Nyla Kay Wilkerson – Page 65 – Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

Spy Wednesday and Thirty Pieces of Silver

Posted on March 28, 2018March 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

We all know about Easter week starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter. Do you know what happened the other days? Traditionally today is called “Spy Wednesday” because on this Wednesday before the crucifixion Judas conspired to give Jesus to the soldiers. Judas became a spy, an agent for those wanting to hurt and kill Jesus. He made a deal to betray Jesus. Judas was paid, given silver, to hand over Jesus. Hard to believe but true. Have you ever thought of Judas as a spy? We don’t know exactly why Judas did what he did, but some guess he was trying to force Jesus to use His power and take control.

Scripture doesn’t say what Jesus did on that Wednesday. Scholars speculate He and His disciples probably spent the day in Bethany resting up from the activities of the past few days. Most likely the all were exhausted and Passover was soon. He might have spent it with His friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Earlier Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead and the people of Bethany believed He was the Son of God. Mary of Bethany went to Jesus and anointed Him with costly perfumed oil. Judas, the treasurer of the group, objected to the extravagance saying that the money could have helped so many poor people, hungry people. Jesus rebukes Judas and says Mary has anointed Him for His burial. Wow. That would make the room quiet and minds start to spin.

The disciples are saddened to think about Jesus dying and leaving them. They believe He is God’s Son, and they love Him. They don’t want anything bad to happen to Him. Scholars believe Judas was trying to force Jesus into claiming His kingdom now. They guess Judas didn’t believe anything bad would actually happen to God’s Son. It is sad to see a follower betray his leader, especially when that leader is Christ. Ironically Judas threw down the money. He didn’t want it. Judas wanted Jesus to have His kingdom and power now. Giving up control is hard but God’s way and time are best. That lesson cost Judas everything.

Have you sold Him out for something? Do you try to change His time and replace it with yours? I am so guilty of that. Has something taken His place as first priority? Maybe you treat Him like royalty and the Son of God that He is. Sometimes it is easy to let things get in the way of worshipping Him. It is easy to put our own wants before what we really need to do.

Me? When I was younger it was easier to skip church. The desire to be outside with family seemed to outweigh being inside a stuffy church. Ahh, then my soul grew up. Now I need to worship our Savior. The One that suffered, was beaten, crucified, died, and rose from the dead so that I might claim eternal life with Him is the One I long to worship. My soul needs to sing His praises more than my body needs an extra hour of sleep or to be outside in the sunshine. I need Him to know He is my priority since I was His. His love is priceless.

“Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver Him over to you?” So they counted out for Him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand Him over.” Matt. 26:14-16

Teaching through Parables and by Example

Posted on March 27, 2018March 27, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you ever thought about what happened after Jesus triumphantly rode into Jerusalem. That was on a Sunday, but what happened the rest of the week? How did He spend Monday and Tuesday? He taught.

“Seeing a fig tree by the road, He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then He said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.” Mt. 21:19

Jesus spent much of His time teaching. On Monday He taught His disciples a parable about faith when He cursed a fig tree that did not produce fruit. Do you remember that one? They were hungry and saw a fig tree with many leaves. When they looked for the fruit, none could be found. It was barren. There was just leaves on the tree and no fruit. Many believe the tree being cursed represents God’s judgment on those that are spiritually dead. Parables are an effective way to teach lessons.

Jesus also went into the temple and cleared it out of the dishonest money changers. Jesus went through overturning tables and saying: “Scripture says ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.” He drove the money changers and their animals out of the temple. How angry He must have been, but Jesus took time to really think about the situation. Before He acted Jesus made sure He didn’t just react.

“So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” John 2:15

What stayed with me about this is that Jesus stopped and braided a whip so that He could ponder what He was going to do. He didn’t fly off the handle but took time to think about the situation. His anger was righteous. Maybe He prayed. I would think He did. Asking for guidance and God’s will were probably foremost in Jesus’ mind. Jesus taught us through His actions to think first before we jump into any situation, especially emotional ones.

