Jesus Picnics!

Love the LORD and your neighbor! Luke 14:13

       Jesus gave His Life for us! When I see this, I think, 'Thank Him for, He died for us!' And He did die for us! Through simple, child-like faith in Jesus, there is no longer any sin or separation between us and God! He offers us a right relationship with Him and others! Hallelujah! But Jesus also gave His Life for us! Check out these verses! The first one we know quite well! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17). And also, here is this verse! "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). So, God gave His Son, Jesus, who is Life! Every day Jesus lived, He has lived in Love, and He gave that for us! And this was not just on this earth, it was from all eternity! Jesus is always with God! "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. . . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:1-2, 14). God really loves us! Let's hope in Him! "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:5).

       God is so good! God is love! "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" (1 John 4:16). Let's share in His love! This summer, God is really leading to have Jesus picnics! Wherever you are, you can have picnics in your neighborhood and invite everyone! (Luke 14:13) Let's invite our friends, loved ones, people who we would like to be our friends, and everyone. For, everyone should hear that God loves them! He alone can fill our real hunger! He is the Bread of Life! "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). He loves you! Let's feast on His real love! He is leading me to have picnics in a nearby park, and to have a time of prayer and worship, and some teaching! It may look a bit different for you, but let's all hang out with our neighborhood this summer in Christ's love! He is alive! He is our Life! Hallelujah!

Gelato al Cioccolato (Includes the Extended Recipe!)

       
       Pictured is actually, ‘Gelato Espresso con Cioccolato.’ This last summer my brother, Nick Woods, and his girlfriend, Maria Enomoto, churned it fatta in cassa (Italian for made at home). Nick, who is currently studying neuroscience, and loves any science project, has recently taken to learning the art of coffee roasting. I have observed that this is quite an exact process as he measures by the ounce, considers the degree of coloring, and calculates the timing of the cracks. As for the ice cream making, I think we all realized that it is a real labor of love. The whole event took consistent churning, and at about every half hour for eight hours, Nick and Maria mixed it over ice in the bowl seen at the back of the photo. It was a wholesome experiment and they truly worked off the calories. (Also, an old, German burr coffee grinder is pictured at the back right!)
       Since then, I have tried to make, ‘Gelato al Cioccolato,’ in an ice-cream maker (I love the espresso’s taste, but refrained from using the beans because all coffees do raise your blood pressure). The modern process with the machine did involve some timely preparation, but turned out to be a lot easier! Regardless, in making the gelato, I found that it's quite the special treat. I reduced the fat and salt content as much as I could, but the dessert does require milk and cream for a reason. After these experiments, I’d say, it is important to sometimes celebrate with projects that take a little longer, and to use the finest ingredients you have in them, of course, all for the LORD!
       In the Old Testament, especially in Leviticus, Exodus and Numbers, there are many accounts of people worshiping God with the finest things they have. It is healthy to note that all the senses are involved, because sometimes we think that worshiping God can only be through singing. Singing is an amazing form of worship, as seen throughout Scripture (especially in the Psalms), but God would probably love for us to learn more about Him and come closer to Him through other methods too! That is a reason to worship: to become closer to Him! For, He doesn’t need worship Himself, but worship should be a fun expression of thanks for the glorious riches that He has bestowed on us. The greatest of these being life, accomplished through His Son’s sacrifice and victory on the cross! Hallelujah! In Exodus, the LORD God gave regulations to Moses on all types of worship. Some of these included: how to make the ark, which held the Ten Commandments; some were for the finely selected incense; some were for the special and delicious meals to eat. God wants each sense to be involved to show that He alone is Holy and Worthy, and that He makes things for our good and enjoyment! Consider the regulations for the priestly garments, one being for a vest called an ephod. The fine materials helped the people to remember the Holiness and beauty that the LORD brings in life, specifically through any physical beauty (which is truly a blessing; and the vest was not the focus, but it pointed to the LORD, who is)! As instructed by the LORD, “They made the ephod of gold, and of blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and of finely twisted linen. They hammered out thin sheets of gold and cut strands to be worked into the blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen - the work of a skilled craftsman. They made shoulder pieces for the ephod, which were attached to two of its corners, so it could be fastened. Its skilfully woven waistband was like it - of one piece with the ephod and made with gold, and with blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and with finely twisted linen, as the LORD commanded Moses. They mounted the onyx stones in gold filigree settings and engraved them like a seal with the names of the sons of Israel. Then they fastened them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel, as the LORD commanded Moses” (Exodus 39:2-7). Think about how the gold, blue, purple and scarlet yarn would stand out against the natural canvas of the tents and the dessert floor. The LORD showed He was Holy in just this way, but of course in many other miracles and everyday beauty as well! When we worship God, let’s use all the senses He gave us, and give the best for Him. Whether it be cooking, painting, gardening, encouraging, writing, reading, or listening, as long as it’s for Him, it can be worship! (Col 3:23) 

♥   This is a specialty recipe. For a normal length recipe, see below, and also look at cooking in the 'labels' column! God Bless you!   ♥   

