The Seed is in the Ground

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. Isaiah 11:1

We are thankful for the abundance of Christmas cards that flooded our mailbox over the Christmas season, reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas. Just as the Christmas cards began to dwindle from the mail, the seed catalogs began to come. As I peruse the pages and think of longer warmer days I am reminded that the seed is in the ground and now is when I need to be tending the gardens, the spiritual gardens. 

Right now is when people have Jesus on their minds. Right now is the season of planting spiritual seeds. Right now is the time to encourage those seeds to grow. Next week, people will  make New Year's resolutions. How can I encourage them to not just make a resolution but begin a new habit of regular church attendance, daily Bible reading, and creating a War Room of prayer for our families, friends, communities, and nation. 

Jesus tells us He is the vine. We are the branches. (John 15:5) If we are attached to Him we will bear much fruit. I love verse 7.

 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 

If we have God's word abiding in our hearts we will ask for things that will be in accordance to His will and He will perform it. 

What will you ask of God? Will it be for family or friends or your community or your nation? 

Will it be for peace on earth, goodwill to men? 

The seeds of Christmas have been planted. It is up to us now to water and bear fruit in the new year.

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Do you like for mom and dad to read you a bedtime story? 

How many stories do you ask for? 

Could you ask for one more? Add your children's Bible or Bible storybook to the reading stash each night. 

You will discover things about God you never knew; and you'll learn to bear fruit for Christ. 

Lend a Hand

 

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Last night we went to watch the grands skate at the seasonal rink in town. I never learned to roller skate and never had the opportunity to learn to ice skate and I'm not risking broken bones to learn now. But there was something that I can learn from watching ice skating. That is the love and concern for those who are circling our lives. 

As I watched, I saw families come together, supporting one another, teaching one another, helping one another making it around a small slick circle of ice. Strangers were also kind to lend a hand. There was no anger, not even a frown, when someone caused a fall. There was always a laugh and a helping hand.

It reminded me of a song that says, "Why can't every day be like Christmas?" I think the real question is why can't everyday be filled with kindness and joy?  A helping hand, a kind word of instruction, a genuine smile will go a long way to help others see Jesus. Falls will happen. May we learn to laugh it off, get back up  and love again.

Merry Christmas,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Can you think of ways to be helpful and kind during the Christmas season?

Does a younger kid need a helping hand to learn a new skill or figure out how a new toy works?

Does Mom need a helping hand picking up wrapping paper? 

Does Dad need a hand with the fire wood?

Being a willing helper, helps us learn new skills too. Maybe Dad will let you help with the fire if you tote the wood.  :) :) :)

Love or Noise?

Though I speak with the tongue of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal. I Corinthians 13:1

On one end of my deck I have a small ceramic wind-chime. It looks so innocent and has a hollow little sound. On the other side of the deck hangs my big red barn bird-feeder. My kitchen window gives a close-up view of the bird-feeder. I love watching the cardinals and titmice and other birds that come to enjoy the sunflower seeds. Today there was a tiny back-capped chickadee. But the wind was calm.

As long as the wind is still the birds flock to my feeder. The slightest breeze brings the tinkling of the wind-chime. The stronger the wind, the louder the clanging. The more the noise, the fewer birds come to the feeder.

Though we speak with the tongues of men and of angels..... Does Bible thumping really work? Is an attitude of "sic 'um" effective? Or do calm, thoughtful words make a bigger impact? What is charity anyway? Isn't it love in action? Feeding the birds is a form of love in action. They are fed and I get to enjoy their antics. I don't have to impress them with all my knowledge of birds or songs. They know about songs. They're birds. If I want to draw them within sight, all I have to do is feed them.

We want to feed people with the word of God but our attitudes sometimes causes a banging and clanging that drives people away. It's the still quiet warm spirit that draws people to Christ. We want to see people come to the saving knowledge of Christ, but do we need to condemn what they believe or do we need to simply demonstrate the love of Christ in our lives so they will want to know the truth.

We may speak the truth, but we need to make sure it's falling on open ears. We can show people Jesus without telling them how wrong their beliefs are. Arguing gets us nowhere. Unexpected loving actions will make a much longer lasting impression.

When our lights shine before men that they see our good works, then God will get all the glory. Now is probably the easiest and hardest time to begin. It's Christmas, the giving season. We might easily get in the habit of a giving spirit if we begin to practice it now and not let ourselves get stressed out over all the presents and parties that need to be attended.

Hey Kids:
You can give the unexpected too.
Does your room need cleaning?
Is there a kid at school who needs a friend?
Does someone need you to share your lunch with them?
Does little brother or sister need someone to play with?
All of those situations give a chance for conversation - conversation about how Jesus has changed your life.

Will we be doers of the word and not hearers only? 

How can  we show others Jesus this Christmas season?

Blessings,

Gail

Hanukkah and Christmas?

And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. John 10:22,23

What does the feast of dedication have to do with Christmas? Could it be that we wouldn't have Christmas if there had not been a Hanukkah? 

I'm certainly not an authority on Hanukkah but I think I have a grasp on the gist of the story. Really everything in Jewish history has an affect on Christmas. If Adam and Eve had not sinned in the garden there would have been no need for Christmas or Calvary. It all started at the Beginning. God told Eve that it would be her seed that would bruise Satan's head and that Satan would bruise His heel. 

