Earl Grey Hot Tea
1. Fill a coffee pot (from a Mr. Coffee-like maker) up to the 12 cup mark with water and then pour into the water reservoir.**
2. Be sure to check to make sure the coffee grounds from brewing coffee have been removed. Please don't ask me how I know this. 
3. Put 2 Earl Grey tea bags in the bottom of the coffee pot (not the area where you would normally put coffee grounds, but the actual pot).
4. Turn on the coffee maker and let water drip into the pot. Let steep several minutes. (I have left the teabags in several hours with no ill effects. See? I told you I wasn't proper :)

**A 12 cup coffee pot holds only about 7 measuring cups of water.


Raspberry Lemonade
1 sleeve of Crystal Lite Raspberry Lemonade
2 qts. (8 cups) Sprite or Ginger Ale

You make this according to the directions on the back of the package, except you substitute Sprite or Ginger Ale for the water. 

WORD FOR THE WEEK

What are you walking through today that makes you feel totally overwhelmed and defeated?

The above photo left out one of my favorite parts of this passage, the verse before:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; 

I have summoned you by name; 

you are mine." 

Isaiah 43:1

Remember, God knows your name! He knows every detail about you and your life. He walks through every difficulty with you.

Thank you, Lord God, for not leaving me or forsaking me in this trial. Thank you for walking with me every step of the way through it. 

CRITICISM...OUCH! by Cathy Westmoreland

Criticism tears down rather than builds up. 

Well-meaning parents, including me, have at one time or another criticized their child. It especially breaks my heart when I hear someone criticize a young child after they pray. Have you ever heard someone say to a child, "You are supposed to close your eyes when you pray" or "You didn't put your hands together" or "God doesn't need to hear about your doll!" Well, I have! We should rejoice when our children talk to God like they are best friends. Let's not discourage them! We should teach them that what is important to them is important to God! We should let them talk to God about anything they want. When it comes from the heart, it is always appropriate.

WHEN IT'S GOD'S TIMING AND NOT OURS...by Vicki Taylor

How many times have you jumped in and done God’s work for Him without even consulting with Him? I can’t even begin to count the number of times I have “helped God out” by going ahead of Him and doing what was needed to be done, only to really mess things up. Do I have any takers out there? Because I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Isaiah 55:8 says, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”  Now, I know that verse by heart, but do I live it? Hmmmm……

Sunday during Sunday School, my teacher, who happens to be my husband, was teaching about the servant who came to tell Jesus that Lazarus was sick. Now my teacher keeps impressing on us that Jesus does not do anything 1) that the Father does not want Him to do and 2) that does not have a meaning/lesson for us. So, when the servant came to tell Jesus that Lazarus was sick, Jesus remained on the other side of the Jordan for two more days. Keep in mind that it was a day’s journey to Bethany. Let’s do the math… it took the servant one day to get there, Jesus stayed two more days, then He had to journey one day to go to Bethany, making that four days, knowing all the while that Lazarus was sick and probably dead. Well, since He was Jesus, He did know that Lazarus was dead, but no one else knew that.   

Ok, did you see what I saw? Jesus did not seem to be in any hurry to get there, right? Because His timing is not our timing… and what did Martha say when she saw Him? “If You had been here our brother would not have died.” His ways are not our ways…  

Even His disciples, who had traveled and lived with Him for three years still did not understand Him. On the journey to Bethany, they argued with Him that Lazarus was just asleep and when they got there he would wake up. Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe.” In other words, they still did not believe Him, and Who He was. 

How many times in our own lives have we “not believed” and then done things our own way? There are people in my life right now that are lost and out of God’s will. No matter what I do or how hard I try, nothing is going to change as long as I am doing it my way. God plainly spoke to me Sunday morning about a situation going on in my life that, in His timing, I must wait on and I must trust Him for this person who so desperately needs salvation. My responsibility is to pray for that person and that’s it. Period! Salvation comes from the Lord, not from Vicki! Boy, did He step on my toes! Honestly I had such a peace come over me and I was so relieved. It really isn’t my problem; it’s His. Now, I’m not saying I won’t try to take it back, but I now have something to throw back at Satan when he tries to steal my joy.

The rest of the story … After it was all over and Lazarus came out of the grave, you will never guess what Jesus did. He looked around at everyone and said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Can’t you just see Jesus standing there going, “What? Didn’t I tell you something was going to happen if you believed?”  