     To make the gelato (Italian for frozen) treat, start by deciding to either get an ice cream maker or churn it by hand. The machine that I purchased was very efficient, had a great design, and was about $60. (If you are planning on making ice cream often, it would definitely be a smart investment to get one!) With an ice-cream maker, start by freezing the bowl portion the night before. The process might differ based on the specific machine you have, but that was the case with mine. The next day, combine the milk, cream and 1/2 of the sugar. If you are using nonfat milk, it will still work out great, just heat it a little longer in the second step. Then, you can enunciate the flavors by simmering in a saucepan (this is especially helpful when making vanilla or nut ice creams). Cook over high heat. As soon as you start to see the first little air bubbles arising to the top, take it off the heat and set it aside to cool. In a recipe that included this tip, it also said to have a side of milk at hand. By doing so, you can quickly cool any preparations that you think become overly hot. (In fact, this is the recipe that inspired my gelato making the most, and you should check out the cook’s tremendous blog. He lived in Italy for some time, so has great advice on authentic Italian cuisine and culture.^ta)
     While the sugar and milk mixture is cooling, begin to whip the eggs until thickened. Once it has cooled to room temperature, add to the eggs. Mix completely together, then transfer back into the saucepan. Now, you’ll heat it all up to cook the eggs and thicken the cream. This second step of the process requires the most patience (you’ll also want to add the cocoa powder now). Stirring the whole time, slowly increase the temperature from ‘low’ to ‘medium’ to ‘high’ over 17 minutes! I know this takes a while, but it is very authentic. (Note that it does take less time if you added milk with more fat, or more cream, and if more cream, then less milk to average out the balance of cream and milk). I know you can do it! Plus, it’s worth it. While you are stirring, you can think of all the wonderful things God has given you over the years, especially in Jesus Christ, who has given you life!!! I’ll also include a helpful, little anecdote for you to ponder. When I first made this gelato, I thought that the mixture was not thickening enough (it needs to be, by the way, like a thin soupy milk. When it’s ready, take off the heat, and you’ll read below what to do next). Anyway, I was heating for 20 minutes, then 30 minutes, all the way to 45 minutes! I finally thought, “Ahah, it’s ready,” because it was so thick, and I was so tired. However, it was actually too thick! What I had made instead was pudding. I know, right? So, here is a bonus recipe for you. When you cook it like this for about 45 minutes, you’ll get the most authentic, rich and low-calorie pudding ever! I would recommend eating it with some berries. Praise God for using all things for His good! (Romans 8:28)
     Back to the gelato though. When it is soupy, like a thin soupy milk, take it off the heat right away and put into the fridge (the idea is to thicken it a little). Refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours, stirring periodically to prevent a skim from forming. By refrigerating, when you put it back into the ice-cream maker, or use the hand-stirring method, it starts closer to the freezing point and more easily becomes creamy.
     After the hour has passed, the fun part begins. If you are using the hand method, begin to stir at every half hour for up to eight hours (sometimes less), until it looks like frozen yogurt. This is what you’ll go for. Make sure that it is over an ice-bath and try dry ice to keep the temperature very low (remember to use gloves and caution while handling dry ice!) If you are using an ice-cream maker instead, take the unit out of the freezer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to proceed. With mine, you just switch-on the unit and pour the mixture in. After about 20 minutes the texture thickens all the way to a frozen-yogurt-like consistency. Now, you can fold in the crushed chocolate bar, berries or other fruits and eat it as is, or, to make it ‘gelatoized,’ place it in the freezer for at least another 2 hours. Thaw about 20 minutes before serving and the result will be a thick and creamy gelato! I’d of course recommend serve it with some blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, but I’ll leave that to you. Enjoy experimenting with the fine ingredients God has given you, and use it as worship for Him. It is right to give thanks to God! He deserves it!
     For more on worship, look at ‘Shrimp and Clams,’ pg. 94, and footnote 56; listen to the teachings from Door of Hope to follow; and most importantly, read in the Bible! By reading more verses, we can see that God alone is worthy of worship! In His goodness He doesn’t need it, but it is so nice, fitting and fun to give Him thanks! He is our LORD and friend; let’s read some and thank Him! Psalm 33:1 declares, “Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him.” Psalm 147:1 rejoices, “Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!”


2 ½ cups milk

1/3 cup heavy cream

¾ cup sugar

3 egg yolks

½ cup unsweetened, unsalted cocoa powder

1 fine, crumbled dark chocolate bar


♥   Footnotes

- White, Josh, narr. “What Is Worship?” Spirit & Truth. Door of Hope, under God’s direction, Portland, 16 Aug. 2011. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <http://www.doorofhopepdx.org/media/sermons/category/spirit-truth.html>.
- White, Josh, narr. “Why Should We Sing” Spirit & Truth. Door of Hope, under God’s direction, Portland, 16 Aug. 2011. Web. 1 Dec. 2011.<http://www.doorofhopepdx.org/media/sermons/category/spirit-truth.html>.
a. Fariello, Jr., Frank. Memorie di Angelina. Blogspot, July 2010. google. Web. 1 Dec. 2011. <http://memoriediangelina.com/>.


♥   Praise the Lord! 'He Art cooking' the cookbook is done! Here is a sneak peak of what you can order (if you please, order here!). God Bless your cooking and enjoy the recipes (Scripture) from the LORD as well!

