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Is “The Shack” Biblical?

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Do you like the old versions or new ones of books and movies? Did you read or watch the remake of Ben-Hur? While both versions were very similar they had a lot of distinct differences. How about television doing series on fairy tales and popular books? The characters in “Once Upon a Time” are nothing like I imagined Red Riding Hood, Snow White, or Belle to be. What about “Emerald City”? Now that’s not my Mama’s Oz! For me, I like the original versions. The original author’s accurate story. That is especially true when it comes to the Bible. Don’t mess with it. Don’t change it to make a point. Believe me when I say the Bible’s Author is perfect and did an impeccable job.  Don’t change truth or embellish it.

The controversial movie, “The Shack” by William P. Young comes to the big screen today, Friday, March 3. Have you read the book? It was a best seller. Are you planning on going to see the movie? This Christian prayed before, during, and after reading “The Shack”. It took days before I felt equipped to read it or had Abba’s okay. At one point after starting it, I felt the overwhelming urge to put the book down or toss it across the room. Really.  There was something different about it.

Is this something for Christians? Is it biblically based? Please prayerfully consider going or not going to see the movie. Since it is Lent, maybe it’s a good time to give movies up so you aren’t tempted. “The Shack” is obviously not in line with what the Bible says in more ways than I want to recall. An African American woman plays the role of Jehovah, our Heavenly Father. For a multitude of reasons, none of which is the African American part, I don’t think this will be pleasing to Him.  No one should play God. The Holy Spirit is portrayed by an Asian woman who is like a flighty Tinkerbell. Her name is Sarayu. No, that’s not even close to what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit. He said He would send a Comforter to us. This book and movie will not clear things up but cloud the thinking.

God is not human. He should not be portrayed as one. Yes, we are made in His image, but He is not human. My limited education and knowledge of theology as well as my heart tells me this is all wrong. It is disrespectful and downright blasphemy. Our righteous, mighty, powerful, omnipotent Yahweh deserves respect, glory, and worship. Not heresy. I have a deep love for Jehovah and a respect that includes fearing Him. My desire is to please Him and help others. I don’t think I can do that by seeing this movie or recommending it.

Please pray about seeing “The Shack” if you are going and especially before allowing your children to watch it. If they do, schedule a time to discuss it with them to dispel the untruths. There are a variety of biblical discrepancies that children and even adults might not catch but need to know. You will be glad you did and your children will be blessed with your guidance.  Teach them the truth, not a fictional novel or movie version.

““And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 10:12

Let’s Get Cookin’ Thursday: “Family is Forever” Amber’s Cornbread Salad

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Does your family have big get togethers? The kind where everyone brings a dish or two (or three) and the celebration of just being together with family lasts a long time. Mine does. It started years ago with my Mammaw and continues today. Although it was easier when the children were younger and we didn’t have so many obligations. We still hold fast to our traditions and our family.

Occasionally there will be a squabble or two, but that’s not unusual in families. Large or small families disagree.  The key is not to allow it to get out of hand. Forgive and yes, forget.  Easier said than done, you say?  Well, do you ever ask that same thing?  When you pray the Lord’s Prayer, do you mean it when you ask to be forgiven as you forgive? Or do you want God to forgive you, wash away your sins clean, and forget them? I want that kind of forgiveness. Isn’t that how you want God to forgive you?

What does family mean? It means everything to me. Family is where we go when we don’t know where to go. Family loves us because we are family. Unconditionally.  Whether mad or glad.  Family shares sadness and joys. We share tears of all kinds. Family is forever no matter what. Family is a blessing from God. You do not choose your family. God gives it. Treasure your gift.

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13 ESV
Here’s one of our favorite salad recipes. It is requested at every family pitch-in and is in my family cookbook.  You might want to add it to yours.  Enjoy!

Amber’s Cornbread Salad

3 boxes of Jiff cornbread (be sure to add sugar) made a few days ahead of time, cut up and allowed to stale a bit in a big bowl
1.5 pounds of fried, crumbled bacon
2 cans of petite diced tomatoes (drained very well)
1 white onion diced
1-2 green bell peppers diced
2-3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
Mayo, about 2 c.

Combine all ingredients and add just enough mayo to make it moist (2 cups or so), without being drenched. Garnish with parsley.

This is the original recipe and delicious.  It is also good with a variety of add ins.  Try one or two for a little different taste.

Optional add ins:  corn, black or pinto beans, red pepper, cucumber, celery, black olives

Ash Wednesday begins Lent

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Today, March 1st is Ash Wednesday. Lent, the 40 day period before Easter begins today. It is 40 days because Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights to prepare Himself. Some churches hold services and place an ash mark on everyone’s forehead on Ash Wednesday. For some this is the mark of a believer. Maybe you have seen people today with that. Traditionally these ashes came from burning last year’s palms from Palm Sunday. Ashes are symbols of repentance and mortality. Remember ashes to ashes, dust to dust?