Could you do this? Wait and cool off so that you reacted in a Christian manner? Make certain the anger you feel is real and not just a reaction? I can’t tell you how many times I have flown off the handle in anger and later saw how wrong I was. Acted quickly without thinking things through. My mama calls it having a short fuse. It is something I need to work on not doing. Not so with Jesus. He reacted in a Christian manner toward what was happening. They were desecrating God’s holy place of worship and needed to be stopped. It needed to be done. How many times have I corrected things that didn’t need to be? Multiple. I would just go off on my own without asking Abba to guide me. If I waited, prayed and listened a lesson would have been learned. My lesson.

Tuesday the disciples walked back by the fig tree. It was now withered and dead. Jesus used that to teach them about faith, true faith. A person or nation that does not produce fruit for God, do His work, will wither and die all the way down to its roots. The tree had leaves so by first sight it looked like it was producing. A closer look revealed no fruit. Then Jesus cursed it. Makes me wonder about our nation. Are we producing fruit for God? Ponder that for a bit.

Are you personally producing fruit? Are you leading people to God? Helping them find salvation? Everyday is a new chance to teach and be an example. Are you using the new day to share fruits of the spirit by being loving, kind, selfless, good, joyful, and peaceful to others? Don’t wither away. Grow tall and produce fruit. Increase in your faith. Flourish in your faith. You will be amazed at the things that will happen when you believe and have faith. You will a beacon to others longing for Him.

“Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” My. 21:21-22

Hosanna! Blessed is He Who Comes in the Name of the Lord!

Posted on March 25, 2018March 25, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

When I was a young girl, my Grandmother always wanted me to visit her on Palm Sunday. She loved seeing the children waving palm branches and hearing Hosannas. The hymns we sang were old familiar ones: “Holy, Holy, Holy”; “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name”; and “This is the Day the Lord Hath Made”. I can remember sitting in the back of my Granddaddy’s car and singing them on the way home, too.

My Grandmother believed church was a place to worship and honor God. Always wearing her Sunday best, I seldom remember her without a hat and gloves there. She was a Southern lady that could have written a book on etiquette. We were expected to be on our best behavior at all times and never use “ugly” language. I think of her often but especially today. Grandmother always wished she could have been in that crowd to see Jesus on the First Palm Sunday. She admitted she had no idea what she would have done, but she wanted to be there. Me, too.

Now today we celebrate Palm Sunday. Just the thought of it brings a big smile to my face and warmth to my heart. Jesus rode triumphantly into the city of Jerusalem on a young donkey many years ago. This was foretold by scripture, and we are still celebrating it. The streets were lined with people who threw clothes and palms or small branches in front of Him as a sign of homage and respect. This was what people did for kings. Lined the road with cloth, palms, and clothes so they would not get dusty and dirty. The crowd was recognizing Jesus as King and honoring Him like royalty. Using palm branches symbolized peace and victory. Jesus was coming in peace, triumphantly. He knew the outcome so He came in victory, too. The crowd of people shouted “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Wow, can you imagine the scene? The happiness that surrounded the area would have been phenomenal. Here comes Jesus, their long awaited Messiah. God’s Son was right there before them. Hearts must have been beating wildly at the anticipation of seeing Him, and when they finally did, oh the love that filled each body. Thoughts must have been running all over wondering what to do. Should I stand, bow, wave, kneel? Tears surely filled many eyes. They fill mine just picturing it. How amazing it must have been to see Jesus. He was the one that raised the dead back to life and healed the sick. He was the teacher everyone spoke of reverently. Jesus changed lives. He still does today.

The week between now and Easter is known as Holy Week. Each day plays a part in the recorded history of Jesus’ Resurrection. Today, I want to remember His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Like the people long ago did, I, also, want to sing His praises and worship Him as the true Messiah. Do you? Have you? Let’s do it together. Do you know “This is the Day the Lord Hath Made”? Great! We’ll start with that one.