Breakthrough! An Introduction

     

       God loves us so much! He sent His One and only Son to die for us so that we don't have to! He gives us eternal life with Him! All we have to do is receive Him in faith. He is such a gift and our great reward!
       God's love for us is so complete. He lacks nothing when He loves us because He actually is LOVE! "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" (1 John 4:16). This series of He articles reminds us that God is with us (Immanuel, the name for Jesus, means, "God with us," see Matthew 1:23), and desires to be in an intimate loving relationship with us all the time! There is nothing separating us from Him! We get to enjoy our God, Dad, all day long, now and forevermore!!!!!!! (Galatians 4:6). Sometimes, though, I've been upset about something, or distracted, and I start to listen to one of the world's dumb lies! (See also, 'The Lion King' in Inspiration)! Well, no more for any of us! God loves all of us so much and He is always here! All of the articles below are encouraging lessons that God has recently taught me about His Truth, Love and how Jesus provided the Way to be with Him! For Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). It is not by my own effort, forcing myself, learning more, doing anything on my behalf, etc. that I can earn Him. It is a free, beautiful, and peaceful gift from the Creator, so we get to just relax in His Presence like a little child! Thank you God! Hallelujah! You will always comfort us in Your strong arms! "The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemies before you, saying, 'Destroy them!'" (Deuteronomy 33:27). And, "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these'" (Matthew 19:14). We receive Him like a little child! It's simply amazing love!
       Each article at the bottom of the page gives a specific lesson, or breakthrough, that God taught me over the past year or so. I pray that you can learn from them, even metaphorically, so that you realize there is nothing separating you from Him! He is here, Immanuel, and He is Love!

       First, let's briefly look at just a ray of His Light, about what He did for us, and how there is no longer any separation from Him! There is instead, Him! Let us always remember, "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away" (2 Corinthians 3:16).
       This image is of the curtain in the temple being torn from top to bottom. In that time, the temple was a place for God's Presence. God cannot be contained, for He is God, but it offered a place for people to gather together to meet Him and give Him thanks! Only once a year, could the high priest go in behind the curtain, on behalf of all the people, to offer the sacrifice of worship and thanks to the LORD! God gave His people clear instructions at that time to show that He is Holy, or set apart, that He is Love, Awesome, Life and more; He is so amazing, He is God! Hallelujah! (Leviticus 11:45; see also Mark 10:18 and John 14:6). God also instructed His people about sin, which is like poison - if you eat poison, you will die! But sin is way more dangerous because it leads to spiritual death, and it is the cause for separation from God, who is Life!
       So thanks be to God for sending us His Son, Jesus Christ! When Jesus died on the cross for our sins, He removed all that separates us from God! Thank You God so much!!! We are now face to face with God, our intimate Creator and Friend! As we read, "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn from top to bottom" (Matthew 27:50). The veil has been lifted! We have constant access to God! God received His pure and blameless Son as the perfect sacrifice who paid the penalty for us. We know this for God raised Christ to life again, defeating sin and death forever on the cross. Through faith, we now share in Christ's Life! "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus provided the way to the Father, and He set us free! Thank you God! "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery" (Galatians 5:1).
       Plus, it gets even better! -There is always more love with the LORD! God can be with us right now, through the Holy Spirit! Before Jesus died for all our sins and rose again, He promised to send His Holy Spirit, or Counselor. He told us, "Now I am going to Him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' Because I have said these things, you are filed with grief. But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:5-7). Now, we can see that it was indeed for our good that He did this! And when we have faith in Him, we receive the Holy Spirit in us! For we read, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies" (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). His loving Presence in us, guides, comforts, teaches, and provides His perfect peace forever. God is closer to us than we are!
       We are always with Him and enter into His Love just like a little child! It's simply amazing love! Praise You God for being with us! "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory" (Psalm 73:23-24). Let us dance with Him, our Dad, as He holds our hand!

"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).

1. Jesus died for all our sins!

2. God is always making us!

3. God is everywhere

4. His gift in hardships

5. God is our Teacher, Friend, Brother and Everything!

6. He lifts up our head

7. Jesus is the perfect sacrifice!

8. Praise to You Jesus! We are already with You!

9. Being made in the image of God!

10. Our identity is in Christ! Let us fix our eyes on Him!

11. John 17:20-21; One with the Father!

12. There is always more faith, hope and love in the LORD!

Praise the LORD! Jesus loves you! Hallelujah!

Shrimp and Clams

    
       This picture, the Bouillabaisse’s, and the chapter header’s, were all taken at the Liggett’s beach house. Their beach house is by far one of my favorite places to be and gives me some of my most peaceful memories of being with God and my family. I can remember the beautiful wide beaches, their colors, the smells of the ocean, sandy feet, and the Mexican restaurant’s spicy habanero salsa. I always find strength in the LORD by going there in my mind with Him in my heart. 

       The beach was also a perfect place to make seafood for this cookbook. My family went down to the local grocery store and got some fresh ‘fruits from the sea.’ We made this recipe and the bouillabaisse all at the same time, because we were there just for the night. This was such a fun evening, thanks to God and the Liggetts!^t55 Mind you, it was busy, but didn’t seem so at the beach!

       The structure of clams and shrimp hold a great lesson that fits with my memories of being with God and family at the beach. Their outer shells protect them from the powerful maritime conditions. The outer shell or protection from God is similar, and yet unique, in that it not only protects, but is joy! This strength is evident when at the beach in my head, or on vacation. “Nehemiah said, ‘Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength’” (Nehemiah 8:10). Let us grow in memories of times with God just as we would our loved ones. Let us hold on to these as reminders that He is our strength and shield. And let us give thanks! The Psalmist David writes, “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song” (Psalm 28:7).^t56

     To make this light summertime recipe, start by de-shelling and deveining the shrimp, discarding any clams (or mussels too) that are already opened and rinsing both in cold water. Then, sear the shrimp on high heat for about 7-10 minutes with half of the ingredients except for basil (adding garlic at the end). They will be done when pink and flaky. For the clams, use the rest of the ingredients and steam for 5-7 minutes until opened, discarding any that remain closed. Serve with fresh basil and olive oil. Enjoy finding strength in His wonderful fruit of joy that He freely gives you! God bless your Holidays at the sea!!^t57