All through history, Satan has tried to destroy God's people so Christmas would never come. Think about Abraham and Isaac. Imagine an old man over 100 years old, tying up a teenager to offer the teen as a burnt sacrifice. Isaac could have easily broke away and run like crazy. But no, Isaac was obedient to his father, even as Jesus was obedient to His Father, even unto death. God spared Isaac's life because he couldn't die for our sins. But the Father did not spare His only Son. While we were yet sinners Christ died for us. 

Think about Esther. God put her through tragic events to make her the queen who would save her people. If Haman had won, the Jews would have been destroyed. There would have been no special people to receive God's Son. There would be no Christmas.

Think about Hanukkah. The Greeks had come in to change the culture of the Hebrews to the Greek culture, language and religion. A pig was sacrificed on the temple alter. The brave family of the Maccabees fought for Israel and the temple. They cleansed the temple but there was only enough oil to light the lamp for one night. It would take a week to make more oil. They demonstrated their faith and love by reclaiming the temple and lighting the lamp. God demonstrated His love and power by keeping the lamp burning for eight days while the oil was being made. 

What would have happened if the Maccabees had not reclaimed the temple? The religion of the true God would have been destroyed and there would have been no Christmas.  

Think about King Herod's attempt to kill the baby Jesus by killing all the children under two years old. If Joseph had not listened to God and taken Jesus to Egypt, there would have been no Calvary, no sacrifice for our sins. 

Even to this day, Satan attempts to end Christianity. Satan knows his time is short. No matter what we see on the news, be reassured, God is not dead nor doth He sleep. He is in control. God wins.  

Blessing at Hanukkah and Christmas

Gail

Hey Kids:

As the holidays approach, why not take a few minutes each day to create an advent tree. 

Discover an Old Testament Bible story with Mom and Dad. 

Talk about how the story led to the events of the first advent of Christ, Christmas.

Draw a small picture on card stock and add the reference for the story. 

Each day add your picture card to a tree to remind you of the coming of Christmas.

On Christmas day be sure to read and celebrate the Christmas story, drawing and adding it as the last picture to the tree OR continue to add pictures like the wisemen and the flight to Egypt to finish the Christmas story. 

After Christmas save these pictures for next year's Advent Tree. 

Let's Build a Snowman!

But now hath God set the members everyone of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.   

I Corinthians 12:18-20

We're planning a Christmas party here at God's Two Acres. We're all bringing recipes/instructions for building an edible snowman. I saw the coolest little marshmallow cupcake snowman on a commercial the other day, but now I can't seem to find it online. Guess I'll have to depend on memory and guesswork. 

I'm glad God didn't depend on guesswork when he constructed me or when he built His church. When we build snowmen, we build the body, then add the eyes, a carrot nose, a mouth, the scarf and buttons, arms, and maybe a broomstick. Everything is joined together and balanced so the snowman doesn't tumble over; and he looks like a recognizable resemblance of a person. We're copying, though ever so poorly, the greatest creation of God - a person. Children often complain of copycats but I always tell them a copycat is paying the highest form of flattery because others wouldn't try to copy something they didn't think was good. Snowmen are a lot like Christians. They're white! Salvation washes away our sin and makes us whiter than snow (Ps. 51:7).

God compares the church to the human body. Every member of the church has a special job, a purpose that helps that particular church and advances the kingdom of God. If we all tried to be the pastor, who would lead singing or sing in the choir? If we all tried to play the piano or organ, what a racket; and where would be the preaching? If we all tried to teach, who would listen? Even the jobs no one notices are important. We definitely would notice a dirty sanctuary and a smelly bathroom. In smaller churches we may multi-task to get all the work done but we still have to work together for everything to work correctly. And like a snowman, the church must be made of individuals whose sins have been washed away. The church must be whiter than snow. 

How do you fit into the work of the church? First you must be born again or you cannot be part of a church. Then God will put you in the position He feels best suited for your abilities.  Never feel your work is unimportant or is more important than someone else. Remember that those who were given talents were held accountable for using those talents and then given more according to their abilities (Matt 25:14-30). 

Blessings for a white Christmas,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Wanna build an edible snowman?

Have mom or dad help you make a batch of cupcakes.

You'll need some white icing ( confectioner sugar, melted butter and a tablespoon or two of milk will make plenty).

A couple of marshmallows for each cupcake.

Eyes and mouth may be chocolate chips.

A nose can be candy corn or jelly beans.

Chocolate chips again for buttons.

A fruit rollup cut in strips will make a nice scarf.

Pretzels are easy arms.

A chocolate cream cookie, aka Oreo, twisted and opened can be the base of the hat

a mini Reese's cup will make the top of the hat.  

Frost the top of each cupcake. 

Add the first marshmallow.

Place a dab a icing on the top of the first marshmallow and add the second marshmallow.

More icing on top of the second marshmallow and add the base of the hat.

Icing on the hat base, then add the Reese's piece.

The additional pieces may be pushed into the marshmallows or stuck on with a dab more icing for glue. 

Roll down a small clear gift bag. Place a base if white sugar, then place the snowman on top. Gently lift the bag up over the snowman. Tie the top off with a twist tie and maybe a little ribbon. Now you have gifts for friends and family. 

Give Thanks

O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. 
Psalms 105:1

You know that picture in our minds we all get of the Indian brave who walks into the Pilgrim village in the spring of 1621 to show the Pilgrims how to plant corn? Wasn’t his name Squanto? Or didn’t any one ever tell you about Squanto?