Lent is a time of reflection, repentance, and prayer. It is a time to think about what we’ve done wrong, who we really are, ask forgiveness, and draw closer to God in prayer. A time of preparation, making ourselves better. We give things up from coffee, candy, and pizza to television, Facebook and leisure time. I don’t think giving up turnip greens, exercise, housework or homework is exactly in line with things to sacrifice. Why? Any thoughts on why we give things up?

In Luke 9:23, Jesus was speaking. “Then He said to them all: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me.” Sounds a lot like Lent to me. When I deny myself something as trivial as a cup of coffee I am reminded of why I do. For me it is a small minuscule token for what Christ gave up for me. I am reminded that I want to be His disciple and that I should be a better person. I should talk to Him more. I should pray more.

Try it this year and see how you feel. You do not need to be Catholic, in fact I am Protestant. Maybe give up not going to church. Have trouble lying or gossiping. Give that up. Give up a little of your time to pray more or to help someone. Have family devotions. Prepare your family, your mind, and your heart for what Easter really means. Give up a little and gain a lot. See how these forty days of sacrifice affect you, those around you, and perhaps your next forty or fifty years.  Prepare yourself not just for Easter.  Prepare yourself for a better life.  Prepare yourself for life eternal.

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.” But He answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God'”…. Matthew 4:1 ESV

Read a Book Monday: “Lincoln’s Table” Book Review

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Facebook, twitter, and the news are full of presidential talk. I hate it. Don’t you? Let me ask you, if you had to choose five favorite past presidents beginning with our first President George Washington, would one of your choices be our 16th President Abraham Lincoln? Many people polled have him on their favorites list. Some people place His as their favorite. If you are a Lincoln lover, and aren’t we all, I have a book you need to see: “Lincoln’s Table: A President’s Culinary Journey from Cabin to Cosmopolitan.” Sounds fun, doesn’t it?

“Lincoln’s Table: A President’s Culinary Journey From Cabin to Cosmopolitan” by author Donna D. McCreary is an historical delight. This 182 page hard cover book is chocked full of recipes, illustrations, pictures, and information about the Lincoln family. It is a veritable treasure trove.

Author McCreary has not only listed some historical versions of recipes, such as Beaten Biscuits on page 42, but she followed it up with the modern version on the next page. The same goes for Election Cake and other recipes. Not only was I able to read how the recipe was written and made, but I could also make it in my modern kitchen. Genius!

Pictures are sprinkled throughout this lovely cookbook. You will see the Lincoln Home in Springfield, the beautiful tea set of Asian-style florals they used, china and crystal from the White House during the Lincoln administration, and Mary Todd Lincoln in her fashionable dresses. You will read menus, poems, and so much information you will be begging for more. The author is an expert on the Lincoln, and it is apparent by this wonderful book.

Epilogue, acknowledgements, bibliography, index of the book, and index of recipes are the ending pages after a plethora of Lincoln recipes, pictures, tips, and information. Did you ever wonder what sorghum is? It is explained in this book. Need tips on cast iron cooking? They’re in the book, too. Mary Todd’s Courting Cake recipe is included. How about White House recipes. Check! I could go on and on and on.

Do yourself a favor and get this book. I absolutely love it. The author has written a well planned, well organized, knowledgeable book that is interesting for cooks and readers alike. It is much more than a cookbook. This gem is an excellent, fascinating book on the Lincoln family. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. It would make a terrific gift, cooking club book, or treat for oneself. Pick one up by contacting me. I will give the author your contact information.

Historians tell us that President Lincoln grew up in a strict Baptist household. Later after he married, he was said to read the Bible daily, pray, and attend Protestant church regularly, but he never joined church. There have been many debates over his religious beliefs. What about your beliefs. Will people know or debate if you are a Christian?

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

Heaven Help Us

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For ten years I owned a Christian Bookstore named Heaven Help Us. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about that place or miss it. When I opened my store I had no idea it would become something more than a place to sell Bibles, books, and Christian items. Oh, but that store was much more.

Our check out counter became a counseling desk. A place to ask questions for guidance and for prayers. We made friends, so many friends. The customers would wave when they saw us out somewhere. Our employees were beloved and became family. Such good people I was surrounded with to share Jesus and my week, and of course my parents.

One day there was a motorcycle accident on the corner near our store. The young man staggered into our store with the big blue “Christian Bookstore” sign in the window. He had bypassed others for us. Dad immediately went into help mode. Apparently the man’s wife didn’t want him to get a motorcycle and told him not to call home if anything happened. The poor guy took her at her word and would not call. After a trip to immediate care with Dad and then a call home proved the wife did not mean those words at all. She gladly came to retrieve her tattered hubby.

Do you have a safe place? A place you can go to when things go terribly wrong and someone will always be there to help? Just like my Dad helped a young man he had never met, you have Someone to help you. Maybe you have met Him, maybe not. Jesus is always there to help. He will listen to our problems. Don’t be like the husband afraid to call his wife thinking she didn’t want to talk to him because he did something wrong. She was happy to hear from him. Abba will be glad to hear from you, too.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Book Review “The Seekers”

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Have you visited any Amish communities or read any Amish books? Are you intrigued with the Amish culture? I am fascinated by their lifestyle. Their deep family love is inspiring. The simple life they lead is inviting although this girl would have trouble without electricity and other modern conveniences. I would love big family gatherings and playing games. No air conditioning or curling iron, not so much. I recently read “The Seekers” by Wanda Brunstetter and was taken on an Amish vacation. I would recommend this book to you.