If you were there at that first Palm Sunday, what would you have done? Can you just imagine? The donkey with Jesus on its back is coming down the road. Quick! What will you do? Kneel, sing, cry happy tears, or try to touch Him? It makes me think of Heaven and what we will do when we finally see Jesus. Like the Mercy Me song:

“…Surrounded by Your glory, What will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus, Or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence, Or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine, I can only imagine…..”

What will you do? Can you imagine seeing Him face to face? How will you worship Him?

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the king of Israel!” John 12:12-13

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Let’s Talk About it. . .

Posted on March 17, 2018March 17, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Well, top of the mornin’ to ya and Happy St. Patty’s Day! ‘‘Tis the day everyone claims to be at least a wee bit Irish, What about you? Are you really of Irish decent or just Irish today?

A sea of green will be flowing everywhere today because most everyone wears green clothes, Irish or not, on this day. It is the day many foods turn green on purpose. Even the river in Chicago turns green. This is also the one day of the year that we all put a “Mc” or “O” in front of our surname and become Irish. Yes, it’s St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick was a soul saver. A soldier for the Lord. That is what we are really celebrating. He used a three leaf clover to teach people about the trinity. St. Patrick turned thousands of hearts, minds, and souls to the one true God. Now, doesn’t that sound like cause to celebrate! I think so, too.

It isn’t about having things green and being Irish. No fictional little leprechauns with rainbows and pots of gold were there. This is about celebrating the vast number of Druids, pagans that were saved and became Christians.

Irish are supposed to be lucky among a lot of other things. You’ve heard of the “luck of the Irish,” right? Hmm, I am not sure about that. Well, I guess you could say the ones that met St. Patrick were lucky, or could you? Was it luck that drew them to St. Patrick or something else? Perhaps the Holy Spirit.

Do you believe in luck? Do you think there is gold at the end of the rainbow? Personally, I don’t really believe much in luck or leprechauns. Maybe if I keep losing when playing a game I say I have bad luck, but outside of that I don’t put belief in luck. My faith and trust are in Jesus. He is the one that guides and directs me just like He did St. Patrick.

When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, He was the Way or rainbow to my riches. I followed Him. My gold happens to be where Jesus prepared a place for me at the end of my earthly life – in Heaven. That is where my heart is, too. In Heaven the Bible says there will be beautiful streets of gold. My saved loved ones will be there. There will be no more sickness, no more death, no more tears. My Savior, Jesus, is there. Our Almighty God, my Maker, is there. Talk about hitting the jackpot or pot of gold! That is everything I could ever want. Wow, no riches can compare to that. None. So what about you? Where is your pot of gold?

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:19-21.

Traditional Irish St. Patrick’s Day Dish

Irish Colcannon, an Irish Treasured Dish

1 lb. potatoes peeled white or unpeeled red potatoes
½ lb. bacon (cut into small 1-inch squares)
1 T. Kosher salt
6 cups thinly sliced cabbage (approximately a head)
6 T. butter (four for the cabbage and two for the potatoes)
½ cup whipping cream (or milk)
Fresh parsley chopped finely-a few sprigs will do
A large onion, chopped
5 or 6 scallions or a clump (handful) of chives
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Wash potatoes and peel if you’re using thick skinned.
Cut the potatoes in quarters and place in a large pot of boiling water.
Add the Kosher salt. Boil for approximately 25 minutes.
Stick one of the potatoes with a fork to see if they’re cooked. They should be tender and easy to penetrate with the prongs.

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat.
When they’re finished cooking, add 4 T. butter.
Add the cabbage and onions.
Sauté the cabbage mixture until almost done, with the onions translucent and cabbage a bit crispy. Some people prefer to cook the mixture until everything is soft. It just depends on whether you like a bit of crunch or not. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

Drain the potatoes and add the butter and cream or milk, mashing it to silky smoothness—unless you left the skins on, then almost silky smoothness.

Add the onion, cabbage mixture and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot. Enjoy this Irish classic dish.