This Thanksgiving tale of the Indian who greeted the Pilgrims with an English “Welcome” and then taught them to plant corn and fish, always seemed to me to be just that – a tale, until I learned how God had brought it all about - A slave ship sailing along a shore, kidnapping young boys and taking them back to Spain; an entire tribe wiped out by disease; a lone man returning from Europe to find no one left. There’s far more to the truth than meets the eye here. God is always taking the evil man devises and turning it into good for those that love him. The slave traders of Europe had meant it for evil against the Indians but God used it for good for the people who came seeking to worship him in a new land.

In the Bible Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. They thought he probably died in Egypt until they went there to buy food. Who should they find to provide for them, but their own brother, in control of all the food of Egypt. Joseph’s brothers meant it for evil against Joseph, but God had used it for good.

Tragedy seems to surround us on every hand, but God has not left us alone. He is working all things for our good. Pray for those involved in all the tragedies. Help wherever you can. Do not be afraid, because God is with us through every circumstance.

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids!

What can you find out about the first Thanksgiving? About Squanto? What can you tell this Thanksgiving about God’s goodness to you and to God’s people? Won’t you share God’s blessings with us, so that we too might rejoice with you?

The One Less Traveled

There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Proverbs 14:12 NKJV

I love Cades Cove and my favorite spot is the John Oliver cabin. The walk to and from the cabin is a spectacular view. Thousands, probably millions walk the trail to the cabin every year. It's incredible how quiet and respectful everyone seems to be. With so many others surrounding you, there is still that sense of peace and quiet. We've all come looking for the same thing, I suppose, peace and quiet. Out behind the cabin, other trails lead off into the woods. I don't know that I have ever ventured down any of them very far. They seem just a quieter place to sit and contemplate. But most of us are hurrying to the next point of interest and don't have the time to sit. We turn and go back among the busy crowd as quickly as we came.

A quiet place to contemplate - most people don't really want that quiet place. We don't have to think about things when our lives are busy and filled with noise. We complain, but when confronted with quiet we often turn to the TV or radio or social media. Even now, we are rushing into Christmas, almost overlooking the Thanksgiving season of quiet contemplation of the blessings of our merciful God. We gather together to eat in ten minutes the foods it has taken hours, perhaps days to prepare. Then we settle into a football game. Did we really stop and contemplate the blessings we have received or the One who daily loads us up with these benefits? 

Our title is from a poem by Robert Frost. He knew his choice of "the road" he traveled would make all the difference in his life. Our choice will make all the difference in our lives as well. Actually, it will make an eternal difference. If we allow the noisy, busy-ness of our lives to hinder us from considering the love and goodness of the God who gave His only Son for very souls, if we fail to receive the salvation He so freely offers, we miss the very point of living. The road to destruction seems like the way to go. It's wide and filled with lots of the attractions and distractions the world has to offer. It's the way everyone else is going. But the road less traveled is narrow and straight. Very few travel this road. It's a little rough and lonely, but you'll have time to talk and listen to God. Jesus says He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. For me, it's worth traveling on the road less taken. It's the road that leads to Life.

Won't you share with us the blessings God has shown to you this week in your times of quiet?

Gail 

Hey Kids:

Have you stopped to notice the leaves? Is there a tree you can go sit under, draw up your knees and just soak in the beauty of creation? Maybe you could take a drawing tablet or a notebook and journal your thoughts and prayers of Thanksgiving. Hey parents: Maybe we could do the same. 

Merry Christmas - Growing in Christ

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:19,20

It was Saturday and as usual my granddaughter came to stay a few hours while mom worked at the bank and dad at the hospital.I waited until she got there to make breakfast so she could help. Blueberry muffins were her choice this morning, so after we mixed and popped them in the oven, we considered what to do on another rainy morning. Naturally, I already had an idea.

It has been on my heart that I see so many people saved, but there is very little follow up teaching them to observe all things. They become worldly Christians, probably through no fault of their own. I'd been talking to my Sunday School class and praying about where do we begin and how? I'd done a personal in depth study of I Corinthians 13. I had heard a preacher say "charity" is "love in action". What actions was I displaying as a Christian? How would I go about practicing "love in action" and teaching new Christians how to grow in the Lord - teaching them to observe all things. This time of year brings an overwhelming amount of requests for donations of all kinds. It's so overwhelming, it sometimes puts me in a Scrooge mood; enough already! But I know of one charity that practices that love in action, one that I do feel comfortable working with.  I thought, this is my opportunity to help my granddaughter know how to grow in the Lord.

While the muffins baked, I let Kady do her favorite thing, play on the computer. Her job was to research Samaritans Purse Operation Christmas Child. She needed to find out about shoe boxes. Here's the site.
http://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/pack-a-shoe-box/
She chose the age and sex of a child. We went over the things that we could purchase and the things we would need to omit from the box. Naturally, I had a shoe box in the closet.  Another thing the site requests is to pack the box with prayers for the child. When I asked Kady who would ask the blessing for breakfast, she asked me to do it. I prayed for the breakfast and for us to know what to buy for the child that would receive the box. I pray today, Kady remembers to keep praying for the child.

So after a couple of hot muffins, we took the shoe box to a nearby dollar store and asked permission to take it  into the store and fill it before bringing it to the check out. When we finally filled the box, she said, "it seems like we've been here a long time." We had probably spent between 30 minutes and to an hour choosing items and changing our mind, choosing more, and trying to squeeze in as much as we could. It may have been a long time, but a fun time.

Back home she wrote a Christmas card. We took a picture of her and printed it to include. She packed the box several times to make sure all the pieces were tight and secure. Then for the nice big rubber band! No wrapping. Samaritan's Purse will need to check all the items to make sure they will pass customs and standards.

