~
There's JOY in the Kitchen ~
~When we realize that ~
Our relationships with others are reflections of
our relationship with God. * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
A Word from JoyfulArt
The day had been a long one and I had laid
down to just rest a few 'winks'. My husband was
in the study and it seemed 'safe' for me to do
just that. Ahhhhhhhhh, the first few moments were
like heaven as I relaxed my body and mind.
Thoughts began to drift and my breathing slowed.
Silently the cat sneaked up onto me and began to
knead my waist as she had decided to join me in
my little 'cat' nap.
Suddenly the door slammed downstairs and I
heard a loud childish voice yell "MOM!!!!!!
I'M HOME!!!!!!" "Maybe if I ignore them
they will go away" I mumbled to myself in my
dreamy, but startled state. My heart was racing
as the next child entered the house and I heard
the first squeal with frustration as her brother
did something stinky. I sighed.
Big brother came to the rescue as I heard his
muffled voice instructing them to be quiet, Mom
was resting. . . . . Silence. Finally I sighed
again, not realizing that I had been holding my
breath. Waiting for my heart to stop it's frantic
beat, I again allowed my mind to drift and my
body to relax. At long last I left the land of
the living and floated out into oblivion.
"AAAAHHHHHRRRRRR!" came the blood
curdling scream. "STOP IT!!!" Then
silence once again. Determinedly I squeazed out
the next hour of my rest rising to the surface
again and again to peels of laughter and
blood-curdling screams of frustration. "No
rest for the wicked", I growled to myself
envisioning strangling them both as I arose and
went down the stairs.
There the little angels were, sitting on
opposite ends of the couch giggling and looking
innocent as if nothing had happened. I love 'em.
I could strangle them, but I love 'em. Where was
dear hubby during all of this you ask? Where any
other loving father would be, in the recliner
sound asleep. He wasn't shaken by their
struggles, he knows that eventually they will
work it all out. It's a part of growing up.
How our loving Father puts up with us I will
never know. Don't you know that even though we
may not be shouting out all our thoughts, they
reach His ears anyway. It must be maddening to
Him, to be bombarded by a zillion selfish
children's thoughts all expressing anger,
opinions, judgements and criticizms. How pleasing
it must be to have the sounds of tender love and
forgiveness reach His majestic ears. Perhaps this
is one of the things that are meant in Heb 3:18
." . . .And to whom did He swear that they
would not enter His rest, but to those who did
not obey?" Read the whole chapter. It refers
to mumbling complaining ungrateful children. His
children. How could they ever understand His rest
or enter in when they are so churned within their
hearts with bitterness? His rest is one that He
dwells in. One of gentleness, peace, patience,
kindness, self-control, love and joy.
If we are tired, perhaps we should re-examine
why we are not entering His rest. . . . 'eh?
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
You know the depth of loving by the
degree of giving.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WASH ME!!!
By HoldOn2Him
As I walked out into the parking ramp where my
car is parked during the day, I noticed something
that annoys me every time I see it. On the back
of a black vehicle were the words "wash
me." Someone used their clean finger and
took it upon themselves to make known that this
car was dirty. I looked at that and thought of
how angry I would have been had that been my car.
The rest of the day this silly little phrase
stuck in my mind. The more I thought about it the
angrier I became.
I wanted to sit in the parking ramp until the
one who committed the crime of making the dirt
known was apprehended. How dare this individual
make the filth of another so obvious? What right
did they have to do this? What if someone did
that to my car? Then the whole world would know
that my car was dirty. Before anyone makes a mark
in the dirt, not a soul will notice it. Take your
finger and swipe away dirt in just one place and
the whole world notices. ItŐs kind of like the
dust on our TV screens. (yes, ours gets dusty).
Well, I did recover from this parking ramp
incident and did go home. However, my brain was
not yet done with this little brain wave. In my
prayers and introspection of late, I have been
doing a little heart cleansing. I asked the Lord
to begin showing me areas that needed to be
cleansed. Unlike the incident with the car, God
did not swipe His finger across my heart exposing
the dirt to the whole world. He is. with His
Word, showing me that I too need to be cleansed.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a clean heart oh God,
and renew a right spirit within me. As I look at
this simple request I am mindful of one thing. In
order for God to create a clean heart . . . I
MUST make room for the transformation. In order
to make room, there are some things that must go.
As these things move out, His Holy Spirit will
gently fill those places.
As 1998 begins, I challenge you to look deep
within your own heart and to begin asking God to
wash you.
Much Love to you in Christ Jesus,
Amo
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
ANNOUNCING!!