I don’t know about you, but I want to see God do a work in my life and the lives of my loved ones. Then I want to see the glory of God and know that’s what I am seeing. But … I have to wait on His timing. I’m willing to wait, are you?

PEACE, PLEASE by Tony Manley

Today, I am going to go right up to the drive through and with confidence place an order. My order spoken clearly and loudly through the speaker is, “I would like a plate full of peace, please.” As I order, the Taker asks, “What would you like with that peace?” To which I reply, “Nothing. I think that is all I can handle today.”

I just have to ask – does any other heart get too full? Does any other mind get too busy and/or overwhelmed? Mind you, I am not speaking from just a negative perspective, because there are times my heart and mind are too full, busy, and overwhelmed with good, and then there are times my heart and mind are too full, busy and overwhelmed with bad. (If you are still reading this, I commend you…imagine being the one trying to process and spew what this all means ☺)

Let’s start with wonderful. Moments when I just want everyone and everything to freeze and stay the same. Moments when I experience laughter, unity, good food, great atmosphere, wonderful words, and people I love and they love me back! These are times when my heart and mind are too full and overwhelmed. This is as close to what heaven is for me as I can describe. This is what I want the Taker to hand over when I get to the window to pick up my order!

But I know other moments also. Moments when I just want everyone and everything to stop and “not be.” Not be hurt or hurting, wrong, divisive, abusive, broken, sick, and just plain ugly. I admit I am a Pollyanna. I like happy, happy, happy. So I fight to keep from responding like the very things I want to stop. I fight to not be hurtful, wrong, divisive, abusive, broken, sick, and just plain ugly to or about another one or another thing.

My heart gets so full and then my mind, being the busybody it is, jumps in and before I know it, I’ve got me a mess on the inside! God is so faithful to keep me in places where I can go through the drive through and order the peace plate. Being the hungry person I am, that order gets placed several times a day. He is so kind to hand me a coupon for “buy one, get one free” so I can share the peace plate with others. 

I have hurts, and I have friends and families with hurts and uglies. The Order Taker is teaching me that His plate is the answer for peace. Just look at His character, His name, and His promises:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. “ John 14:27

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Phil. 4:4

“Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

As a fast food type girl, a plate of peace from God is very filling. I don’t ever want to lose my appetite for what He serves, and I have found His plate of peace is exactly what this heart needs in the good and bad moments of each day.

What will you order today when the Taker asks, “What can I get you today?”

LEMON CURD TARTS by Paula Roten

The desserts we served at our Refresh Spring Tea a few weeks ago were all simple and easy. We bought the Brownie Bites at Sam's and the Danish Wedding Cookies at Kroger. The Lemon Curd Tarts take no time to make and are refreshing and light. The recipe came from a Weight Watchers Cookbook, believe it or not!

Lemon Curd Tarts
mini phyllo (fillo) shells*
lemon curd**
Cool Whip
cinnamon

1. Place a small dollop of lemon curd in each phyllo shell. (I used a pastry bag and just squeezed a dab in. You can also use a small spoon.) 
2. Top with a small dollop of Cool Whip. (Again, I used a pastry bag, but a small spoon will work just fine.)
3. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon. 

*The mini phyllo shells are in the freezer section usually near the Cool Whip.

**Lemon Curd looks like jelly and can be found in the baking section of the grocery store. It's usually near the pie fillings. The brand I use is Dickinson.

***Lime Curd Tarts are good too!

Variation - Put a small dollop of raspberry preserves in the phyllo shell first. Then layer the rest of the ingredients. Garnish with a fresh raspberry instead of the cinnamon.

WORD FOR THE WEEK

Therefore if any man be in Christ, 

he is a new creature: 

old things are passed away; 

behold all things are become new. 

II Corinthians 5:17

                          Being confident of this very thing, 

that he which hath begun a good work in you 

will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 

Philippians 1:6

MOTHER'S DAY POEM submitted by Cathy Westmoreland

I Have A Mother Who Prays

Some have had kings in their lineage, 

some to whom honor was paid.

Not blessed of my ancestors, 
But I have a mother who prays.

I have a mother who prays for me

Who pleads with the Lord everyday for me.

Oh, what a difference it makes for me,

I have a mother who prays.

Some have worldly success and trust in riches they've made.

But this is my surest asset,

I have a mother who prays.

My mother's prayers cannot save me;

Only mine can avail!