We had no idea the church would be participating in Operation Christmas Child this year. We have never done that before. When the pastor announced the church would pack boxes, Kady turned around and sent me a knowing grin. Another scripture came to mind that is important to helping young Christians grow in the Lord. My paraphrase; talk about the things of God when you get up, when you lie down, when you sit at the table, when you walk in the way. Don't forget about Him when life is easy.  Deuteronomy 6: 5-12.

My prayer is this will be imprinted on Kady's heart as well as the child who will receive a Christmas Shoe Box.

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids!

Need I say more? Are you digging in that closet for a box and shaking out the quarters from the piggy bank? Check the site to know exactly what to send to make another kid's Christmas special this year.

This Little Light of Mine

... Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this. Esther 4:14

The world celebrates with witches and ghosts and worse, if there is such a thing. We either join in or try to change the tone to something less evil (let's call it like it is). But is there a way to be in this world and help our children not be of this world? If you homeschool, the answer is yes, but if, like most people your child attends a public school, it becomes ever more difficult to be separate from the world. I teach in a public school because God has opened that door of witness for me. The fall is a difficult time of year for Christian teachers and students because we are bombarded with Halloween. Though jack-o-lanterns have a less than perfect history, they are one thing I can use to create a positive situation. I center my unit on fall farm with pumpkins as the highlighted crop. Of course Old MacDonald gets his place with the animals as well. We get to learn about the night, moon phases, constellations, and nocturnal animals. You know, bats and owls. All of these things, pumpkins, animals, bats, owls, moon, even chilly weather are all part of God's creation and need teaching in a positive way. In my classroom, The Five Little Pumpkins don't say "there are witches in the air". I take the liberty to change the words to "there's a chill in the air". See, it goes right along with fall, not ghouls. 

The day the school celebrates Halloween, we carve a pumpkin. We measure the height and the circumference before we slice into it. When the pumpkin is opened, my pre-K class does all the yucky faces about the "guts". So. I allow each child to reach in and take out the yucky stuff. They then have to count the seeds. The students choose the shapes we will use to carve the face but we discuss the smile; scary, sad, happy, funny. Here is where we discuss that the pumpkin is like us. Is there yucky stuff in us? Does it make us happy or sad? Are we sometimes angry? How do our feelings affect others? If we take the yucky stuff out and replace it with good things, how do we feel? Do we smile or frown? Are we happy or sad? 

Our conclusion is that when we take out the yucky stuff inside of us, then we smile. Our pumpkin gets a smile as well. We add a candle to our jack-o-lantern because just like us, when the yucky stuff is out, our lights shine in our eyes and in our smile. Scholastic has a version of This Little Light of Mine that works well in my secular situation. It shows a girl who helps, takes turns, and shares. Isn't this the way Christians first begin to show others that Jesus has taken out our yucky stuff and replaced it with His Light? Do not our actions speak far louder than our words? 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Hey Kids:

If you carved a pumpkin, I doubt you hid it under a bushel. You probably set it out on the porch or by a haystack or scarecrow. You probably lit a candle for all your neighbors to see. Do you think your neighbors smiled when they saw your pumpkin all lit up? 

Think about ways you can demonstrate Jesus' light. Can you be a helper at school and home and at play with your friends? Can you take turn with your siblings and friends? Can you share your toys with others? You may want to keep a journal of drawings and/or writings of how you felt and how others felt when you let your light shine. 

If I sneaked a peak at your journal, I would probably see a lot of happy faces and stories. Would you allow us the privilege to see a few ways you lighted your world by posting a picture or story?

Blessings and thanksgivings this week,

Gail

Autumn - Showing Our True Colors

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. Psalms 134:2

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 9 million visitors each year. I think all 9 million of us must have chosen this weekend to visit. This was one of the peak weekends for leaves. The views were amazing and no picture can ever capture the feeling of actually being there. The sound of the last cicada trying to whir, the crickets in the leafy sides, the caw of the crows, all added to the peace and drama of the real scene. Yes, there were oodles of people, but for the most part, quiet people releasing the things of this world and absorbing the beauty of God's creation. 

In autumn the true beauty of a leaf shines forth. All the green of spring and summer cover up the real color of a leaf as it tries to create the food necessary to maintain the life of the tree. Green is the color of chlorophyll. As a leaf finishes its job, the chlorophyll no longer controls the leaf and the true color is the beauty we see in fall. 

I got to thinking, people are a lot like leaves. We put on a front while we date or at our jobs or wherever we think it will benefit our lifestyles, but our true colors will eventually shine through. Most of the pictures were taken as we caught our breath on our way up Clingman's Dome. As we rested again at the base of the tower, a young father came up and addressed my husband who was wearing a Christian t-shirt. The father said, " I like your shirt. You must know the Lord." My husband and I affirmed his assumption. "We are to lift His name on high. We're high!" the father said as we shook hands and began our assent up the tower. 

We often feel alone in our walk with the Lord, but when, like the leaves, we let our true colors show, we find there are lots of others around us who want to join us in lifting the name of the Lord on high. The cool autumn air, the quiet of the forest, and the meeting of a brother and his family, felt really good after a long hard week of work. 

Friday night as we sat out on our balcony, a falling star graced the sky. 

Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints! 

Revelations 15:3b NKJV

May you find rest in His marvelous works this week. 

Gail

Hey Kids!

Here's a great site with a leaf experiment so you can see how leaves change colors.

