~
There's JOY in the Kitchen ~
~When we realize that ~
Your life has a special purpose
regardless of what the environment is.
Herb True
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
COMPANY IS COMING!!
By JoyfulArtYou hang up the phone and
nervously glance about your home. The dining room
table is piled high with newspapers and homework,
as well as the kids backpacks and this mornings
breakfast dishes. The living room has shoes,
coats and last week's newspapers scattered all
over the floor, and if you aren't mistaken, that
is the cats tail poking out from one of the
piles. Turning, you see the dirty dishes in the
sink, the oven begging to be cleaned and there
seems to be a strange odor emitting from the
refrigerator. Rolling your eyes in the back of
your head you run to the restroom to have a panic
attack only to be met with tub that is growing
moss, a shower door that has twenty bars worth of
soap scum covering them, as well as fifteen hair
brushes, three cans of hair spray, ten
toothbrushes (you only have five in the family),
and thirteen newspapers piled high. . . . . .
wait. . . are you hearing a melody? Could it be
The Twelve Days of Christmas? You roll your eyes
and start picking things up, just when your child
calls you from his room.
Upon entering the room you collapse on the
floor as you see the most incredible mess of all.
"You know," you begin, "If you
would just pick things up as you go along, you
wouldn't have such a big mess to deal with now.
CLEAN YOUR ROOM!!!"
Suddenly you are aware of what could be
construed as a tap on the shoulders by the Holy
Spirit. "Are you talking to yourself?"
You imagine Him saying. The whole house passes
before your eyes. "I guess I am Lord."
You sigh.
Then, as only the Holy Spirit can, He shows
you what lies beyond your messy house. From room
to room He walks you through your spiritual
house. Have you ever noticed that when you are
overwhelmed by your housework, chances are you
are overwhelmed by circumstances too? If we can
pay attention to our outside surroundings we
might be amazed at what we learn. Procrastination
in spiritual matters manifests as procrastination
in material things - and the order of our lives
reflect the order of our hearts.
Instead of trying to do a quick clean up when
you find yourself around unexpected company by
trying to put on a Christian face, how about
cleaning up as you go? Touch your brow with your
hand, do you detect a scowl? Drop your finger
tips to your mouth, is there a smile present? Or
are the lips firm and pressed together? Is the
attitude you are carrying with this Holiday
Season one of clutter, confusion, bewilderment
and frustration? Try cleaning up as you go. You
never know when company will come calling - and I
heard that Jesus is knocking on your door for
supper! (By the way, remind me to cancel that
newspaper subscription!)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rev 3:20-22 "Behold, I stand at
the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and
opens the door, I will come in to him and dine
with him, and he with Me.
"To him who overcomes I will
grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also
overcame and sat down with My Father on His
throne.
"He who has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches."'
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
REVEALED TO A CHILD
By Ronni4Him
This was sort of a "Christmas
milestone" in my life...that God would
reveal Himself to a three year old in such a
profound way...
When my oldest son was 3 1/2, it was Christmas
time and we had just bought an outside nativity
scene, with large Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus and
manger. We were setting it up, and getting
"hay" (pine needles) for the manger,
and fixing it up "just right." When we
were through, we stood there and looked at it,
and he noticed that Mary's eyes were closed and
Joseph's eyes were open. He asked me what were
they doing, and I said they were probably
praying. Then he asked why were Joseph's eyes
open if they were praying. I told him that we can
pray with our eyes open or closed, at any time of
day or night. He said, "Can we pray right
now?" This was about 5:00 in the evening,
just at dusk, in our front yard with people
driving up our road, coming home from work, etc.
But I said, "Of course we can pray,
Ross." So, he knelt down in front of the
manger scene and prayed the most profound
Christmas prayer I have ever heard. He prayed,
"Dear God, thank you for making Jesus a
baby. Amen."