1 lb raw, wild caught shrimp

1 lb wild caught clams or 

mussels

2/3 cup dry white wine

1 lemon

1/3 cup fresh basil

7-8 garlic cloves

Marjoram, oregano, thyme, rosemary, 
red pepper flakes, chili powder, olive oil 

and fresh black pepper

♥ Footnotes:

t55 We love the Liggetts and their beach house! Seriously, thank you so much Liggetts for letting us stay there. We always feel Jesus' joy and peace in your home! It is one of our family's favorite places in the whole world. I cannot write enough about how blessed I have been to spend time with the LORD and our family there! Thanks so much and God Bless you all too!

t56 Only with God's help, David was shepherd at one point, the David who defeated Goliath, later a king, the writer of many Psalms, and an ancestor of Jesus! He seems like a pretty cool guy. He made mistakes in his life though, like all of us do in heart or deed, and needed God for forgiveness to be in a righteous relationship. And, he relied on God for continual guidance and strength! Here, in Psalm 28, David is describing how he worshiped God and gave thanks through song. We also should worship God! It is really fun, amazing, and is a gift God gives to us for entering into a conversation with Him. Simply being with God is really the best gift, and is only made possible through Him, by the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26; 15:26, and 16:7 to start). So let's enjoy the gift He has given us for Him!
t57 Worship though, should not be religious, or boring. For example, David suggested a song, but really anything we do can be done for God with a spirit of worship (look at pg. 41 or footnote 37 too)! Jesus said of some people, "They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men" (Mark 7:7). Therefore, what Jesus really desires is our heart, soul, mind and strength to be with Him (Mark 12:30-31). It is like a husband and wife relationship, where their lives are invested in each other's. Jesus has already invested in us. He laid down His life for us because He loved us so much! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16 17). God sent His only Son to die for our sins so we don't have to! Just by having faith in His work we now have eternal life in Jesus! Let's use anything that God has given us to thank Him! Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." In everything we do, we get to thank God!
t57 Jesus also talked about true worship in John 4:23-24. This contrasts worshiping in vain, and using rules taught by men. Jesus says instead, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24). God has given us so much including Jesus' sacrifice! Let's truly worship Him with every gift! (See also pgs. 41 and 131!)

t57 "A holiday at the sea" is definitely what we had here, both literally and in time spent with God. This phrase is from C.S. Lewis', "The Weight of Glory," where Lewis is describing how some people are like young lads who are too preoccupied, or whatever, with their grime to look at what God has to offer. Lewis says, "Indeed, if we consider the unblushing promises of reward and the staggering nature of the rewards promised in the Gospels, it would seem that Our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased." The holiday at the sea is all of the joy and peace and freedom that we can experience in Christ, because that is really who He is. Those are some of His character traits! God is so awesome and worthy of praise and time spent with Him. Let's look to Him in everything! "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and loose heart" (Hebrews 12:1-3).

♥   Praise the Lord! 'He Art cooking' the cookbook is done! Here is a sneak peak of what you can order (if you please, order here!). God Bless your cooking and enjoy the recipes (Scripture) from the LORD as well!

Creative Salad

       Let’s get creative and praise the LORD! God has given us so many prime ingredients. The creative salad is a process to find new combinations with them and get your thinking cap on for Him. Started by my friend Ben Ingalls and I, this salad had always been a fun experimental project. We would enjoy a unique combination such as: avocados (a very necessary ingredient), strawberries, apples, lots of red onions, bell peppers and greens. We would often add dry-roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds, or slivered almonds for variation, and use olive oil and citrus for dressings. Nowadays, this salad has grown in appreciation within my own family. My mom really likes fetta cheese, so that usually finds it’s way as a garnish (the potassium in the avocados helps to cancel out the sodium in the cheese, but always watch cheese intake with low-sodium diets). For your next salad or meal, whatever the ingredients, get creative and approach it as an opportunity to use inventiveness for Him. God loves it when we do and share with others, because His creativity is magnified! 

       “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name” (Psalm 100:4). The reason that this salad, cookbook, food, or anything should exist is to praise the LORD! For it is said, “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD” (Psalm 150:6). Psalm 100’s cantation begins by entering His gates with thanksgiving, and the last Psalm in the book of Psalms ends with thanksgiving as well. This tells us that praising and thanking God is important. That is why the dedication page (the first page of this book) and the last page thank God, for nothing is possible without Him!^t28 Thanking God for just existing, for making such fine ingredients, or for anything, though, is not to flatter Him. Rather, by worshiping God, we come to know Him more and realize how good He is! It helps us follow Him and realize the joy that He freely gives.^t29 And thanking God and worshiping Him can be done in other ways besides singing. It is a very common way, but Romans 12:1-8 speaks about how anything God gives us can be used for Him. Paul, the writer of Romans, elaborates in verses 6-8, “We have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently, if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” God openly offers grace to us all through His Son Jesus Christ, who paid the price for our sins. Thank God for His kindness in whatever gifts He has given you, believe in His work, and remember to metaphorically, “Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy” (Psalm 33:3).


♥   Footnotes

^t28 White, Josh, narr. "A Theology of Singing." Spirit and Truth. Door of Hope, under God's direction, Portland, 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.