Let us know what kind of leaves you used and how your experiment turned out. We'd love to see pictures too!

http://www.howweelearn.com/science-experiments-for-kids/

Apple Butter and the Church

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts 2:41

The apples are in, here in the Carolinas, so apple butter is in the making. It's really quite simple when you have the right tools. I use a crank apple peeler. I can crank out a 1/2 bushel of apples in about an hour. Try hand peeling that many and see how long it takes. And I have a large turkey roaster that holds my apples. It will cook a 1/2 bushel of apples into apple butter while I sleep. The next day, all I need to do is put it in the jars. The apple peeler will take out the core, peel the apple and slice it into rings all at the same time. I use a large variety of apples so the mixture brings out the best apple flavors. Winesaps and Cameos are my favorites. I also added Mutsu, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and maybe a Gala or two. Add a little apple pie spice and sugar, a few splashes of apple cider and the apples have a new purpose, the makings of great homemade apple butter.

I was thinking about how we tell the kids about the salvation transformation with pumpkins, taking out the yucky stuff and putting the light inside to shine through the smiling face. That put me to thinking about apple butter and the church. Apples have a core with the seeds. The seeds contain a cyanide compound. It won't hurt us to eat the seeds. A person would have to eat a tremendous amount to cause harm but our mothers told us apple seeds were poison. We take out the core before we make apple butter.

We have a core that has to be removed before we can become a Christian. That core will kill us if left inside. You know I'm talking about our sinful heart. We have to allow Jesus to cleanse us of our sins if we want to be saved. That's the first step in becoming part of a church. Just as a rotten apple would spoil the whole batch so an unsaved person will spoil the witness of the whole church.

The appearance of an apple has to change before it becomes apple butter. The peel has to be removed. To leave it on would add a tough consistency to the butter.  It has to become soft, sweetened and spiced to have the right smell and taste. It needs to be cooked on low for several hours to get the tenderness and consistency needed to create great butter.

What do you think we might need to be a great church? With salvation our tough exterior will come off. We become the tender-hearted, loving person that desires to be like Jesus. We become part of a church where we can become that sweet odor of God to the world. Our lives are spiced with the truth of God's word. We are warmed to the things of God. We mix with others who may be of other races and cultures to create a wonderful mix that is able to reach out to a lost world, telling them, once, we too were lost but now we're saved. Once, we too were tough guys who didn't need help. Once, our attitudes stunk, but with Jesus we have a new life and a new attitude and a new purpose.

Apple butter is the best a mix of apples can be. Just put it on a little homemade bread and see how delectable it is. Apple butter on a foundation of homemade bread, that's another analogy in the making. Got it? The church on our foundation, Jesus Christ the Bread of Life.

Be the church sitting strong on our Foundation, Jesus Christ, to a lost world who is searching for truth and purpose.

Blessings.

Gail

Hey Kids

Apple butter can be as easy as pie. If mom has an apple peeler ask if you can help crank. 

Wash and peel about 12 apples.

If you don't have an apple peeler, have an adult peel the apples. 

Slice the apples into small pieces with a plastic picnic knife. 

Place the apples in a crock pot.

Add about 1 cup of apple cider, juice or water.

Add 2 cups of sugar (optional)

Stir in 2 1/2 tsp of apple pie spice.

Place the lid on the crock pot and turn on low overnight. Stir once in awhile, especially in the morning until the apples have cooked down to the consistency you desire.

Sterilize 4-6 jelly glasses (1/2 pint jars)

Spoon apple butter into glasses.

Bring to a boil in a water bath and boil 5 minutes.

If you don't have a water bath, place several table knives in the bottom of a large pot. Place the jars on top of the knives so they don't touch the bottom of the pot. Cover with water and boil the same way as with a water bath. 

S.O.A.P. Wash Me and I Shall Be Whiter Than Snow

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Last week was Promotion Sunday at our little church, so today was the first day of the new classes. I wanted to make sure everyone knew how to use S.O.A.P. so I reviewed and introduced it to the class today. We used John 12:1-11. Though I have shown this method before, I thought you might be interested in a refresher on how to use S.O.A.P. as well. You might want to buy or make a journal to record your daily readings.

S. Scripture - Prayerfully read a chapter and allow God to impress one or two verses on your heart. Copy that scripture as the heading of today's reading.

O. Observation -  In your own words, what are your observations about the context of the verse? 

A. Application - How has God impressed upon you to apply these verses in today's world? 

P. Prayer - Write your prayer about applying this scripture in your life.

The verse we took from John 12: 1-11 was verse 9. Much people of the Jews therefore knew that he was there: and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. 

Our observation was that people came to see Lazarus because he knew what it was like to be dead and then come back to life. They probably had questions like; "Did you go toward a light? Was it scary? Did you hover around and watch people as they mourned for you? Did you go to paradise or heaven?" One of the biggest take aways we had was that Lazarus was a man just like the people and they wanted to see someone whose life God had resurrected from death to a new life.

Our application became our Christian walk. We say we are Christians and people watch us every day to see how God has changed us, how He has delivered us from a lost/dead state to a new/resurrected life in Christ. Usually folks don't really come to church looking for God. They come because someone invited them. People want to see how God can change us in such a way that we are new people/creatures in Christ. They've never known what it is like to have their lives completely changed. They are curious to see how it works. 

Our prayer was of course personal and individual but here's my thoughts.

Father, help me demonstrate my life in Christ every day that others might see the wonderful change Jesus makes in my life because I have asked for forgiveness and salvation. May others be so affected by the change that it would cause them to turn to Jesus as well. In Christ name. Amen

Where will you be using SOAP this week? Won't  you share the insights God has given you?