I still get teary when I think that God made
Jesus a baby, in fashion as a man, and sent Him
to us, as filthy and rotton and unlovely as we
are. And that He would reveal this to a 3 year
old 2,000 years later! Sure, Ross didn't
understand the implications of his prayer, who
does? But if a young child can be thankful for
what God did, surely we as adults with all our
knowlege can take a few moments this Christmas
season to sit back and be grateful that "God
made Jesus a baby."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mark 10:15 "Assuredly, I say to
you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God
as a little child will by no means enter
it."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Hem of the Garment
Submitted by KerriLE
We are the hem of His garment. We are the
outer cloak. We work, live, minister in the press
of the crowd. The dust of the road, the splash of
the rain, the dirt of the street, all touch us.
We brush the world as it passes Jesus.
We are the point of contact when people don't
quite know how to reach Him.
When the hurting long for His healing, but are
afraid to be hurt again, it's the hem they look
to. We're out there where the snags are, where
the cold and heat weaken the very fibre of life.
Such a place to serve--the outer garment of the
body.
It's dangerous on the outer edge. Things can
snatch at you, pull, you, and even tear you away.
But we've got to be there--on the hem, at the
edge, brushing humanity--all for the sake of
those who can't come nearer. For those who need
Jesus--His healing--but don't know how to reach
Him. For those who come up behind and have faith
only to touch the hem of His garment. For these,
we must be there.
For there, when lonely hurting hearts in faith
touch the hem, the power of God is released.
Jesus becomes immediately aware of the need, for
power flows, lives are altered, hurts are healed,
diseases cured and anonymity is lovingly
repealed.
While others who love Jesus may never perceive
this relationship, or how Jesus can know that one
in a crowd has touched Him, those at the outer
edge know it. Those who make up the hem of the
garment are channels of His power. And somehow it
makes the rough contact with the world
worthwhile. -Rick Hurst
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Most people are only one idea, one
dream, or one person away from their miracle. Bob
Harrison
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Twenty-Five Questions for Mary
from Max Lucado's book God Came Near
1. What was it like watching him pray?
2. How did he respond when he saw other kids
giggling during the service at the synagogue?
3. When he saw a rainbow, did he ever mention
a flood?
4. Did you ever feel awkward teaching him how
he created the world?
5. When he saw a lamb being led to the
slaughter, did he act differently?
6. Did you ever see him with a distant look on
his face as if he were listening to someone you
couldn't hear?
7. How did he act at funerals?
8. Did the thought ever occur to you that the
God to whom you were praying was asleep under
your own roof?
9. Did you ever try to count the stars with
him . . . and succeed?
10. Did he ever come home with a black eye?
11. How did he act when he got his first
haircut?
12. Did he have any friends by the name of
Judas?
13. Did he do well in school?
14. Did you ever scold him?
15. Did he ever have to ask a question about
Scripture?
16. What do you think he thought when he saw a
prostitute offering to the highest bidder the
body he made?
17. Did he ever get angry when someone was
dishonest with him?
18. Did you ever catch him pensively looking
at the flesh on his own arm while holding a clod
of dirt?
19. Did he ever wake up afraid?
20. Who was his best friend?
21. When someone referred to Satan, how did he
act?
22. Did you ever accidentally call him Father?
23. What did he and his cousin John talk about
as kids?
24. Did his other brothers and sisters
understand what was happening?
25. Did you ever think, That's God eating my
soup?
As we approach this holiday season with much
hope and thanksgiving and (hopefully!) holiday
cheer, may we always remember the One who loves
us, gave His life for us, and who is relentless
in His desire to know us. May we be just as
relentless in our desire to know Him and to make
Him known to the world.
Merry Christmas to all of you, dear sisters!
PattieRWR
If you are interested in ordering this book
for your holiday celebration, there are several
places online from which to do that: LUCADO
, Max
Lucado - God Came Near - Evangel.com , and BarnesandNoble@aol
The World's Largest Bookseller Online Home Page.