<http://www.doorofhopepdx.org/media/teachings/category/spirit-truth.html>.
^t29 "White, Josh, narr. "A Theology of Worship." Spirit and Truth. Door of Hope, under God's direction, Portland, 16 Aug. 2011. Web. 21 Sept. 2011.
<http://www.doorofhopepdx.org/media/teachings/category/spirit-truth.html>.
See also, A "Theology of Posture":
http://www.doorofhopepdx.org/media/teachings/category/spirit-truth.html


♥   Praise the Lord! 'He Art cooking' the cookbook is done! Here is a sneak peak of what you can order (if you please, order here!). God Bless your cooking and enjoy the recipes (Scripture) from the LORD as well!

God is Mercy! 'St. Faustina: Messenger of Divine Mercy'

       This is an amazing life changing production. God led me to it in a miraculous way, and LORD willing, I'll write about it soon, but for now you should really check out this play! It is all about how God has unending Mercy and Love for us-He is Love and He is Mercy! (1 John 4:8, 16; 2 Cr 4:1) God told the world who He is through His Son, so if you would like to know God, jut believe in His Son! And He is still with us through the Holy Spirit. He gave St. Faustina all these important lessons to share with this generation about His Mercy for us, including the image of the Sacred Heart. You have probably seen this image. He told her to have the inscription with it: 'Jesus, I trust in You,' because He loves us so much and always is with us, caring for us, and providing for our needs. The white represents His water-giving us righteousness, and the red represents His blood and His Life. He is not mad at us-He loves us so much-He died for us when we were still sinners-so He has already paid the price for all these problems! Whatever you think is separating you from God right now, it's not! He died for that-all of that was taken care of on the cross, so that we could experience His love and rest and rejoice in Him all the time. All we need is simple, childlike faith! We really can rest in Him: "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in all the earth" (Psalm 46:10). God loves you so much! Enjoy His love for you-it's so easy and refreshing!!! We don't have to work for God's love-He always loves us perfectly, and desires a relationship with us. Just have faith and you'll see He is smiling over you and loves you and you can rest and rejoice! God Bless and I pray you can check out this play.

http://www.stlukeproductions.com/

-See their national schedule below for when it comes near you! God Bless their showings and may many come to know Him more for His true Mercy to us!

http://www.stlukeproductions.com/calendar

His peace, joy and mercy to you!

Jesus is the greatest gift!

God is always with us! He graciously came to us through His Son, Jesus, and can live in our hearts through simple, child-like faith! Let's let Him reign in us as we rest in His love. This Christmas time, and New Year, may we let God work through us, not through our own effort, but with His Spirit leading our hearts. May you enjoy Him and His strong love for you and be always rejoicing in Him! "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7). And may you always celebrate Him with the joy and peace that comes around Christmas time, naturally and thankfully sharing His love with everyone around. 

For celebrating Christmas this year, I was again inspired to share the Christmas story! As recorded in Luke 2:1-20, “In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told."

God Bless and have a Merry Christmas celebrating Jesus,
our Savior's, birth!

Resting in His Love this Christmas

Praise Jesus! He is with us! He loves us all so much. May you have a very merry and peaceful Christmas and enjoy Him!

       I’m so excited to tell you that God just placed the He Art cookbook into Tree of Life Christian Outlets and Elephants Delicatessen! And there is a book signing tomorrow, Saturday the 20th at Lighthouse Book and Bible in Hillsboro! Hallelujah! He is so kind! I’d love for you to go check out the book there or at the other stores! It would be a blesing and honor. Also, this Christmas God led me to partner with OHSU’s Doernbecher Children’s Hospital.

1/2 of the proceeds go to Doernbecher!

       I pray that you can support this opportunity! God bless you wherever you are and may you feel His peace and good love for you. He loves you so much. There are no hoops to jump through, He just loves you, no matter what!!! All you need is simple, child-like faith and your in a right relationship with Him and others! Hallelujah! He is who we are made for and completes us! How cool! God really loves you and if you want to know the real God, just look to His Son, starting with baby Jesus! He is so humble and wants to have a true relationship with us all. He knows you intimaley, and loves you perfectly, unconditionally. He is Love! (1 John 4:16). He is Mercy! Thank God! : D May you feel His love for you right now! God Bless you so much and Merry Christmas!!! Let’s rest in Him this Christmas!

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Tree of Life! Praise the LORD!!!

        Praise God! The He Art cookbook is now at 'Tree of Life Christian Outlets'! God is so good! One of my favorite verses is about how God is the Tree of Life, and gives life to the water-he is the source of life, for He is Life itself! This verse is just amazing, speaing of unity with Christ. He overflows His grace and love in us so freely! All we need is simple, child-like faith to receive Him! Wo! He is so good and healing! "Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing” (Ezekiel 47:12).

God Bless you! He loves you!

       You can check out the cookbook at Tree of Life and read more of His Word to us, daily Bread, for He is the Bread of Life! "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). Let's go to Him in His Word!

       Also, Tree of Life is supporting the Doernbecher Christmas opportunity from He Art! Half of the proceeds this Christmas goes to Doernbecher! Hallelujah! God is so pure! I pray that you can support this Christmas gift!

       God Bless you and may you receive His peace and joy for you! He loves you so much! Let's celebrate Him and His love for us in His Son this Christmas. Amen!

http://www.christianoutlet.com/about.asp

Elephants! Praise the LORD!