But mother introduced me to someone,

Someone who can never fail.

Oh yes, I have a mother who prays for me

Who pleads with the Lord everyday for me.

Oh, what a difference that makes for me.

I have a mother who prays.

Author Unknown

Taken from

A Woman After God's Own Heart Video

TREND ALERT: BLUE AND WHITE AND OTHER THINGS BRIGHT by Stacy MacSpadden

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Spring International Home Furnishings Show in High Point. This is the showcase for most things that will set the upcoming trends for the next year. It was a fun and refreshing Market, even though my feet were awfully tired at the end of our 12 hour days.

After a few years of seeing a minimal and neutral palette, it was nice and refreshing to see that color and tradition are making their way back into the marketplace. Traditional florals adorned with bright color are some of the current trends that will be available. This was one chair that we admired. The use of a floral in nice colors on a transitional chair was exciting. The surprising thing about this fabric is that it is a velvet, so it feels great!

Blue and white accessories were everywhere. And I mean everywhere. The great thing about Asian inspired pottery and porcelain adorned in the traditional blue and white motif is that it blends with so many other pieces you already have in your home. For those who collect McCarty or Peter's Pottery, blue and white treasures really look great! I loved the combination of plates and urns used in this vignette.

It's even fun this time of year to cut your favorite flowers and use them with your blue and white pieces.

This last pic is of one of my favorite pieces of furniture. We have this piece at the store and this is the second time I have seen it at Market. I love the way designer, Lillian August, mixed porcelains with natural textures and plants. When we get our new pieces in, I really want to style our bookcase in this way.

So ladies, you may have some great blue and white pieces stashed away in your cabinets. Pull those pieces out and re-create a "current" look with these wonderful textures!

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

stacy@chestnuthall.com

GOD IS PRO-LIFE by Tony Manley

The word “Pro-Life” is a word associated with the abortion world. Sadly, in our culture it is a controversial and stigmatizing word. But I know through my relationship with Christ, pro-life is more than the origin of physical conception and what I believe about this issue. Just to be clear, I do believe God is the author of all life – Ps. 139:13 “For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Col. 1:16 “For by Him all things were created:…” 

With all that said, I am getting so excited about the Bible Study on Deuteronomy on Monday nights from 6:00-8:00! Y’all come! I understand it will be more of a class/lecture series on the book and the meal beforehand will be marvelous (there are some really good cooks in this body☺). So, I decided to read and get familiar with the book. There is much, and I do mean much to gain from just the first chapters, but the Holy Spirit has placed a recurring phrase from the book on my heart already!

Ch. 4:1  “SO THAT you may live…”

Ch. 4: 40 “SO THAT it may go well with you and your children after you and that you may live long.”

Ch. 5: 16 “SO THAT you may live long…”

Ch. 5:33 “SO THAT you may live and prosper and prolong your days

Ch. 6: 2 “SO THAT you may enjoy long life…”

Ch. 6:24 “SO THAT we might always prosper and be kept alive…”

Ch. 10:12-13  “And now, __________, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees that I am giving you today FOR YOUR OWN GOOD.”

John 10:10 “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I HAVE COME THAT THEY MAY HAVE LIFE, AND HAVE IT TO THE FULL.”

There you have it! God is for life – eternal life, abundant life, safe life, prosperous life - life with a capital L! And these few references are just a sampling of His heart about life! With each reference to life, He is careful to give us guidance about how to achieve the quality of life He desires for each life He personally knit together. 

Life is good. Another catchy phrase used in our culture, but a very real truth to my heart. Life in Christ and life lived in the truth of God’s Word is good. 

Father, You are life, You are good, You are fulfilling, You are faithful, You are all in all. May I live You in a way that draws others to life in You. Amen

Deuteronomy speaks to the “so thats” God has for each life. Y’all come this summer “so that” we can experience life together!

Summer Bible Study

Monday Nights - 6 wks.

June 10 - July 15

6:00-8:00

The Law of Love:

Lessons from the Pages of Deuteronomy

videos by Beth Moore

themed potluck meal each week

Sign up at the Ministry Table

REFRESH SPRING TEA SANDWICHES

Several different kinds of sandwiches were served at the Refresh Spring Tea - chicken salad, cucumber, and pimiento cheese. Saundra Stroud and Leann King both made chicken salad with cooked chicken breasts, grapes, and mayo, but have no written recipe. While both recipes are somewhat similar, Leann adds diced apple and crushed pineapple to hers. Saundra adds finely chopped onion, chopped hardboiled eggs, seasoning salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and pickle relish to hers. Perhaps you can pick and choose from these two ladies' recipes and come up with your own favorite chicken salad.