Blessings,

Gail 

Hey Kids:

Paul wrote these words to young Timothy. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

II Timothy 3:15.

You can use S.O.A.P. You may want to do your own study or find out where your parents will be studying each day. God may reveal something different to you that you can share at family alter. God has something for each of us no matter how old or how young. We'd love for you to share with us, but most importantly, share with your family and demonstrate Christ to others.  

It's Too Late to Build a Boat Now - Or Is It?

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. II Peter 3: 9,10

We are feeling the results of Joaquin here in the Upstate of SC. Our talking about the weather always begins, "Have you built your boat yet?" It's not just wet yards and flooded sidewalks. Creeks and rivers are out of their banks. Roads are closed and the deluge continues. But one day next week there will be sunshine and rainbows. I know this because God's promise when He sent the rainbow, was to never flood the earth again. He didn't say He wouldn't destroy the earth again, just that next time it wouldn't be water. 

Noah didn't build an ark in a few weeks or months. It probably took over a hundred years. During that time he was warning the people of the destruction to come. His great grandfather, Enoch even prophesied the flood when he named his son Methuselah. One of the meanings of Methuselah is that "when he is gone judgement will come." Methuselah died the year of the flood. Methuselah's son was Lamech and Lamech named Noah, whose name means "rest". The earth did have rest from wickedness when the flood came, but until that time a family spent hundreds of years trying to warn people to turn from their wickedness and seek God. God was not being slack by asking that family to preach hundreds of years. He was being longsuffering, merciful, not will that any should perish. We don't know if anyone listened during those hundreds of years, but we do know when Noah and his family entered the ark, all that were to be saved were inside.

God is not being slack now. I'm thinking we may be the ones who are slack. We are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Who are our neighbors? We are commanded to love one another. Are we in fellowship with the Christians around us? We are commanded to love our enemies. How's that work? Though we speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity, we are nothing. Charity - love in action. How are our actions demonstrating love? God is not slack concerning His promises. When He comes He will destroy the earth with fire. We have no idea how long that will be. So even if it takes hundreds of years, will He find us working, loving, warning the lost of the day of destruction? 

Even as Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech and Noah worked hundreds of years preaching the coming destruction, so must we be diligent in telling others that destruction is coming and there is only one way out. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father but by Him. 

Blessings on your work in Christ this week, 

Gail

Hey Kids,

Do you know what your name means? Have your parents told you why they chose your special name? Who are the people in your family who have sought to serve the Lord? How did they accomplish that service? You might want to do a little family history research this week. You may be surprised at the wonderful things you discover. Please feel welcome to share your discoveries with us. 

Charity - Love in Action

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or tinkling cymbal. I Corinthians 13:1

Our Sunday School teacher challenged us to not only read I Corinthians 13, but study it, understand it, make it apply to our lives. He defined charity as love in action. I took the challenge and read the chapter, then I began to go back and look at each verse individually.

Sometimes as I sit at my dining room table I can hear the tinkle of wind chimes out on the deck. It seems a pleasant sound at the first, but the more it sounds the more annoying it becomes. It annoys the birds as well. They don't visit the feeder as much if the chimes are sounding. The more the wind blows, the louder the chimes, the fewer the birds. Sure the wind has something to do with the birds not coming to the feeder, but loud noises also keep birds away.

In Matthew 13:31 Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed, which is the smallest of seeds but when it is grown the birds come and lodge in it. Here in our area, the mustard plant is a small thing we pick and cook as greens, but in the dry climate of the middle east the mustard seed will grow into a bush where the birds come and lodge. Lodge - what picture does that bring to mind? If we find lodging we expect food and shelter. Birds are a lot like us. They flock to places where they can find shelter and nourishment, a place to raise their young. Birds are driven away by noises, regardless of the food, water and shelter offered them.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels.... though I sound so eloquent and have not charity - no love in action, I am like the annoying sounds of brass and the constant tinkling of cymbals. In other words, Christians who are always sounding out against things are scaring off the very flocks they seek to attract. The stronger the storms, the louder the noise, the more the flocks scatter.

People don't want to know what you are against. They want to know what you as a Christian are for. Are you for them? Do you care about the storms they are facing? Are you willing to reach out and help? Jesus reached out to help people who did not know him - the man with the withered hand, the lame man, a blind man, people who were hungry. Because He was willing to reach out, He gained believers.

May we all open the doors to our War Rooms and seek God's face as to whom we need to be ministering, to whom we need to show love in our actions. May we let people, all people know we are for them and so is God. We can hate the sin, but we must love the sinner.

Father, Help me be a calming voice connected to loving arms to hold the trembling in life's storms. In Jesus name. Amen.

Hey Kids:
Do you know someone who needs a friend? What about someone who needs help? Are there people to whom you could show love? Why not ask the Lord whom He would have you reach out to.

Blessings,

Gail

Drinking at the Fountain

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14

Can you see the little chicks enjoying the grass near the fresh water? Everything looked good on that day, but ... the week got busy and I got home late. I thought there would be plenty of water in that big can. When I checked on the chickens today, they were fine, but the can was bone dry. Another day and I may have lost my chickens! They did need a drink!

The dry bucket immediately brought an old hymn to mind. "I'm drinking at the fountain that never shall run dry. I'm dwelling in Beulah Land." Just like my chickens, we need a physical drink of water everyday. Jesus offers us a different kind of water. He offers us the water of life. When we accept His offer, repenting of our sin, we will never thirst spiritually, because He will fill us with the Holy Spirit every minute of every day. All we ever need to do is look to Him and be filled. Many of my family and friends are going through trying times but they have the assurance that Jesus will carry them through. They are drawing from that well of Living Water.