SPECIAL ADDITION Joy In The Kitchen
Newsletters Once a month beginning the first of
January, you will receive a SPECIAL EDITION of
the JITK highlighting the Theme Topic Chat for
that month. In these SPECIAL EDITIONS, you will
read testimonies of people who have been set free
from various bondages and trials in their lives,
as well as from those who still find themselves
groping in the dark trying to find their way out.
Included will be Web Sites, and books as well as
various resources which will help you.
You may be struggling with a particular issue
yourself and feel that you are all alone, or have
a family member or friend or congregational
member which is crying out for help. It is our
wish that this information will help open your
eyes and better facillitate deliverance and give
hope.
Due to the nature of these chats and topics,
all names, unless otherwise requested will be
kept confidential. You are welcome to come in
anonymous screen names to chats that you feel
might be of particular interest to you, and if
you are needing to connect with other ministries
or HAVE aparticular ministry which you would like
to network with Sarah's Tent for this purpose,
please contact me, Shannon Parish at JoyfulArt@aol.com.
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.
For more information, please contact JoyfulArt
or Tcmah96 for a schedule of the chats.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The root of giving is loving
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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.
We have sisters in Albania, Indonesia, and
Africa. 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 is 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.
Drop them a line and let them know they are
not forgotten.
-----------
Submitted by PetraB1033
You are probably aware of the three New Tribes
missionaries that have been kept hostage by the
guerillas since Janary, 31, 1993. One of my
friends with New Tribes Mission keeps me posted
on the situation and I thought you might be
interested.
The wives of the three hostages were recently
on the Larry King Live show and on the NBC Today
Show. They are trying to get more public exposure
to the situation.
NTM RELEASE #54 - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1997
FROM: NEW TRIBES MISSION CRISIS MANAGEMENT
COMMITTEE TO: NTM FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Regional elections have taken place in spite
of attempts by the guerrillas to halt them. They
have, however, through murder, kidnapping and
extortion, affected the outcome in many outlying
areas. Even now the killing has not stopped as
newly elected politicians are being targeted for
assassination. We expect a calm through the
holiday period to mid-January and then begins the
storm leading up to national elections in May. In
the midst of all this violence our missionaries
are working tirelessly in Bogota to accomplish
Bible translation and teaching material projects.
It's difficult to maintain motivation and to
acquire fresh language help when they have to
work from the city. Pray that God would grant
them encouragement to continue their labors.
Over the last two months we've received still
other reports, two from foreign government
officials, that FARC has admitted to them that
they have our men. Again this is not legal proof
of life but it continues to add weight to the
hope that Dave, Rick and Mark are still alive.
The wives have been running ragged these past 2
months. Upon their return from England where they
spoke at a human rights conference and met with
Amnesty International, they were whisked off to
Venezuela for a major heads of state conference
on human rights. While they were not allowed to
address the leaders from all over Latin America,
Spain nd Portugal, they were able to meet
personally with many leaders. During these
private meetings the wives were able to secure
promises of assistance from at least 5 critical
countries whom we believe have some influence
with FARC. We were also able to enlist the aid of
the news media. We had major TV, radio and
newspaper coverage within Venezuela and some
reporters came down from the U.S. solely to cover
the story of the NTM missionaries.
Since returning to the US in mid-October the
wives have been trying their best to satisfy all
the media demands for interviews. Many of you saw
their appearance on Larry King Live and some saw
them on the 700 Club. They are scheduled to
appear on NBC Today Show on January 2 and
featured on Dobson's Focus on the Family on
January 12. Other secular and Christian media
requests are coming in and we appreciate the
coverage this case is getting. We are trusting
that it will validate our case in the eyes of
governments and human rights groups when we
approach them for assistance. We also hope that
FARC is feeling some pressure from all this and
becomes willing to release our men in order to
avoid further negative exposure.
This is a tough time for the wives, children
and other family members. Not only have they
faced another Christmas without their loved one
but January 31 marks the 5th year our men have
been held. That will be a tough time as well. Add
to that all the travel and media demands on the
wives and you have a formula for some very
exhausted ladies, both physically and
emotionally. Please remember to pray for the
families especially during this holiday season
and the upcoming kidnapping anniversary date.
Also pray for us on the Crisis Team as we seek to
develop and manage these media events to further
a strategy we trust the Lord will use to see our
men released. This holiday season is a time of
hope and we maintain our hope that our Lord will
accomplish His purpose and return Dave, Rick and
Mark to us and their families. Thank you for
standing by us in prayer and finances throughout
this past year. Your prayers are not in vain and
we appreciate your participation with us as we
seek together God's hand in securing the release
of our dear brothers. May it be soon.