Find a Book Friday: “A Chance at Forever” by Melissa Jagears

Posted on March 16, 2018March 16, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Finds a Book Friday is here with another goodie for you. Christian Author Melissa Jagears has written the third installment in her Teaville Moral Society Series. Don’t fret if you haven’t read the other two, each book in this spectacular series may be read as a standalone, but after reading one you will yearn to read the others. “A Chance at Forever” is every bit as good as the first two books and even trumps them. I know! How could that be?! When I read Book One I was certain author Jagears had peaked and would never write a book to equal “A Heart Most Certain.” Wrong. The second book, “A Love so True,” was just as delightful. Along comes book three and it even surpasses those two.

Author Jagears is a gifted storyteller and wordsmith. Her books paint vivid tales of a time long gone, days harder than we have, and always give glory to God. She doesn’t write Christian fluff with a light sprinkling of inspiration. Jagears is heavy handed with it and I applaud her for that. Her novels have life lessons and heart fluttering romance. She writes a great love story.

In “A Chance at Forever” she continues her story of helping children. Mercy McClain works at the town’s orphanage and is also on the school board. As a child she was bullied by many kids but especially by George Firebrook. She is still carrying around baggage from her childhood.

George Aaron Firebrook comes back to the town of Teaville to make amends for his past. He was mean and bullied others when he was younger. Now he has changed inside so he has changed his name and outside appearance, too. He wants to teach and has applied for the position in town. Mercy won’t approve his application.

True to her writing style, Author Jagears provides another book that refuses to be set down. It is so good it demands to be read. I went through a spectrum of emotion while reading this. At times I giggles and laughed, got mad, cried, caught my breath, and nodded in agreement. Jagears gives an abundant helping of inspiration, and life lessons. Topics of grace, redemption, mercy, vengeance, forgiveness (both for others and self), love, Christianity, hypocrisy and bullying are presented in a lovely way.

A wonderful surprise was the reintroduction of past, beloved characters. Charlotte (Charlie) and husband Harrison Gray opened the book, which for me was like a reunion with old friends. They aren’t the only old friends to grace this story. I literally said out loud at one point “I’ve missed you, my friend” to a character.

Aaron writes letters to everyone he has bullied and hurt. Design He seeks forgiveness and wants to make restitution. Some letters are not answered, but one response brings him to the Orphanage. From then on all I will say is wow! My dishes piled up and nothing got finished except this book. Oh, my! What a book.

I definitely recommend “A Chance for Love” and the Teaville Moral Society books. Actually, I recommend everything this author has written. The only thing I missed was that this one did not have discussion questions. No worries though, with the issues of bullying, forgiveness, a person’s past, and God’s love there is plenty to chat about in any group. Let me know what you think after reading it. I know you will be thrilled with it like I was. I rated it a 6 out of 5 stars. Okay, okay. A 5 out of 5, but it deserves more.

Design

Read a Book Monday: “His Risk” by Shelley Shepherd Gray

Posted on March 12, 2018March 12, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is Read a Book Monday so tell me what you are reading? I hope it’s an interesting book. The book I have to discuss today is by author Shelley Shepherd Gray. This book kept me from doing anything except reading. Once started it is near impossible to put down. It is a “wow, that was amazing” book. Are you ready to hear about it?

“His Risk” by author Shelley Shepard Gray is the fourth in her “The Amish of Hart County” series. Even though it is Book 4, it can be read as a standalone. However, this is such an excellent series you will want to read them all. Trust me! This book is a thrilling, exciting read that takes only one page to grab your attention. It isn’t your typical Amish novel. This is a gritty, crime fiction with romance and Amish.

Author Gray has an exceptional style of writing. Her vivid descriptions take me away and I am immediately invested. Her storyline is well organized and well researched. Providing twists and turns, she keeps readers captivated. Characters are believable and well defined. They were also well rounded with good and bad attributes. I felt as though I knew them through their dialog and interactions. This book is written from four characters’ perspectives.