There are probably more, but these were the ones
I found first. It should also be at any local
Christian bookstore.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Announcing: Sarah's Tent Family News
Ladies... as a reminder.. there is now an
extension to the newsletter called Sarah's Tent
Family News.. This is a listing of all new
members, birthdays, and anniversaries. If you
would like to be put on the mailing list to
receive this, in addition to the weekly
newsletter, please contact Christina, CWEIMER4.
The first copy was sent out this week.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Luke 2:19 But Mary kept all these
things and pondered them in her heart.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Life is not a dress rehearsal - every day is
opening night. Peter Daniels
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Matt 22:37 Jesus said to him,"
'You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, and with all your
mind.' (NKJ)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
SPECIAL REQUEST
Hi all, I need some ideas for devotionals to
do with kids who are working in ministry. My
husband and I have just taken over as directors
of our church's puppet ministry and have about 12
kids between the ages of 10 and 13 who are part
of the ministry. I would like to do a devotion
with them each meeting and would like to start
out with something that helps to explain serving,
or ministry or something like that. Any help
would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks. Blessings, Colleen
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hills/8779
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POTATO OVERNIGHT ROLLS
Dot Miller (DOTMI) via Tightwad Gazette
Measure into mixing bowl - 1 1/2 c. warm water
Add, stirring to dissolve - 1 pkg. active dry
yeast
Stir in: 2/3 c. sugar
1 1/2 t. salt
2/3 c. soft shortening
2 eggs
1 c. lukewarm mashed potatoes
(these can be leftovers or instant)
Mix in until dough is easy to handle - 7 to 7 1/2
c. sifted flour
Turn onto lightly floured board. (or use dough
hook/mixer). Knead until
smooth and elastic. Place greased-side-up in
greased bowl. Cover with damp
cloth; place in refrigerator. About 2 hours
before baking, shape dough into
rolls, etc. Cover and let rise until double (1
1/2 - 2 hours). Bake 12-15
minutes. 400 degrees.
Italian Cream Cake
>From Justaservn
1 cup crisco or butter
1 cup buttermilk
2 cups sugar
2 cups plain flour
1 tsp. baking soda
5 eggs, separated
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 cup coconut
Mix sugar and crisco...Cream real good. Add egg
yolks, one at a time. Beat
good. Add flour, milk, and soda. Beat egg whites
til stiff, then fold in to
batter. Add pecans and coconut. This makes 4
layers...I usually do
3....either works...
Bake at 350 degrees for about 28 minutes or until
looks done.
Icing
1 8 oz cream cheese
1 box confectioners sugar
1 stick butter or margarine
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup chopped fine pecans
Mix together and spread over cooled cake
Chocolate Spoons
Submitted by PrasHm
Get whatever kind of baking chips you want, put
them in a bowl, melt them in
the microwave and then dip the spoons in it. Lay
them on waxed paper and if ya
want
sprinkle them with the little candie sprinkles
you get for cupcakes.
Place three together in a faned out pattern and
tie them with ribbon and cover
with cellophane, or you can do them one at a
time...You can get folgers
singles coffee bags and give with them so people
don't have to ask what they
are for!
Lisa Mc
LisaTMc@InternettPort.net
http://www.internettport.net/lisa
check this out: Home's
Cool, The McIntosh Family Home Educati...
Orange Slice Cake
1 cup margarine
1 3/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/2 t. salt
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 t. soda
3 1/2 cups flour
2 cups of dates
1 lb. orange slice candy cut into small pieces
1-2 cups chopped pecans
Cream sugar and butter...Add eggs. Mix soda,
salt, and flour and add with
buttermilk to sugar, butter mixture. Beginning
and ending with dry
ingredients. Fold in all other ingredients. Mix
well. Pour into greased tube
pan and bake in an oven 270-300 for 2 1/2 hours.