       Thanks be to God! He just placed the He Art cookbook into Elephants Delicatessen! Hallelujah!!!!!!!! He alone is so good! "Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone" (Mark 10:18). This is wonderful and He deserves all the glory, all the time and for everything! The first cookbooks that God really inspired me through were from Elephants. Since then, He put the dream in my heart to one day make a cookbook for Him, with His Word in it, for He is the only One who can fill and satisfy us! He truly is our Bread of Life. "Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). Our desires can only be fulfilled in Him! We are made to live in Him and Him in us. "For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring’" (Acts 17:28). C. S. Lewis compared this to a car running on gasoline. If it runs on something else, it might go for a while, but then breaks down the street : D Also, after that day, I always thought it would be such an honor to have the book at Elephants. What an blessing, LORD! Thanks to God and thanks to the delightful staff and warm atmosphere! God Bless them! And God Bless you! : D I pray you can check it out there, and remember, 1/2 the proceeds go to Doernbecher Children's Hospital this Christmas! Halleujah! His abundant peace and joy to you this Christmas. He is with you and loves you. "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means “God with us”)" (Matthew 1:23). "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:3).!!! He loves you!
: D

https://www.facebook.com/elephantsdeli?ref=search&sid=727791304.602673988..1

https://www.elephantsdeli.com/

Jesus picnics!

Love the LORD and your neighbor! Luke 14:13

       Jesus gave His Life for us! When I see this, I think, 'Thank Him for, He died for us!' And He did die for us! Through simple, child-like faith in Jesus, there is no longer any sin or separation between us and God! He offers us a right relationship with Him and others! Hallelujah! But Jesus also gave His Life for us! Check out these verses! The first one we know quite well! "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17). And also, here is this verse! "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). So, God gave His Son, Jesus, who is Life! Every day Jesus lived, He has lived in Love, and He gave that for us! And this was not just on this earth, it was from all eternity! Jesus is always with God! "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. . . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:1-2, 14). God really loves us! Let's hope in Him! "And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:5).
       God is so good! God is love! "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" (1 John 4:16). Let's share in His love! This summer, God is really leading to have Jesus picnics! Wherever you are, you can have picnics in your neighborhood and invite everyone! (Luke 14:13) Let's invite our friends, loved ones, people who we would like to be our friends, and everyone. For, everyone should hear that God loves them! He alone can fill our real hunger! He is the Bread of Life! "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). He loves you! Let's feast on His real love! He is leading me to have picnics in a nearby park, and to have a time of prayer and worship, and some teaching! It may look a bit different for you, but let's all hang out with our neighborhood this summer in Christ's love! He is alive! He is our Life! Hallelujah!

Time is within His Hands

       God recently gave me the beautiful privilege of working on some woodworking projects for a few dear friends. He kindly showed me so much about His love and timing just through these three little projects. I'm amazed at how caring and compassionate God is in every situation. He is so loving and He is completely forgiving! He has taught us, 'Everyone who comes to me, I will forgive!'
       This picture contains two of the projects and the third was made to contain His Word. He gave me the title, 'Time is within His Hands,' just like the line from the wonderful song, "How Great is our God." Here are the lyrics!:

♥       How Great is our God - Chris Tomlin

The splendor of a King, clothed in majesty
Let all the earth rejoice
All the earth rejoice

He wraps himself in Light, and darkness tries to hide
And trembles at His voice
Trembles at His voice

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

Age to age He stands
And time is in His hands
Beginning and the end
Beginning and the end

The Godhead Three in One
Father Spirit Son
The Lion and the Lamb
The Lion and the Lamb

Name above all names
Worthy of our praise
My heart will sing
How great is our God

How great is our God, sing with me
How great is our God, and all will see
How great, how great is our God

       God is so good! This is an incredible song that He inspired. It is so joyful to praise Him through song and I hope you can every day! "Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him" (Psalm 147:1). Well, as I was singing to God with this song, God taught me an amazing lesson! He had me recall the line, 'The Lion and the Lamb.' God is gentle enough to care for a baby, and also strong enough to rescue us to eternal life with Him! He is the author of Life and Life itself! "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Jesus is God in the flesh, as recorded in John 1:1-2, 14: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. . . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." He is our Great God indeed who came to save us! He is always here to comfort and uphold, to love and to save, to give His righteousness and grace. Through simple, child-like faith in Jesus, we can be with Him, our God and Dad! (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6; Mark 14:36) Hallelujah! As I sang to Him and looked at the picture, I was delighted to see that this title was incredibly appropriate! First of all, of course, there is a clock and there are lions, but also, Jesus' face is depicted in the painting just underneath the glass on the coffee table. The lion, who is on the rock, just touches the edge of Jesus' face! It is just perfectly touching Him! (You can zoom in as much as you want, and it is just right!) I did not intend for this picture to look this way, or line it up, but God did! God really is showing that He is fully the Lion and fully the Lamb. He is the Rock on whom we place our faith and whom alone save us to Life! Here are some Scriptures for the line and these connections!:

♥       "They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:3-4).

♥       "But his bow remained steady, his strong arms stayed limber, because of the hand of the Mighty One of Jacob, because of the Shepherd, the Rock of Israel, because of your father's God, who helps you, because of the Almighty, who blesses you with blessings of the skies above, blessings of the deep springs below, blessings of the breast and womb" (Genesis 49:24-25).

♥       "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law" (Matthew 7:24-29).

♥       "The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, 'Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!'" (John 1:29). 