If you are struggling with all that life is throwing at you, if you just need a cool drink of spiritual water, Jesus is waiting, offering you a drink from the well that never will run dry.

HEY KIDS: 
How long do you think it will take for your glass of water to evaporate?
What if you pour it into a bowl instead of a glass?
Will the temperature make a difference in the rate of evaporation?

You may want to give this experiment a try, then think how life affects you.
Do you think things are going along fine until life "spills out"?
How about if the heat is on because of a major test?
They say prayer will never be taken out of schools as long as there are tests.

Prayer is the bucket to dip into the well of Living Water, not just for kids but for us all.

Blessings,

Gail

Children - Asset or Liability

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.

 Proverbs 17:6

I'm late with the post again this week, but I have an excuse! Actually, it's not an excuse. It's because we put the children first. Last week we were camping with our older grandchildren. This week we were helping out with the younger grandchild as we awaited the birth of her baby sister. I think all of those experiences are important business. 

Our newest granddaughter was due on her sister's birthday, but she chose to come a day early. Good choice Molly Fern. Now you both have your own special day. Two sets of grandparents doted over the older sister, even providing a grandparent birthday party because Mom and Dad were indisposed. Baby sister had her special day as well. We held and photographed, ooohhh-ed and aaaahhh-ed, wrapped and unwrapped counted fingers and toes, then cuddled and gazed. How amazing to see your own children brought into the world, but to see your children's children is truly a special blessing. 

As we left, Papa said, "How can anyone suck the brains from a little child, then lay down and sleep at night?" I totally understood what he was saying. We are seeing so much on TV and social media about partial birth abortion and the selling a baby body parts. How do people manage to sleep at night? But then, how active are we in preventing these atrocities against children? Are we teaching morals to our children through example and not just through talk? Are we supporting pregnancy centers for unwed mothers? Are we reaching out to support mothers or adopt their children? 

We can't just be against abortion. We have to be actively for the children. 

Often we say, we just don't know what to do. We don't know how to help. Maybe we can start here. Won't you share your ideas for helping children and their mothers? 

And don't forget the post-abortion moms. They need our love and forgiveness to work through the great tragedies in their lives. How can we love and support them as well?

Guys, men need support too. The children belong to us all. I pray we will all find ways to help. The children are our most important asset. They will never be a liability if we view them as precious gifts from God. 

Blessings,

Gail     

Fishing

And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19

I'm a little late posting this week. We finally had the opportunity to get away for a few days, so we took the grands camping. The campground was on Lake Julian Price in Western NC. Kady and I hiked part way around the lake looking for wildlife. She spotted some fish off the pier but she didn't have a pole or bait to "haul in a catch".

We observed three boys fishing along the water's edge. Each one had a pole, a bobber, bait and the excitement to get the job done. We noticed how attentive they were to their poles and especially to the bobbers. The slightest jiggle and the boys were ready to reel in a fish. They were teaching the younger boys how it was done. Regardless of who got a bite, all the boys were excited and encouraging. They never knew we were watching. The excitement rubbed off on us too. Even on the other side of the lake we heard them yelp about a catch. Kady was almost jumping up and down. "They got one! They got one!"

Jesus said to follow Him and he would make us fishers of men. How does that work? Notice first, it's in the plural. Fishing is not a one person job. We need partners and equipment. We need knowledge of the scripture. We need prayer. And we need to study and pray together. People, like fish, are hungry. Only, people are hungry for something to fill the empty spot in their hearts. Jesus is the bait, if you will, the food. He is the bread of life. He is the only way to peace and happiness.

When we bring along the necessities of "fishing for men" we also need to bring along the excitement and the encouragement and the love that will make the difference. There needs to be that joy that is evident even to observers when one is saved.

Too bad Kady and I didn't have a pole and bait. Joining in the fishing would have been great fun. Fishing for men is fun and exciting as well, if we always come equipped. Do you have the equipment and a partner to go fishing for men? Won't you share your fishing experiences with us?

Blessings,

Gail

Hey Kids:

Maybe someone you know would love to take an afternoon to do a little fishing. We'd love to see your pictures. 

A Quart of Sauerkraut

Ye are the salt of the earth.... Matthew 5:13a

This week at God's Two Acres I've made sauerkraut. Not a churn full like Grandma used to make, but a quart or a 1/2 gallon at a time. A medium head of cabbage that weighs about 3 pounds will make about a quart. I took off the outer leaves and quartered the cabbage. After I removed the core, I shredded it in my food processor but I could have used the slicer side of a four-sided grater or simply used a knife. 

Then I added the salt and worked it into the cabbage until the cabbage began to wilt. A wooden spoon was useful to pack the wilted cabbage into a wide-mouthed quart jar. Then I filled a jelly jar with water, added a lid and set it on the kraut to weigh it down. A clean cloth and a rubber-band will keep the kraut clean and allow the air-borne bacteria access to the salted cabbage. After 3 days the kraut is ready to use or refrigerate. I like mine a little more tart so I will allow the fermenting to continue, tasting every day until it's just right for me and my family. I can then send it to the cellar or refrigerate for fall/winter munching. I'll probably be making a few quarts every time I have a nice head of cabbage.  

Making kraut is a lot like making a Christian. The outside, our skin color is of no importance to God. All He is concerned with is the inside. At our core is a sinful heart that has to be removed. God gets the wrong man out and puts the new man in (the Holy Spirit). He changes our whole being so that we become a new creature. All our old ways are shredded and God's new way begins. 

