~
There's JOY in the Kitchen ~
~When we realize that ~
Jesus is a friend who knows all your faults and
still loves you anyway. * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
A Word from JoyfulArt
So many emotions fly through the Holidays.
Emotions brought on by the real and the imagined.
Memories flood our minds that we would not
normally think about, and new ones are created.
On every side we are confronted with needs -
others, and our own. The news headlines scream
tragedy and our pocketbook screams poverty. Hands
extend our way for hope, answers, money, and
comfort. Kind of overwhelming isn't it?
There have been moments when I hear another
tragic story on the news, or see another heart
wrenching story on T.V. that I am tempted with
despair. When have things ever been so bad? A
gentle whisper then blows through my heart
telling me, "There is nothing new under the
sun. I always have been, and always will be with
you - to the ends of the earth."
My heart swells with love as I realize that
GOD IS FAITHFUL!! Suddenly all things seem to
melt as I am reminded of the simple, gentle,
innocent babe who came to save the WORLD!! And I
stand in awe. Thank you dearest Jesus, for being
there for me. Thank you that you are not
surprised nor shaken by anything that comes my
way. Thank you that you give me strength, even in
the darkest of hours. Thank you that you laugh
with me and cry with me, and that there is
NOTHING that you are not touched by. Thank you
that you are above ALL things and that you rule
the universe. Thank you precious Savior, for
coming for me!
MERRY CHRISTMAS, AND A GLORIOUS NEW YEAR!!!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
But God commendeth his love toward us, in
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for
us. Romans 5:8
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HEAVEN'S TOUCH
By PetraB1033
Our family loves Psalm 37. We say it is
"family property", and we turn to it
time after time when we need comfort or when we
need to be reminded of God's precious promises to
us! Last night after a 'phone call from my oldest
daughter, Valerie, I was reminded of verse 4:
"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and He
shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
I guess the story starts this way. Valerie has
recently suffered a miscarriage. She carried the
baby for nearly 3 months after it died. She
turned down surgical intervention because she
wanted to deliver it naturally so that she could
hold it and see it..... and ultimately she did.
She named the baby, buried it by herself, and is
greatly comforted by that. (Hannah Grace... look
up the meanings).
Anyway, I had the urge to send her flowers
(she lives about 1500 miles from me). But I
didn't, because finances are tight for her. And I
thought that I should send her money instead
because she has many needs..... but time got away
from me and a couple of weeks have passed.
Yesterday I sent her an e-mail to tell her to
watch for a priority mail envelope with some
things in it, and to not miss the enclosed check.
Part of the check was to be for Christmas dinner,
but $15 of it was to be especially for Valerie...
for what ever special, extra touch she needed....
flowers, hose, candles for her table, some
expression to "substitute for hugs and
kisses".
She called me. Late. After I was asleep. She
called because she was so excited that I had
mentioned flowers! She told me that in her heart
she was hoping for some flowers, thinking that
would comfort her. And she kept longing for some.
One day she was at a small health food store
looking for some particular herbs. . . she and
her five little daughters. "And, Mom",
she said, "in my experience, people in
places like that tend to be so politically
correct and look at me like I am destroying the
earth by producing a large family of
children."
But that day, two different people in the
store asked if those were ALL her children, and
told her how wonderful it was, and what wonderful
children they are! As she paid for her purchase,
the cashier said, "Excuse me. I hope you
don't mind, but are ALL of these children
yours?" When Valerie told her yes, she said,
"Oh, they are such good children. Would you
mind if we give you a gift of flowers from our
store for you and your family?"
Valerie could hardly believe her ears..... she
took home the long stemmed flowers, trimmed them,
and placed them in a lovely vase she has. And
they were such a blessing, and indeed, she felt
comforted by the gift.
I said, "Oh, Val! If I had only listened
to that still, small voice telling me to send you
flowers, you would have been comforted even
sooner."
Her reply? "No, Mom. I am glad it
happened the way it did. If you had sent them, I
would have thought 'that is nice, my Mom and Dad
sent me flowers!'" But these people did not
know me. They had no idea of what I have been
through. THIS WAY I had to recognize those
flowers as sent to me directly from the loving
hand of my Heavenly Father. And thank you so much
for the $15. I think I am going to go and buy a
special ornament for our tree in memory of Hannah
Grace. And then, year after year, when I put the
girls' ornaments on the tree I will have one to
remember her by."
Ladies.... GOD DOES care for every, simple
need and desire of our hearts... But we must NOT
forget the other part: "Delight thyself also
in the Lord...."
I hope this blesses you as it blessed me!
Love, Brenda
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Christmas Story
Submitted by Lambiee
Years ago, there was a very wealthy man who,
with his devoted young son, shared a passion for
art collecting. Together they traveled around the
world, adding only the finest art treasures to
their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van
Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of
the family estate.
