Each year at Thanksgiving our family has a sharing time  to discuss  all that we we are thankful for.  We are required to just name one thing.  Sometimes we write this down to share with each other after dinner, sometimes we discuss it before dinner.  When I’m put on the spot I struggle to come up with just the right thing.  The truth is my heart is so very filled with gratitude.  Where do I begin?

I’m Thankful most of all for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without His sacrifice on the cross, I would have no hope or future.  My life here on this earth would be empty and meaningless. He took the punishment for my sins and the sins of the whole world…. that really belonged to me. I have broken all of his commandments and have nothing to offer Him that can contribute anything to my salvation and hope of heaven.   The hymn “Just as I am” says it all for me.  Just as I am without one plea, but that thy blood was shed for me.  And that thou biddest me come to thee O lamb of God I come….I come. If I own nothing else in this world except the eternal life He has given me, I am overwhelmed and filled with awe and gratitude.  There are no words that I can offer him that can adequately express my JOY!  To God be Glory, To God be the Glory, To God be the Glory for the things he has done.  Read more...

This  short but powerful video  will give you a sample of  Voddie  Baucham’s ministry.  When I listen to Voddie I feel renewed and empowered again.  I feel motivated to do a good job discipling and training up my children.  He reminds us that the Government has no jurisdiction over our children!  Check out what Voddie has to say about government schools.  (Scroll down past the clock, and turn the music off before beginning)

It takes a heap o’ livin’ in a house t’ make it home,
A heap o’ sun an’ shadder, an’ ye sometimes have t’ roam
Afore ye really ’preciate the things ye lef’ behind,
An’ hunger fer ’em somehow, with ’em allus on yer mind.
It don’t make any differunce how rich ye get t’ be,
How much yer chairs an’ tables cost, how great yer luxury;
It ain’t home t’ ye, though it be the palace of a king,
Until somehow yer soul is sort o’ wrapped round everything.

Home ain’t a place that gold can buy or get up in a minute;
Afore it’s home there’s got t’ be a heap o’ livin’ in it;
Within the walls there’s got t’ be some babies born, and then 
Right there ye’ve got t’ bring ‘em up t’ women good, an’ men;
And gradjerly, as time goes on, ye find ye wouldn’t part
With anything they ever used—they’ve grown into yer heart:
The old high chairs, the playthings, too, the little shoes they wore
Ye hoard; an’ if ye could ye’d keep the thumbmarks on the door.

Ye’ve got t’ weep t’ make it home, ye’ve got t’ sit an’ sigh
An’ watch beside a loved one’s bed, an’ know that Death is nigh;
An’ in the stillness o’ the night t’ see Death’s angel come,
An’ close the eyes o’ her that smiled, an’ leave her sweet voice dumb.
Fer these are scenes that grip the heart, an’ when yer tears are dried,
Ye find the home is dearer than it was, an’ sanctified;
An’ tuggin’ at ye always are the pleasant memories
O’ her that was an’ is no more—ye can’t escape from these.  Read more...

My husband and I have been friends with a dear couple who have been involved in Children’s Ministries for decades of their lives.  They have no children of their own but have dedicated their lives to other people’s  children expecting nothing in return but only the hope that these little one’s would say “Yes” to the Savior and begin a journey of following Christ.  They are also big train  buffs and each year have the children help them set up a huge train display with the theme “Keep on Track with Jesus.”

The Children learn new “Railroad Words” while they gain an understanding of the Gospel.  When you “Derail” you are in sin and off the track.  When you “Repent” you change direction with the help of the Lord.  “Confess”.… You actually tell on yourself and your heart becomes clean again. You are “Forgiven” and welcomed back.  Then finally you “Re-rail”.… You are back on track and begin to grow spiritually.

In order to keep on track with Jesus you must:

1. Let GOD be the source of your “power.” Matthew 29:19 tells us that All power is given to Me (Christ) in heaven and on earth….Therefore, Go and make disciples of all nations…teaching them to obey all that I’ve commanded you…Remember, I am with you always.

2. When you de-rail, confess and then get back on the track. (1 John 1 :9)  If we confess our sin, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Read more...

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be very liberal, and among other liberal ideals, was very much in favor of higher taxes to support more government programs, in other words redistribution of wealth.

She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch conservative, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his.

One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the need for more government programs.

The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth and she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school.

Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn’t even have time for a boyfriend, and didn’t really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, “How is your friend Audrey doing?”  Read more...

Our Father in Heaven,
We give thanks for the pleasure
Of gathering together for this occasion.
We give thanks for this food
Prepared by loving hands.
We give thanks for life,
The freedom to enjoy it all
And all other blessings.
As we partake of this food,
We pray for health and strength
To carry on and try to live as You would have us.
This we ask in the name of Christ,
Our Heavenly Father. Amen

~H. Jewell

Creamy Carrot soup with Scallions

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 quart low-sodium vegetable broth
1 quart water
2 pounds carrots, sliced 1/3 inch thick
6 large scallions, thinly sliced crosswise
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
Salt and freshly ground pepper

Melt the butter in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Add the onion, cover and cook over low heat,  until softened. Add  broth and water along with the carrots and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until the carrots are tender.
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the scallions  and cook over moderately high heat, stirring, until the scallions are softened, about 1 minute.
Working in batches, puree the carrot soup in a blender until smooth; transfer to a clean saucepan. Stir in the cream and milk and simmer over moderate heat, stirring. Season the soup with salt and pepper and ladle into bowls. Garnish with the scallions  and serve.  Read more...

America has much for which to be thankful. The unequaled freedom enjoyed by our citizens has provided a harvest of plenty to this nation throughout its history. In keeping with America’s heritage, one day each year is set aside for giving thanks to God for all of His blessings. On this day of thanksgiving, it is appropriate that we recall the first thanksgiving, celebrated in the autumn of 1621. After surviving a bitter winter, the Pilgrims planted and harvested a bountiful crop. After the harvest they gathered their families together and joined in celebration and prayer with the Native Americans who had taught them so much. Clearly our forefathers were thankful not only for the material well being of their harvest but for this abundance of goodwill as well.

In this spirit, Thanksgiving has become a day when Americans extend a helping hand to the less fortunate. Long before there was a government welfare program, this spirit of voluntary giving was ingrained in the American character. Americans have always understood that, truly, one must give in order to receive. This should be a day of giving as well as a day of thanks. As we celebrate Thanksgiving in 1981, we should reflect on the full meaning of this day as we enjoy the fellowship that is so much a part of the holiday festivities. Searching our hearts, we should ask what we can do sass individuals to demonstrate our gratitude to God for all He has done. Such reflection can only add to the significance of this precious day of remembrance.  Read more...

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn’t looking I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don’t.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn’t looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn’t feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.  Read more...

Love the message in this Country song.  🙂

This video touches my heart…makes me want to be a better parent and example to my boys. (Scroll down pass the clock and turn the music off…Enjoy)

There are little eyes upon you and they’re watching night and day.

There are little ears that quickly take in every word you say.

There are little hands all eager to do anything you do;

And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you.

You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise.

In his little mind about you no suspicions ever rise.

He believes in you devoutly, holds all you say and do;

He will say and do, in your way when he’s grown up just like you.

There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right;

And his eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night.

You are setting an example every day in all you do;

For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like you.

Author Unknown