♥       "Then one of the elders said to me, 'Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.' Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth" (Revelation 5:5-6; For some meaning here, 'the root of David' is referring to the prophecy in Isaiah 11:1-5, where Jesus would be a descendant of David, from the family tribe of Judah. You can read about this prophecy, and many many many others about Jesus, all coming true in Matthew! How amazing that they all came true! Jesus is LORD! May you see this article for more of the significance of 'Judah.' God is so amazing! Also, John, the recorder of Revelation, describes how the seven seals about the end times can only be opened by Jesus, for He alone has authority. Here is the note from my Bible's commentary: "In John's day, books were written on scrolls - pieces of papyrus or vellum up to 30 feet long, rolled up and sealed with clay or wax. The scroll that John sees contains the full account of what God has in store for the world. The seven seals indicate the importance of its contents. The seals are located throughout the scroll so that as each one is broken, more of the scroll can be read to reveal another phase of God's plan for the end of the world. Only Christ is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll"^ta Jesus lived a perfect life and paid the price for our sins, rising to be seated at the right hand of God! He alone is worthy and He is the only Way to God! "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He alone is worthy to be at the center of the throne!!! And, the seven spirits are representative of the Holy Spirit, who is God, sent out into all the earth. (To read more on the trinity nature of God, see, 'God's Holy Name!' and 'Three-In-One; the Three Parts of He Art') We read about this in Zechariah 4, where the seven lamps are of one lampstand. We also read, "When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." God is God! This prophecy in Revelation is describing how He is most definitely God, the same God that we have know throughout all the ages! He is the God of our fathers, of Abraham Isaac and Jacob. He is God! He is very amazing, and fills all of these credentials to show that He is God! All of these prophecies are recorded for a specific reason, but let's remember, too, He is so beautiful that even a child can understand Him! These details are not to bog us down, and even if we don't understand them, He saves us and He is with us! It is not through our understanding that we are saved, it is through Him that we are saved! Remember John 14:6! He shows us that He is the only way, Jesus, and that He is love! "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" (1 John 4:16). And also, "Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" (Matthew 19:14). It is really simple! He showed us His love in Jesus. When we want to see God, we can look to Jesus; all we need is child-like faith, and He saves us! Hallelujah! I pray that these details, then, can inspire us to see more of how awesome and full our God really is. He is wonderful!) 

       God shows us that Jesus is the Lamb, our Rock, and the Lion from the tribe of Judah! In the Old testament times, often a precious, innocent lamb would take the place of a person's sins. Jesus died in place for our sins, for we read, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23; see also, 'Breakthrough! An Introduction'). Because Jesus rose from the grave, and now is united with the Father, through faith in Him, we also share that Life! How great is our God! We read that He is the Rock on whom we place our faith! "As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that mades them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame" (Romans 9:33). Jesus said He is the way and the truth and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through Him! (John 14:6). That is why He is the rock, and the firm foundation. Other's stumble on that because they think that they can earn it, or build on it, or add something to it. Many Jewish leaders at the time, and Pharisees, thought that they could do it through pious religion, but Jesus says He is the way. That is why it made them fall, for it is by grace we have been saved! "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). We can't 'earn' our way to God, and we cannot 'get right with Him.' He loved us first, and He is already right with us! We just respond in faith in Him! Hallelujah! How amazing! That is why it is good news! 

♥       "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins" (1 John 4:10).

♥       "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him" (John 3:16-17).

♥       "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us") (Matthew 1:23). 

       Also, as we read in Revelation above, God is the Lion and the Lamb! This is prophecy for when He returns, but as we read along, we can also see that Jesus/ God/ the Holy Spirt is already victorious! (To read more on the trinity nature of God, see, 'God's Holy Name!' and 'Three-In-One; the Three Parts of He Art') He has it! He already has won, and it is just a matter of time. In the meantime, God is bringing many people to know Him, and saving them! He is at work! Time is in His Hands and He loves you! By simple child-like faith in Jesus, you are set free in Him forever! Hallelujah! 

       Besides God's lessons from the picture and the title, He also taught me a lot while working on these projects! The word and lion carvings came first, and both have similar lessons. God knows us and has knows us from the beginning! He created us for Him and is in love with us! He loved us when we were still sinners, and loves us now! "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Therefore, everything that happens can be used for Him - to give Him glory. And He will love us no more or less! He is perfectly in love with us and has made us just right. For the word project, God showed me how He gradually, yet steadily brings His plan to fruition. Fruit is produced so gently on the tree. It comes over time, yet is there almost overnight! It is a process and also a miracle! Our time in His Hands is a gift and when He works through us, He makes it timeless! "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7). And, "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--hiseternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). By always looking to Him and trusting in Him, He will make it beautiful! I could not predict how the shapes and knots would all interact, but He could and it was much better than I could imagine! (Hebrews 12) It is always the same for us with God! "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21). Let us place our faith in Him now and enjoy Him now and forever! This is an amazing truth that God taught recently me through, 'Compelled by LOVE,' which He wrote through Heidi Baker. With children coming into her home, and watching the Holy Spirit change their lives, God led her to write about how we can come into the Father's house and that everything He has is ours as well! "And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours" (Luke 15:31). We are welcome to everything! I would recommend purchasing, 'Compelled by LOVE' (see here for the description in the inspiration section!), and reading the whole section, but basically she describes how when they first take the children in, they are often very timid and don't think they have access to the family, even to the fridge! The children who have been there a long time understand that they are completely welcome, and as the new children hang out with them, they gradually understand as well. She shared one story about a child who wouldn't even look people in the eyes because he was so hurt. Heidi took him by the hand and said that there was a Coke in that fridge and he could help himself to it any time he liked. Also, she would tuck him in at night, and look him in the eye, and that she loved him! One day, he went and got that Coke, and he was ecstatic! He finally understood that he was welcome! He realized that he was the Father's child, and no longer an orphan! Sometimes we tend to act a lot like this with God, and think He doesn't hear us, or care, or is going to be mad when we come to Him. But, He is in love with us! He is Love! "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them" (1 John 4:16). He wants to give us everything He has, including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control! He lavishes us in His love! And just through faith, we are his children! "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27). He is so kind and is waiting for us with an open, strong, loving heart! He is smiling over us right now! He wants us to be filled from Him; to drink from Him and eat of Him, for He alone satisfies our real thirst and real hunger! "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them" (John 7:38), and, "Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35). Hallelujah! Truly, He is the Bread of Life! Through simple, child-like faith, He satisfies us in LOVE! He is our sustenance! "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." (John 6:54-58). We can come to Him now and enjoy Him forever! He is who we are made for! Let's let Him fill us! The Father loves all His children! (Also, see more in, 'Jesus picnics!')