The widowed elder man looked on with
satisfaction as his only child became an
experienced art collector. The son's trained eye
and sharp business mind caused his father to beam
with pride as they dealt with art collectors
around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation,
and the young man left to serve his country.
After only a few short weeks, his father received
a telegram. His beloved son was missing in
action. The art collector anxiously awaited more
news, fearing he would never see his son again.
Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young
man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a
medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the
upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and
sadness. The joy of the season- a season that he
and his son had so looked forward to-would visit
his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door
awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to
the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls
only reminded him that his son was not coming
home. As he opened the door, he was greeted by a
soldier with a large package in his hand. He
introduced himself to the man by saying, "I
was a friend of your son. I was the one he was
rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few
moments?I have something to show you." As
the two began to talk, the solider told of how
the man's son had told everyone of his, not to
mention his father's, love of fine art. "I'm
an artist," said the soldier, "and I
want to give you this."
As the old man unwrapped the package, the
paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's
son. Though the world would never consider it the
work of a genius, the painting featured the young
man's face in striking detail. Overcome with
emotion, the man thanked the solider, promising
to hang the picture above the fireplace.
A few hours later, after the soldier had
departed, the old man set about his task. True to
his word, the painting went above the fireplace,
pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings.
And then the man sat in his chair and spent
Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
During the days and weeks that followed, the man
realized that even though his son was no longer
with him, the boy's life would live on because of
those he had touched. He would soon learn that
his son had rescued dozens of wounded soldiers
before a bullet stilled his caring heart. As the
stories of his son's gallantry continued to reach
him, fatherly pride and satisfaction began to
ease the grief. The painting of his son soon
became his most prized possession, far eclipsing
any interest in the pieces for which museums
around the world clamored. He told his neighbors
it was the greatest gift he had ever received.
The following spring, the old man became ill
and passed away. The art world was in
anticipation. With the collector's passing, and
his only son dead, those paintings would be sold
at an auction. According to the will of the old
man, all of the art works would be auctioned on
Christmas day, the day he had received his
greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from
around the world gathered to bid on some of the
world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would
be fulfilled this day; greatness would be
achieved as many would claim "I have the
greatest collection."
The auction began with a painting that was not
on any museum's list. It was the painting of the
man's son. The auctioneer asked for an opening
bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the
bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes
passed. No one spoke.
From the back of the room came, "Who
cares about that painting? It's just a picture of
his son. Let's forget it and go on to the good
stuff." More voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first,"
replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take
the son?" Finally, a friend of the old man
spoke. "Will you take ten dollars for the
painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so
I'd like to have it." "I have ten
dollars. Will anyone go higher?" called the
auctioneer. After more silence, the auctioneer
said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."
The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and
someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with
it and we can bid on these treasures!"
The auctioneer looked at the audience and
announced the auction was over. Stunned disbelief
quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked,
"What do you mean it's over? We didn't come
here for a picture of some old guy's son. What
about all of these paintings? There are millions
of dollars of art here! I demand that you explain
what's going on here!." The auctioneer
replied, "It's very simple. According to the
will of the father, whoever takes the son..gets
it all."
Puts things into perspective, doesn't it? Just
as those art collectors discovered on that
Christmas day, the message is still the same -
the love of a Father, a Father whose greatest joy
came from his son who went away and gave his life
rescuing others. And because of that Father's
love...whoever takes the Son gets it all.
2 John 1:9: "Whosoever
transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of
Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the
doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and
the Son."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ANNOUNCING!!
FEMALE PASTORS CHAT? There are more and more
women becoming a part of Sarah's Tent who are
female pastors or full time ministers. Once
again, it is time to 'Lengthen our cords, and
strengthen our stake' as we make room for more
Kingdom family members. If you are in this
catagory and are interested in a chat especially
tailored to you, please write me. You are not
alone, and there are others who share your call
are anxious to meet you!
BEGINNING IN JANUARY 1998 Sarah's Tent will be
hosting very special theme chats. Some of the
topics will be very challenging. The purpose of
this is to open our eyes and better equipt us to
minister to the lost and wounded. Not only will
there be special guest speakers, the chats will
be open to all who participate in this ministry.
Resources will be provided for you at the time of
each chat as well. Our topics will be areas such
as, Homosexuality in the church (this will be for
the first three weeks of January), Eating
Disorders in February, then topics such as Grief
Counseling, Alcoholism, Suicide, Physical
Challenges, Ministry Marriages, Finances, and the
list goes on. You name it, you request it, and we
will do all that we can to bring it before you.
These chats will run along side the open chats
on Monday nights, but in a separate private room.