This book has everything that I enjoy in Christian fiction. Author Wanda has included plenty of scripture in her book. There are inspirational messages dealing with love, forgiveness, values, respect, and redemption. The present day issues of PTSD, unwanted pregnancy, bullying, and family relations are discussed. Cute children and dogs are included along with the adult characters. Recipes of six Amish dishes follow the story. After the recipes are 15 discussion questions for individual or group reflection and discussion. The last page is information about the author, Wanda.

Wanda has a nice way of writing. Her characters all have a wide variety of personalities and issues. Some main and secondary characters are so lovable while others are just terrible villains. Wanda knows how to write! In this book you will meet Heidi and Lyle, the Amish couple. Heidi teaches the cooking classes. Her students are Ron, Eli, Loretta, Charlotte, and Kendra. Each student has a unique story and issue. As Heidi teaches her class directions are given for an Amish dish in such vivid detail that I wanted to go to my kitchen and cook along side them. I wanted to smell the delicious aromas that were coming out of my book. Now I want to take a cooking class even though I have written a cookbook myself!

This is a lovely book. I became friends with the cooking members and became invested in their lives very early, Heidi’s, too. The story is interesting immediately. I couldn’t put it down from page one and am counting the days until the sequel, although it does not leave you hanging.

I would definitely recommend this delightful Amish tale to anyone. It is wonderful. I absolutely loved it. There are twists, humor, Amish recipes, Amish words, great descriptions of the Amish life and country, and mystery. I rated this 5 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by Barbour and the author for my honest opinion.

Southern Girl

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Welcome to my blog. Thank you for visiting and taking time out of your busy life to share some time with me. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, sit back, and let’s chat.

Even though I am a Hoosier, I am a Southern girl. We live on the Indiana-Kentucky boarder which residents refer to as Kentuckiana. I was born here and love it. There is something about the Southern life and manners that appeal to me. I like hearing please and thank you. My children say “yes, ma’am” and “no, sir”. If we are in a crowded room, my children gladly offer their seats to elderly or disabled. Men open doors for women. Family is important.

We grew up going to church on Sundays and followed that with big family dinners at my Mammaw’s farm house with all of the extended family. It was there that cousins became more like siblings while aunts and uncles were a second set of parents. Grandparents were revered, never sassed or corrected, only adored and obeyed. Men didn’t wear hats at the table, children sat at the “kid’s table”, elbows were off of the table, napkins were on our laps, and we asked permission to get up. Conversation was always appropriate. Dinner consisted of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, rolls, slaw, tomatoes and sweet tea. Very sweet tea. Dessert always followed and it was scrumptious. Everything was homegrown and homemade. After lunch we played tag, kick the can, marbles, and walked to the barn or creek. The men pitched horseshoes. The women cleaned up and looked through magazines. Sometimes before we all left for our four separate homes we would play a big family game of “Button, Button”, “I Doubt It”, or “Riddly, Riddly, Ree”. And talk. Boy did we talk! We chattered away from “come on in” until “see you next Sunday”. We knew who everyone was dating, what grades we all received, who helped at home, who was in trouble, and secrets we overheard. I was blessed to be one of eleven grandchildren and never felt my grandparents had a favorite. I loved my family and waited from one Sunday until the next just to see them again. Just to talk to them.

Much like I loved getting together with family on Sundays to talk and catch up on life, I love talking to my Abba. Once a day is never enough. Once a week would be pure torture. I couldn’t endure it. There are so very many things I need to bring before Him – sick friends, pregnant friends, children being bullied, family that needs help or healing, someone traveling, a child having surgery, a friend needing a job, and the list is endless. I need to talk to my Father for guidance, protection, and help. I want to make good decisions and need His direction. Do you pray, too? Are you like me and find once a day is not enough?

Unfortunately things today are quite different from the days of Sunday family dinners in the country. Where Sunday used to be set aside for families, now there are sporting events, bridal showers, Tupperware parties, golf games, and work. Days of leaving your house unlocked are long gone. One thing that hasn’t changed is God still wants for us to talk to Him and hears our prayers. He longs to hear from us like any parent longs to hear from His child.

The title of my blog is Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess. As you can tell from my picture, I don’t look like a warrior or a princess, but I am a Daddy’s girl. My Father in Heaven, Abba, has called me His daughter. He is the King of all things, so I am a Princess. I pray to Him often each day fighting things. Fighting against illness. Fighting for good things to happen. Fighting against bad things, evil things. Praying through the powerful, Holy Name of Jesus. The One who died for me and conquered death. There is power through His holy, righteous name and blood. I pray. I am fighting for Him. I am a Warrior. I am Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess.

Do you need someone to fight for you? Pray for you? If you need prayer, leave your request on the contact page. I will join you in prayer.

I Thess. 5:17 Pray without ceasing.