This book is the tale of Calvin Fisher, who left Horse Cave, Kentucky when he was a young teen boy of fourteen years old. Leaving his past behind, he is now an undercover informant for the DEA, specializing on a gang, the Kings. This gang is mixed up in serious crime. Calvin returns home because of a family crisis and while there meets Amish nursery school teacher Alice Yoder. Sparks ignite and a romance begins between a devout Amish girl and the forbidden Englischer (Calvin). As their relationship gets more serious Calvin is concerned that he might bring harm to Alice because of his connections to the Kings and the head of their organization, West Powers. As things begin to happen, Calvin questions his worth to be in Alice’s life and she is skeptical about him.

“His Risk” is a sweet romance, but much more. The emotions of the characters jumped right off of the pages and into my heart. I wanted to figure out the mysteries and twists. This is an amazing intrigue, suspense Christian novel. The issues tackled are relevant and timeless. Grace and forgiveness are two of the main points. Praying, faith, trust, hope, child abuse, and bullying are among life lessons this novel discusses. It is encouraging and inspiring. Lessons on God hearing our prayers and having a plan for us as well as forgiving others and ourselves are notable.

Another nice thing about this 265 page paperback novel is that after the book there are some extra things. You will get information on author Shelley Shepherd Gray. She is a faithful Christian mother of two living in Ohio with her hubby. There is a letter from her about her book, and she states Book 5 comes out July 2018. Next are discussion questions which are great for a reading group. It concludes with a sneak peek at Book 5.

“His Risk” is a thrilling, Christian action, mystery, romance that I did not want to put down. I kept imaging it as a movie and wanted to cast the parts. Actually I want to watch it. It would be a great movie! Set in Hart County, Kentucky the scenery would be beautiful. Some parts were discussed about Louisville and Cincinnati, both close to my Southern Indiana hometown. The Amish culture and language are intriguing. This book has a sprinkling of Amish in it and I did long for more.

I highly recommend author Gray’s newest release. Anyone will love it. It has a bit of everything (romance, mystery, action, inspiration, intrigue) so there is something for everyone. You might want to get a reading group and start with Book 1. They each have inspirational messages and discussions. All are so good! You will not be disappointed.

Why Do We Have Sundays?

Posted on March 11, 2018March 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I love Sundays. Actually, I need them. They just have a different feeling about them, don’t they? It is day of the week our Father gave us to rest, recharge, and most importantly worship Him. I am sixty now and Sundays are extremely different than in “my day.” How about you? Do you see any difference in them? What were and are your Sundays like?

“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God” Exodus 20:8-11 KJV

Growing up all of the stores were closed. Even restaurants were closed, too. People treasured this Sabbath day to spend time going to church and with family or friends. It was my and many other’ favorite day of the week. Gradually stores would begin to open at noon for a few hours. That was scandalous but tempting so people slowly went. The half days expanded into full days and restaurants had jumped aboard the train. That made for a lot of Sunday workers taken away from church and family, but don’t forget the shoppers, too. You can’t have family time in a store, just ask my hubby. I’m not innocent in the Sunday shopping situation. It is so convenient to go out to eat with family after church and even swing by a store on the way home.Before you start fussing at me, I realize there are people that must work on Sundays. Where would we be with hospitals that closed on Sunday? That would be a disaster!

When I was a child we went to big family Sunday dinners after church almost every week at my Mammaw’s farm. Those times in the “country” were precious and memorable. That’s where my cousins became my closest friends and almost like siblings. I learned to respect my elders, asked to be excused from the table, and held hands during Grace. We ate dinner together as a big, happy (yes, we were) family and played outside afterwards.

I got to know each family member through personal interaction. Today families are going in all different directions making Sunday dinners near impossible. There are school activities, work schedules, hobbies, clubs, groups, and overnight sleepovers that get in the way. I miss big family gatherings on Sundays where we talked, played games, and just were. It was relaxing and gave me a sense of safety and belonging. Maybe I will slowly bring that back for my family.

Sundays are a time to rest and nurture my body, mind, and spirit. I love listening to a sermon and singing hymns and praises. That helps not only my spirit but puts my mind at ease. Sunday is the one day I strive not to work. If it can wait, I let it. I love reading my Bible or an inspirational Christian fiction. Design When the weather permits, the perfect place for reading is on my back porch on my swing. Listening to nature, feeling sunshine and a breeze with a good book while in my swing is a great way to recharge for the coming week. It is a wonderful place to pray, also. How about you? What relaxes you?