Pimento Cheese by Pam Gross
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 small jars diced pimentos
1 cup mayo
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder

Mix all together. Flavor is better if allowed to mingle overnight.

Cucumber Sandwiches by Paula Roten
white bread, cut into small rounds
Philadelphia Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread
cucumbers, sliced as thinly as possible (a mandolin works great)
Greek Seasoning

Spread the cream cheese on the bread round. Top with a thin slice of cucumber. Lightly sprinkle with Greek Seasoning.

WORD FOR THE WEEK

The heavens declare the glory of God; 

the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge. 

There is no speech or language 

where their voice is not heard. 

Their voice goes out into all the earth, 

their words to the ends of the world. 

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, 

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, 
like a champion rejoicing to run his course. 

It rises at one end of the heavens 
and makes its circuit to the other; 
nothing is hidden from its heat. 

Psalm 19:1-6

"We ought to let God humble us. Let these verses drive you to your knees in heartfelt, Spirit-filled worship. God alone is worthy of praise." 

          ~Pastor Tim Lampley

TODAY'S THOUGHT

OUT OF THE MOUTHS OF BABES by Cathy Westmoreland

Several years ago I stopped at a Wendy's in Conway, Arkansas. I had my 2 1/2 year old grandson Andrew with me. Sitting down to our meal, I asked Andrew if he wanted to pray. He smiled and said yes. As I bowed my head, closed my eyes, and waited for his sweet voice, I heard nothing. I looked up and saw that Andrew was smiling at the couple who had sat down right next to us to eat. The gentleman had already started eating his sandwich. The lady smiled at Andrew. At that moment, my sweet Andrew announced, "Let's pray." The lady sweetly told her husband to stop eating and to listen to the blessing. After Andrew finished praying, I gently explained that they weren't at our table. Andrew's response was that he didn't want God to be sad because they forgot to pray and that maybe their grandson couldn't come to pray for them. The lady thanked Andrew for praying and told us they were Christians. She also said they should have been the ones setting the example. Oh, how young ones teach us!

BACK TO THE GARBAGE...by Lynda Leeson

Once again, I overloaded that big black garbage bag and dragged it outside. Of course I couldn't lift it. Immediate frustration and even irritation took over. I stood there in the driveway in my gown and prayed for help. As always, He answered and the bag was in the dumpster on its way to the street.

But...I felt really crummy about me. Why was I reluctant to ask? Why is it so hard to admit my great need for Him and His strength? If I've learned (or have I merely observed) anything... it's not a "one and done" deal.  

On Tuesday I learned from a CT scan that the dreadful little pearl sized bit of cancer that lives in the pleura of my right lung has decided to grow. Not a good thing. Until this morning I had not been able to identify how I felt about that news. Numbness was the first reaction, then shock. Then the awful ugly truth arrived...I don't want to be "needy." AGAIN!!!

The words to the old hymn sung by Elvis came sweetly and I bowed in repentance and praise:

Without Him I could do nothing 
Without Him I'd surely fail 
Without Him I would be drifting 
Like a ship without a sail 

Without Him I would be dying 
Without Him I'd be enslaved 
Without Him life would be worthless 
But with Jesus thank God I'm saved 

Oh Jesus, oh Jesus 
Do you know Him today 
Please don't turn Him away 
Oh Jesus, my Jesus 
Without Him how lost I would be 
Without Him how lost I would be

My human condition is just plain tacky. I think it's called PRIDE. Praise The Lord that He doesn't leave me with the garbage. He's my glory and the lifter of my head. He's also my Healer. I NEED HIM!!!

Psalm 138:3 (AMP)
In the day when I called, You answered me; and You strengthened me with strength (might and inflexibility to temptation) in my inner self.

Psalm 59:16-17 (AMP)
But I will sing of Your mighty strength and power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy and loving-kindness in the morning; for You have been to me a defense (a fortress and a high tower) and a refuge in the day of my distress. Unto You, O my Strength, I will sing praises; for God is my Defense, my Fortress, and High Tower, the God Who shows me mercy and steadfast love.

Elvis singing Without Him