Salt is important to the mixture of making kraut. God says we are the salt of the earth. So, just what does salt do? Salt adds flavor, it draws out moisture, it creates an environment in which bad bacteria has difficulty growing and good, beneficial bacteria flourishes. It preserves the cabbage so it is not only an edible food but a beneficial food. Lots of vegetables, cucumbers and green beans for example, can be preserved with salt in much the same manner as cabbage. Even meat is salted to preserve it. 

So how are we as Christians the salt of the earth? We should add a different outlook to the world with which we come in contact. We draw people to Christ, to a changed life. We should be creating an environment where evil has a hard time sustaining itself and goodness and love flourish. We should be leading people to life everlasting. We should be useful instruments in God's kingdom. 

We have an awesome opportunity and responsibility to be salt every day, but especially in this time of elections. We need to be outspoken, being the salt that will preserve our marriages, families and nation. If we are not that beneficial salt, Christ says we may as well be thrown to the ground and stomped under foot. 

So, what are some ways we can be salt for the benefit of our homes and our country? Won't you leave your comments below? 

Blessings,

Gail

HEY KIDS! Won't to try your hand at making a quart of kraut? It tastes great with a few hot dogs.

You will need:

a food processor or a four-sided grater, or a knife (be sure to ask for a grown-up's help with these pieces of equipment).

a large bowl

a wooden spoon

a sterilized wide-mouth quart canning jar

a jelly jar with a lid

a clean cloth

a rubber band

1 1/2 tablespoons of sea salt or any salt that does not contain iodine

a medium cabbage

The temperature of the house needs to be in the 70's to make the best kraut.

Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage.

Slice the cabbage in quarters.

Remove the core

Shred the cabbage into a large bowl

Work in 1 1/2 Tablespoons of salt with your hands until the cabbage wilts. (It may take 5 -10 minutes).

Pack the cabbage tightly into the quart jar, packing it down with the wooden spoon.

Add the juice from the bowl to the jar. 

Add water to the jelly jar and screw on the lid.

Place the jelly jar into the quart jar and mash down.

Place the clean cloth over both jars and tie it on with the rubber band.

Check daily, mashing down on the jelly jar. 

If juice runs out of the quart jar, set it on a saucer. 

If the juice does not cover the cabbage in 24 hours dissolve 1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of water and add enough to cover the cabbage. 

After 3 days, the kraut is ready if the tartness pleases you. It may be left up to 6 weeks. Refrigerate at your preferred tartness or place in a cool cellar. Enjoy!!

Some Hand-Stitched Quilts -- Leave a legacy

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23

Mrs. Analee married late in life to a truck farmer who lived in his family home, way back off the road. She never had children, but she did what farmers' wives did half a century ago. She kept the house, planted and picked along side her husband, lived by the farm rules of "eat what you can and can what you can't". She sewed and crocheted to clothe herself and her husband and decorate their home, and she quilted - beautiful hand-stitched quilts, she intended to warm her husband and herself in the cold winter months. She made courthouse steps and Ohio star, log cabin and sun-bonnet Sue, crazy quilts and friendship quilts, more than she could possibly use. So she tucked them away for a colder day.

Mrs. Analee lived to a good old age and passed before her husband, the quilts still tucked away in a chest at the foot of the bed. At his passing I was given the responsibility to dispose of the estate. I knew no one would come to a sale "way back off the road," so I set up tents and made little rooms on our property along the road. One tent was filled with kitchen furniture decorated with plates, silverware, cups and saucers and all the other necessities of a country kitchen. Another tent contained bedroom furniture with a bed, spread with her bright quilts. Another tent had the wood stove and barn equipment left from days with mules.

People traveling the busy road stopped not just for an estate sale, but to revisit childhood days spread under the tents. Practically everything sold before the day was out. The prices were reasonable and the display tugged at the nostalgia the purchased items would bring to the buyer's home. Only one major item remained at day's end. Though I had spread the quilts on a bed and turned them several times for customers, no one had purchased even one quilt. Odd, I thought. I love quilts and this is quilt country. I gently folded each one and placed them in a storage box in our basement for safe keeping, thinking maybe we should take them to the mountain shops for consignment.

Years passed and the quilts remained in the box. The VBS theme this year was pioneer days. Someone suggested we use quilts to decorate if anyone had any. I opened the box and removed quilts and quilts and quilts. We hung some on the bare walls of the fellowship building. Others we spread for family groups to use during puppet and lesson time. The children seemed to know they had a place of their own where they could sit quietly while the gospel was given.

Mrs. Analee was a Christian woman. She would have been glad her quilts had been used to bring the gospel to children. Mrs. Analee didn't know she was leaving a legacy. She was just doing the best she knew how to do; but without her careful stitches we may very well have had wild Indians instead of quietly amazed children. l'm hoping Jesus whispered to her that the quilts she loving stitched brought peace and joy to the church built just two doors down from her farmhouse, way back off the road.

We do not know how God will use the things we leave behind to affect generations to come. I pray we all leave a legacy that demonstrates our careful attention to God's purpose for our lives.

Blessings for God's purpose,

Gail

Hey Kids

Have your parents or grandparents shown you things from their childhood or told you stories from the good old days? Ask about an old quilt or baby blanket and take a few minutes for snuggle time this week. Ask questions about the role God has played in the lives of your parents and grandparents. You will likely find some amazing and moving stories. You may just be making memories that you will share with your children.