This Lent I have been under conviction about Sundays. Not for you, but for myself. Why do we have Sundays? Am I really keeping the Sabbath holy? Everyone has his own idea on Sunday, and this is just mine. What is easy or right for others might not be right for me. Jesus has done so much for me. He has given His life for us, even me – you, too. Jesus is there every minute of every day. If I am under conviction about Sundays then I need to listen and change. It won’t be easy, but once I have done this and given the Sabbath back to Him, oh what joy I will feel!

However you choose to spend your Sundays, I hope they provide you the rest and peace that God planned them to give. Spend some of your day with Him. It will be time well spent.

Design

Find a Book (or Two) Friday: “The Celebration” and “Amish Cooking Class Cookbook”

Posted on February 23, 2018February 23, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I love to read. Christian fiction are my favorite books, and Amish are right up there in a category of most read. A culture of loving and caring for family and others deeply interests me, especially when coupled with a deep faith and respect for God. Wanda Brunstetter is one of the best selling authors of Amish books. She writes fiction, devotionals, children’s, and cookbooks in that genre as well as others.

“The Celebration” is the third book in the Amish Cooking Class Series by author Brunstetter. If you have not read the first two books, “The Seeker” and “The Blessing”, it is not a problem. However, those were excellent books, too. Each book in this exceptional series could be read alone or together for even more enjoyment.

Heidi Troyer is the teacher of the cooking classes. This Amish woman mixes together recipes, scripture, and prayer to help her students improve their cooking skills and daily lives. In this book, she and her husband Lyle have become foster parents to a sister and brother, Marsha and Randy. They lost their parents in an accident and are very shy. The Troyers love and care for these two children as if they were their own flesh and blood. With this deep love for the kids, they have decided to pursue adopting them.

Cooking classes for children begin and we visited some old friends from past books and are introduced to many more characters. It took time for me to keep them all straight. Not only were there students (children), but there were also parents. Each family had individual issues and needed help that Heidi intended to supply.

Author Brunstetter has a lovely writing style. Her characters become friends and I want to have a cup of tea with some of them. The dialog sounds realistic and flows effortlessly. Descriptions take me straight from my Englisch kitchen into Heidi’s and I can almost smell her muffins baking. The book is well written and takes on modern day issues. There are life lessons to be learned, especially to have faith and trust in God. It is a heartwarming read, full of emotion and very touching.

The Amish way of life intrigues me although I doubt seriously if I could give up electricity. They seem so kind, down to earth, and to put others first, especially family. I love children, cooking, and God. Christian fiction that includes recipes is a big bonus. Obviously this book hit many of my favorite things. I highly recommend it and give it a 5 star rating. It is delightful.

Did you notice today is a twofer? The second book is the Amish Cooking Class Cookbook. Let me just say…..amazing! This is a cookbook to be read and used. Recipes compiled are from the three novels and various Amish women. Readers will find a section on advice or tips from Amish cooks. The recipes are divided and subdivided into normal cookbook categories. Look for the Recipes for Kids section. It is a nice one, and kiddos will enjoy it.

Descriptions of the cast of characters from the cooking classes and pictures of the book covers are in the book. Scripture is sprinkled throughout which is a treasure. The pictures are vivid and beautiful. It is spiral bound so it will open up flat on your counter making it easier to follow along when mixing and stirring. This is a cookbook for cooks, those just learning to cook, and those that like to read cookbooks. It will make a delightful gift for so many people. Don’t forget to get one for yourself. Another 5 star book that I highly recommend to you.

Are You Running Out of Time to Help?

Posted on February 19, 2018February 19, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Time slips away from all of us. Once it has gone we may never get it back. It is easy to plan on doing something tomorrow and never finding time. Maybe it isn’t finding time that’s the problem but forgetting. I’m guilty of that. Are you?