       Jesus is so good! He taught us to pray, "You kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven," (Matthew 6:10) as part of the LORD's prayer. This is truly happening! Through faith, let's let God live through us and bring His presence! Our God is a big God! When we trust in Him, we are amazed! (See also, 'Breakthrough 11: John 17:20-21; One with the Father!')
       For the For the lion sculpture, He gave me an image of what the final project would look like, and with eager anticipation, I went to the hardware store to select a piece of choice wood. Right away, He helped me to spot it. It was just the right grain that He had shown me in the image. As I returned home and started working on it over the weeks, I was amazed at the progress! God was truly blessing me with every detail! It was a joy to listen to Him and work on the lion carving. As I was finishing, though, I became a little zealous, and carved a little too much off the tail's end, literally! The fashion of the wood here was a little more brittle, but it did lend to a subtle darker color, that helped exaggerate the final fluff. I couldn't believe that I had chipped to much away! Now, it was a bit off-balance. I realized I couldn't do much about it, but I did have plans at the end to glue it back on, and paint it to re-create the former effect. But God had better plans! This verse is true, for He said it: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11). God led me to keep going in His strength! This is something He has really taught me recently. He compels us to love Him first and others as ourselves, as seen in the greatest two commandments: "Jesus replied, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). He does this in us through His strength and goodness! "To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me" (Colossians 1:29). This 'struggling' in Him is actually resting in His energy. God does the miracles and gives the Love, all we do is rest in Him by faith! For rest in God is victory! (Matthew 12:20; 1 Corinthians 15:57; 1 John 5:4) He is amazing! He is always enough! As He gave the energy to continue, we worked on the lion's head, the absolute last part of the carving. (I had saved the most challenging part for last; I have no idea why!). As God carved the head through the hands He gave me, I found that I was really having a hard time seeing the final result! It was difficult to get a lion-styled head, without a large maine. It was not looking very good! I don't think I was really trusting Him, so I stopped and prayed, asking God to help me finish it, and to work with Him! For Jesus said, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it" (John 14:14). Well, from that point on it went perfectly! The head soon looked just right and everything was working out! I was really pleased and a bit surprised at how quickly it turned around, and also how I liked it so much! God, You Are so Good! He does care for every detail in our lives! We can ask Him anything! 

       As I finished the head, I did notice that it was a lot smaller than I had anticipated. It didn't look abnormal, though. In fact, the shorter length of the tail helped to balance the head! I laughed and realized that God had planned it this way from the beginning. I had the lion loose a little bit of weight to completely finish, and the proportions and balance were brought to life! I know that God is good! He had me sign on the bottom of the rock His initials and mine right next to His. 

       God also taught me a unique lesson through the clock project. It is simple, but amazing; and in that way, just like the gospel! Jesus died for us and now lives! Hallelujah! Through simple, child-like faith in Him, we are saved to eternity with our amazing God! Hallelujah!!!!!!! He is so good! 

       First, He led me to pick out just the right piece of rosewood. It had a small crack in an area that I was going to cut out, and so was marked way down - similar pieces were almost five times more expensive! I thought this was important because He also works in spite of the 'cracks' in our lives! He see's us for who He made us to be, not for any weaknesses. He makes those who are weak in the eyes of the world, strong in Him, filled with Him and His beauty! (Interestingly, too, 'sincere' comes from the Italian word for a type of pottery that was 'without' 'cracks'! Well, after I returned home and started to work on it, I was in awe! I've always enjoyed working with wood for many reasons, but one of the most is the smell! We so often praise God for His beauty in visual things, or in song, but He has also made the most wonderful tastes and smells, emotions, and friends! He is so creative! As He has had me work with different species of wood over the years, I've gotten a bit used to some of the major smells. Well, this rosewood was much different. As soon as I started getting into the sanding, I caught it! It smelled like chocolate and cinnamon! Chocolate and cinnamon! It really did! I loved working on this project, and I was just smiling with God the whole time! He is so good!

       Time is in His Hands! These were just a few little projects and this picture was so small and took so little time to take, but God reveals to us so much of His truth form them. Consider how amazing God is in every detail of your life, all the time! And God is outside of time! He really is perfect and admirable! He is our strong, and gentle Dad, and He is in Love with us! He is here! He is our God! Praise Him!!!!!!!     

^ta See the footnote on 5:1, pg. 2150

Life Application Bible: New International Version. Wheaton And Grand Rapids: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. and Zondervan, 1991. 2150. Print.

♥       God cares about every detail in your life! He loves you!