Because of the sensitivity of some of the
subjects, if you feel more comfortable in
entering the room under an anonymous screen name,
you may do so. The purpose will always be to
bring salt and light to ALL of those who are
dealing with dark areas in their lives, families,
or congregations.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Don't be afraid of pressure. Remember
that pressure is what turns a lump of coal into a
diamond.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
LETTERS PENNED FROM FAR AWAY
Perhaps you may not know that there are
several Pastors Wives and Missionaries (or
Foreign Ambassadors) connected with Sarah's Tent.
From memory, we have sisters in Albania,
Indonesia, and Africa. As Dacia has faithfully
sent in her letters, I've thoroughly enjoyed
reading what her new life is like in another
country. All too often it is easy to forget to
pray, or support in other ways our fellow
Ambassadors who give up all to go out on the
foreign mission field.
This portion of the Joy In The Kitchen
newsletter will be reserved for letters from our
sisters on the mission field. I encourage you, if
you are one of these faithful few, to please
write and let us know about your country and all
that you desire to share about your life there.
As Dacia has, keep it simple and brief enough for
a newsletter. That will make it easy for you -
and you will be able to write more often. We look
forward to hearing from you!!
---------
DACIA'S LETTER:
The Noack's loaned us their Christmas tree
before they left for the States. John and the
boys put it up last night. I've been resisting
it, because it just doesn't feel like Christmas.
(Today's temperature is 87.)
This past week was a good one as far as
ministry is concerned. Last Wednesday (Dec. 10)
was the first deaf Bible class in Kumasi. They
want to meet for Bible class every Wednesday and
Friday. We had six people show up. We don't know
how it went on Friday, because we were traveling
to Adomrobe. Then on Saturday (Dec. 13) John had
a meeting with the people in Adomrobe. He had 25
deaf adults and 50 hearing children show up for a
class. He taught in English and Sign Language -
he had one man translating his sign language into
their native sign language and he had a young boy
who understood English translating into Twi
(their native spoken language). John is in the
process of trying to find someone from one of the
hearing churches that would go along with us and
teach the children while he is teaching the
adults.
On Sunday afternoon we attended another deaf
worship service in the Accra area. (Adomrobe is
not far from Accra. Accra is the capital city of
Ghana.) After attending that service, John says
he now understands the need for well- trained
evangelists for the deaf in this area. The pastor
at this deaf church preached a good "social
gospel" sermon. But didn't say anything
about Jesus Christ being our Savior.
We are enjoying our stay here in Ghana, but we
are also looking forward to being back in the
States. Right now we are planning on going back
to Nebraska, specifically back to Omaha.
We have enjoyed hearing from all of you. We do
appreciate all of the prayers that have been
going up for us.
Blessings, John & Dacia
------------------------------------------------------------------
Dalton J. Noack djnoack@africaonline.com.gh
------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Knowing this, that the trying of your
faith worketh patience. But let patience have her
perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire,
wanting nothing. James 1:3,4
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Jesus is a friend who walks in when the world
has walked out.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
These things I have spoken unto you, that
in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall
have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world. John 16:33
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POT LUCK!
Cream Cheese Cookies
>From Justaservn
•1 cup butter
•1 (3 oz) pkg. cream cheese, softened
•1 cup sugar •1 egg yolk •2 1/2
cups all purpose flour
•1 teaspoon vanilla •candied cherries
or pecans halfs (for decoration)
DIRECTIONS:
1.cream butter and cheese
2.Slowly add sugar
3.beat until fluffy
4.Beat in egg yolk
5.Add flour and vanilla
6.Mix well
7.Chill dough at least 1 hour, ( I ususally chill
overnight)
8.Shape dough into 1 inch balls and place on a
greased cookie sheet
9.Slightly mash either a pecan or candied cherry
in the center of each cookie
10.Bake for 12-15 minutes in oven at 325 degress
F.
Makes 7 dozen cookies
Divinity
Submitted by PrasHm
2 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. light corn syrup
* c. water
2 egg whites
1 tsp. Vanilla
2/3 c. broken nuts
DIRECTIONS: Cook sugar, corn syrup and water in 2
quart saucepan over medium high heat, stirring
constantly to boiling. Clip candy thermometer to
pan. Cook over medium heat, without stirring, to
260* (or until small amount of mixture dropped
into very cold water forms a hard ball; not a
firm ball, a hard ball; about 15 minutes). Remove
from heat. Get ready to work fast.
In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites until
stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).