Topping
Mix 1 cup of fresh orange juice and 2 cups of
powdered sugar well and pour
over "hot" cake when it comes out of
the oven. You should punch holes in the
cake before you do this. Let cake sit until this
is completely absorbed and
then turn out of pan and dust with powdered
sugar.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fresh Apple Cake
Mix together:
1 cup cooling oil
2 cups sugar
Add the following:
3 eggs
3 cups shredded apples
2 cups of sifted self-rising flour
1 t. vanilla or black walnut flavoring
1 cup of black walnuts (or pecans)
1 cup of seedless raisons
1 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg
Bake in a greased tube pan for 45 min. at 350
degrees
Glaze for Apple Cake
1 cup of brown sugar
1 stick of margarine
1/4 cup of evaporated milk
Combine all the above ingredients and boil for 1
minute. Punch the cake full
of holes..using a long thin object and pour this
mixture over the cake while
it is still "hot" Leave in the pan
upright for 1-2 hours to cool and then turn
out on a plate.
For even MORE recipes, click on these!! More
Recipes and Once-a-Month
Cooking (OAMC)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
If you haven't got the time to do it
right, when will you find the time to do it over?
Jeffrey J. Mayer
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
~ PRAYER ~
Please send prayer request to C.O.P.E. Ministries
(Christians Online Praying by Email) in care of
Mama Brrr@AOL.com
DON'T FORGET TO LET THEM KNOW YOUR PRAISE
REPORTS!! ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ BAMPRAYER@aol.com
For special prayer JUST for marriages. This is
a ministry from Born Again Marriages. If you
would like to visit their web page. . . click
here: BAMWEB
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CHUCKLES
A local florist just went out of business, but
it was his own fault. He kept getting his orders
mixed up. One woman received flowers sent by her
husband, who was at a business meeting in
Florida. She was perplexed by the message on her
card: "Our deepest sympathy."
But she was not nearly as surprised as the
woman whose husband had just passed away. Her
card read, "Hotter here than I expected. Too
bad you didn't come too."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For your Exploring Pleasure,
(If you have discovered a web site that
you think others would be interested in, please
let me know, and I will put it in our newsletter.
Just click & drag the sight from your
Favorite Places and drop it into your letter.)
NEW:
Hi Ladies! Here are Pattie's latest web picks
for your perusal...
Greeting
Cards, Postcards, Awards by Awesome ... - I
had a friend send me a card from this site, done
by someone named Marlo. The cards are a little
simpler than Blue Mountain Arts and a little more
complicated to retrieve, but it's free. It's
worth checking out.
Internet
for Christians Newsletter - I think this is
an interesting site to check out. It has lots of
links to other pages and interesting things on
the Web for Christians. This is a good place to
start surfin'.
Today's
Christian Woman Nov/Dec 1997 - The latest
issue, and as usual it's a great one. I don't
know what I'd do without this magazine! It's
always an encouragement.
MOPSHOME
- I happened to find this site after reading an
article about MOPS. I think it's a great
organization, and I have certainly enjoyed the
book by Elisa Morgan and Carol Kuykendall called
What Every Mom Needs. This site is a good
resource and link to other resources. PattieRWR
LAST WEEK:
I
Almost Slipped! - Rev. David Wilkerson...interesting
newsletter at this site...
Splashes
of Joy in the Cesspool of Life Ever hear of
Joyful Journey? Take a look! This site was
suggested to me by Tcmah96 (Trish) in the chat
room on Monday night. I think it's a wonderful
site and a wonderful program! Check it out.
Angel Tree
- Help Needy Children
___________________________________________________________________
Joy In The Kitchen is an extension of Sarah's
Tent An online ministry devoted to gathering
together God's silent warriors, the wives of
pastors and ministers of all denominations and
cultural backgrounds, as well as their families,
for fellowship, support, laughter and prayer. Isa
51:1-2 / Isa 54:2-3 / Heb 10:24-25
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