NEW TRIBES MISSION
1000 E. First St.
Sanford, FL 32771-1487
(407) 323-3430 - Fax (407) 330-0376
E-Mail - ntm@ntm.org
Thanks for praying. One of these men has children
who do not remember him.
Brenda
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Heb 13:3
3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with
them-- those who are mistreated--
since you yourselves are in the body also.
(NKJ)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Your care for others
is the measure
of your greatness.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Gal 5:1
Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which
Christ has made us free, and do
not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
POT LUCK!
BEST EVER LEMON PIE
By RevrndSkip
1 BAKED 9-INCH PIE SHELL
1 1/4 CUPS SUGAR
6 TABLESPOONS CORNSTARCH
2 CUPS WATER
1/3 CUP LEMON JUICE
3 EGG YOLKS
1 1/2 TEASPOONS LEMON EXTRACT
2 TEASPOONS VINEGER
3 TABLESPOONS BUTTER
Mix sugar and cornstarch together in the top of a
double boiler. Add the two
cups of water. Combine egg yolks with lemon juice
and beat until well mixed.
Add to the rest of the sugar mixture. Cook over
boiling water until thick,
about 25 minutes. This does away with the starchy
taste. Now add the lemon
extract, butter and vinegar, and stir thoroughly.
Pour mixture into deep
9-inch pie shell, and let cool. Cover with
meringue, brown in oven.
NEVER FAIL MERINGUE
1 TABLESPOON CORNSTARCH
2 TABLESPOONS COLD WATER
* CUP BOILING WATER
3 EGGS WHITES
6 TABLESPOONS SUGAR
1 TABLESPOON VANILLA
PINCH OF SALT
Blend cornstarch and cold water in a saucepan.
Add boiling water, and cook,
stirring until clear and thickened. Let stand
until COMPLETELY cold. With
electric beater at high speed, beat egg whites
until foamy. Gradually add
sugar and beat until stiff but not dry. Turn
mixer to low speed; add salt and
vanilla. Gradually beat in cold cornstarch
mixture. Turn mixture again to
high, and beat well. Spread meringue over cooled
pie filling. Bake at 350
degrees for 10 minutes or until top is lightly
browned.
For even MORE recipes, click on these!! More
Recipes and Once-a-Month
Cooking (OAMC)
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Common courtesy prevails in peaceful
homes.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
~ 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
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Really Important Stuff Kids Have Taught Me
Submitted by Pattie
1. It's more fun to color outside the lines.
2. If you're gonna draw on the wall, do it behind
the couch.
3. Ask why until you understand.
4. Hang on tight.
5. Even if you've been fishing for 3 hours and
haven't gotten anything except poison ivy and a
sunburn, you're still better off than the worm.
6. Make up the rules as you go along.
7. It doesn't matter who started it.
8. Ask for sprinkles.
9. If the horse you're drawing looks more like a
dog, make it a dog.
10. Save a place in line for your friends.
11. Sometimes you have to take the test before
you've finished studying.
12. If you want a kitten, start out asking for a
horse.
13. Picking your nose when no one else is looking
is still picking your nose.
14. Just keep banging until someone opens the
door.
15. Making your bed is a waste of time.
16. There is no good reason why clothes have to
match.
17. Even Popeye didn't eat his spinach until he
absolutely had to.
18. You work so hard peddling up the hill that
you hate to brake on the way down.
19. You can't ask to start over just because
you're losing the game.
Posted From [GCFL Good Clean Funnies List]
Submitted to PattieRWR by one of my buddies
who just got her husband back in church after six
years of marriage, Praise the Lord! The Most
Important Thing I Know...
"My grandmother told me that every good
thing I do helps some human being in the world. I
believed her fifty years ago and I still
do." ~Maya Angelou Poet
"The only thing that separates any one of
us from excellence is fear, and the opposite of
fear is faith. I am careful not to confuse
excellence with perfection. Excellence I can
reach for, perfection is God's business."
~Michael J. Fox Actor
The quotes above are from the book The Most
Important Thing I Know, edited by Lorne A.
Adrain. It's available online BarnesandNoble@aol
The World's Largest Bookseller Online Home Page
for around $10.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CHUCKLES
In response to last week's article on
"Hair". . . . this comes from
AndreaLou:
I have three girls and BOY OH BOY could I
identify with your tale.
I didn't "listen" to my little
Lorrie Anne when she kept telling me she wanted
her hair short. Last July 3rd, our little Miss
Independence cut her own hair while I was at the
grocery store. I had to take her to the salon to
even it out as much as possible, but on her 5th
birthday--the very next day--she was all grins
and giggles--FREEDOM.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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.)
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