_Gradually_ pour hot mixture in a thin stream
over whites, beating on high about 3 minutes. Add
vanilla. Continue beating on high just till candy
starts to lose its gloss; becomes tough for mixer
to beat; about 6 minutes. Drop a spoonful of
candy mixture onto waxed paper. If it stays
mounded, the mixture has been beaten
sufficiently. Immediately stir in nuts. Quickly
drop remaining mixture from a teaspoon onto waxed
paper. If mixture flattens out, beat * to 1
minute more; check again. Let stand 12 hours.
Store tightly covered.
For even MORE recipes, click on these!! More
Recipes and Once-a-Month
Cooking (OAMC)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Those who deserve love the least need it
the most.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
~ 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
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
HOUSE OF MERCY
By PrasHm
(This is a letter from PrasHm, (Kellie)
regarding her mother in law.) What an awesome
priviledge to be able to move mountains through
prayer, right where you are - and touch so many
lives!! Aren't you glad that we have a private
line to the Creator of the universe?
" Tim has been helping his mom with the
House of Mercy. She was in the hospital for a few
days and sick longer than that. We went down
there Saturday and I did office work for her, and
Tim went around and tried to help her with the
manual labor. Someone donated her a house, but it
has to be moved right after the 1st. IT has to be
cleaned up and ready to go, and Tim doesn't think
it will make the trip. She also bought a building
with donations to house the men and have her
chapel in.
The problem is that it is a wreak too.
Everybody wants to donate junk, but no time. She
has been trying to do all of this with one or two
people at the most. Sometimes just by herself.
She is not in the best of health. She started to
cry the other day, and said that all she wanted
to do was feed the hungry and give a roof over
the heads of those that had none. Everybody
overlooks those people especially th is time of
year. Sometimes she has 20 people in there at one
time (and I don't mean just men). Seeing the
little children coming in there will make you
cry. Perhaps their mom is down on her
luck, or their dad lost his job and is staying
there, and they come to spend
time with him.
She has only gas space heaters (that aren't good)
and no central heating and
cooling. It is hard to leave a child in that
condition. But she is trying to
keep them out of the weather and at least feeds
them, gives them a place to
bathe, play, and hear the Word. They have to
attend one hour chapel a day.
Pray, pray, pray. If you could see the things
that I seen, it would shock
you. Most people see a homeless shelter, and
automatically think of
"derelicts", "drug addicts",
and "alcoholics". They don't see the
young
teens that come in. The ones that would be living
on the streets and want
help. They are alone in a big world, and scared
to death. They don't see the
women that are being beaten by husbands or
boyfriends, and stop there looking
for help and shelter. They don't see the fathers,
sons, brothers, mothers,
sisters, and daughters that come there. Some of
these people are the
runaways from good homes. There have been many
that have prayed, received
Christ, and called home. They were able to go
back home.
I just ache when I see someone turn their nose up
at places like this. They
might pat others on the back for giving a dollar
or two, but don't catch them
near there. Pray for my mother-in-law as well.
She has given her holidays to
spending with the people in the shelter. She will
feeding all who come in, in
need. She will give toys and clothes to children
who have nothing. She will
pray with those that have given up and this is
their last attempt at trying.
Lord, give her strength. She is still sick and
weak herself. She was in the
hospital with Broncitis and Carbon Monoxide
poisoning.
Sorry, I get preachy, but I walked with her all
day Saturday, I saw the
Vision burning so strong in her, and I also saw
the discouragement she was
faced with.
Pray for workers to help with both of these house
cleaning and fixing
projects. Pray for laborers to help move this
house.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A Dieter's Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas and all around my
hips
were Fanny May candies that sneaked past my lips.
Fudge brownies were stored in the freezer with
care
in hopes that my thighs would forget they were
there.
While Mama in her girdle and I in chin straps
had just settled down to sugar-borne naps.
When out in the pantry there arose such a clatter
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash
tore open the icebox then threw up the sash
The marshmallow look of the new-fallen snow
sent thoughts of a binge to my body below.
When what to my wandering eyes should appear:
a marzipan santa with eight chocolate reindeer!
That huge chunk of candy so luscious and slick
I knew in a second that I'd wind up sick.
The sweet-coated santa, those sugared reindeer
I closed my eyes tightly but still I could hear;
On Pritzker, on Stillman, on weak one, on TOPS
a Weight Watcher dropout form sugar detox.
>From the top of the scales to the top of the
hall
now dash away pounds now dash away all.
Dressed up in Lane Bryant from my head to
nightdress
my clothes were all bulging from too much excess
My droll little mouth and my round little belly
they shook when I laughed like a bowl full of
jelly
I spoke not a word but went straight to my work
ate all of the candy then turned with a jerk.
And laying a finger beside my heartburn
I gave a quick nod toward the bedroom I turned
I eased into bed, to the heavens I cry
if temptation's removed I'll get thin by and by.
And I mumbled again as I turned in for the night
in the morning I'll starve..'till I take that
first bite!
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