The other evening I was watching television with my husband when the phone rang. It was a cell phone number I did not recognize but I answered it. The conversation went like this:

“Hello”
Caller: “Oh, good you’re still there. Do you have rosaries?”
(I owned a Christian bookstore for ten years that closed in December 2012. That number was one digit off of my home number.)
“Are you looking for Heaven Help Us Christian Bookstore?”
Caller:”Well, yes. That’s what I dialed.” (Actually she didn’t)
“I used to own it but we closed it years ago.”
(Crickets. Nothing for several seconds.)
“Why, why that’s not possible. I shop there all of the time. I love that shore. When did y’all close?’
“December 2012.”
“No! That can’t be. I know I was there since then.”
“Yes, ma’am, that’s when we closed.”
“I kept meaning to invite my friend but now it’s too late. I told her about it, but time just got away, I guess.”

We agreed time flies and ended the call with me promising to contact her if I ever opened another store. (Very doubtful this side of heaven). She even reminisced about my store and lamented not following through with another invitation to her friend. My store was a safe haven filled with God glorifying material and beautiful Christian music. Never any “ugly” language as my Grandmother would say.

Just as this lady missed the chance to invite her friend to my store before it closed, I wonder how many family members and friends will miss out on Jesus and Heaven because I didn’t make the time to tell them more about Jesus and asking Him into their hearts? Once they are gone or I am, I am not able to do that anymore. Honestly, I don’t want a single friend or family member missing Heaven especially if I could be a part of helping them make that decision. Time is precious and should be used to help others not for just ourselves.

What about you? Tell us your story about running out of time and missing something important. How about now? Do you have someone you have been praying for to receive salvation? Are you running out of time with them?

These Shoes Don’t Feel Good Any More

Posted on February 6, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you heard the saying that you can’t judge anyone until you walk a mile in their shoes? This is so true. Advice is so easily given and judgment quickly rendered on a situation others cannot totally understand. If they would wear my shoes for a day or even a few hours it would be apparent my shoes didn’t feel well at all. At times I cannot totally understand either and my own shoes hurt my feet.

My situation is different yet like so many others’. It is not one I chose. Not many people choose trials or struggles. Do I blame God for it? Absolutely not. He is the Righteous, Perfect One. Will He turn the bad in a situation for good. Every time. There are many like me and perhaps you’re one. Have you ever heard “Well, I know what I’d do if it was me”? Me, too. I hear that a lot. Ironically the majority of my critics and advisors aren’t devout Christians. If I am going to take counsel, it needs to be credible, Biblically based, and from someone who prays.

I have a lovely daughter with two sons. She taught elementary school and was in her element at a Christian school. When her second son was born, he had a multitude of health issues beginning with his brain, heart, kidney, digestive system, and going on and on. He has many three ring binders full of doctors, procedures, appointments, and anything needing documented. Isaac is the happiest boy I have ever known even though he cannot walk, eat, or talk. My daughter, son-in-law, and elder grandson shower Isaac with love and see to his every need, but still she gets judged. “I wouldn’t stay home if I had a teaching degree.” “I would not send him to therapy or school.”

Before passing judgment or offering unwanted advice, please put yourself in their places. Really put yourself in their day to day shoes. Seek Biblical counsel. Don’t steer them off track. Sometimes the best advice you can offer is none.

A friend that works with special needs children has one herself. Her sweet daughter has sensory issues with clothing and even shoes. Sure there are other things, too. Don’t all kids have issues with something? During a particularly stressful morning her daughter was melting down because she didn’t want to wear anything socks. It was an extremely cold day, and she couldn’t stand a heavy coat either. Dee decided it was more important to give in than let things escalate out of control so after warming her van she drove the kids to school. Later all over Facebook she read what a horrible mother she was. There were even requests for clothes donations. More judging without understanding. If they would just switch shoes with her for one day.

“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Matthew 7:1-2

That’s what Jesus says about judging. It’s hard to do, but we must show mercy and grace to those who unfairly judge our difficulties. They could try to walk in our shoes for a day, but they wouldn’t last. Our shoes would hurt their feet, but “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.” Our feet keep going because Jesus helps.