Numerous Gifts

On Fridays, I enjoy the challenge of writing for 5 minutes on a topic chosen by Lisa-Jo of The Gypsy Mama blog. I always write about the word before reading Lisa-Jo's post, or any of the links.  I find it so interesting how many different viewpoints there are on any given word.  God, of course, is so creative and He made His children the same way!


GIFT

When I think of the word gift, I think of it in two ways.  First, gift as a talent.  The story of the talents in the New Testament talks about a lazy servant who instead of using his talent, hides it.  Oh, may I not be like him!  His punishment was that his gift was taken away and given to one who had used his own talents in a mighty way.

The other way I think of a gift is in relation to Ann Voskamp's "One Thousand Gifts."  In other words, thanking God for the gifts He has given me.  First and foremost, of course, the wonderful gift of redemption.  A gift I didn't earn in any way, shape or form.  A gift for which I am totally unworthy.

And then there are the numerous gifts God has showered on me besides salvation - gifts of family, friends, love and acceptance.  Gifts of purpose and a calling.

I don't forget the little gifts -the gifts that make life enjoyable - color and sunshine, flowers and beauty, food and fragrance and touch. I could go on and on but I must ...

STOP



If you'd like to read other thoughts on "Gift," link up at Lisa-Jo's blog, The Gypsy Mama.

Friday's Fave Five - End of March, 2012

A happy Friday to my readers!  I'm so excited - I now have 52 followers of Jerralea's Journey!  A new follower is definitely a highlight to me - I am honored when anyone reads a post of mine.  As a child, I always wanted to be a writer (well, a spy first, but that didn't work out for me) and blogging seems to be a great way to fulfill that childhood dream.

1. Favorite post to write:  Queen of My Domain was a post that I had had on my mind for quite some time.  I believe it is no accident for the child of God to have the workplace you have and live in the location where you live.  Therefore, walk in the calling that you have as Queen of your domain, ruling it well.

2. Favorite recipe to share:  Last week, my favorite meal was my homemade hamburger helper recipe.  I was asked about it, so here it is:

I'd like to share with you now my world-famous HomeMade Hamburger Helper -- well, Liss and I like it, anyway ... This is a quick, cheap meal that can be served with basics that are in your pantry. It doesn't have any nasty preservatives!

Jerri's HomeMade Hamburger Helper

Step One: Brown one lb. hamburger in skillet. Sprinkle in dried onion flakes to taste. When hamburger is done, drain grease and return hamburger to skillet.

Step Two: Pour into skillet 1 small can tomato sauce. Rinse out can with half cup water and add to mixture. Add 1 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1/2 tsp. chili powder, 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Simmer on low heat.

Step Three: Meanwhile, put on water to boil in 3 quart saucepan. When water is boiling, add approximately 8 oz. pasta. I usually use rotini, but last time I did bow-tie pasta and it was great. When pasta is done, drain and add to mixture in skillet. Mix well and bring to boil. Cover the top of the mixture with shredded cheese. (I usually use colby-monterey jack mixture.) Put a lid on the skillet and turn off the heat. Steam for about 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

This is yummy and filling. I usually serve this with cornbread and green beans. As a bonus, it makes great leftovers to take in your lunch if you have access to a microwave!

3.  Favorite photo of the week:  I'm sharing another photo taken at our recent road trip to Fern Clyffe State Park:

Just looking at this photo relaxes me!

4. Favorite Quote of the Week: 

…. we have a promise that the Lord will return. We're to remain busy living in love and serving in ministry, even when the days grow dark and the nights long. Be encouraged! Be anticipating!

Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King!
Andrae Crouch

… from David Jeremiah, Turning Point Devotional 3/29/12 

5.  Favorite Blog Post to Read:  Shanda, at A Pause on the Path, wrote about "Dying Your Hair At Home." She discovered that sometimes what you planned is not what God has in mind.  Go read her post and see if you agree.


Friday's Fave Five is a lovely meme that focuses on the positive.  Visit Susanne at her blog, Living to Tell the Story to link up.

Tea Talk - Thursday, March 29, 2012

 

I'm having coffee today with my favorite creamer, Cafe Mocha. I'm using the cup I inherited from my mother-in-law.

 

I'm feeling fine and happy.

On my mind are all the things I would like to accomplish - if I only had the time!

A scripture to encourage:

“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love …  Let us encourage one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
~ Hebrews 10:24-25

Encourage someone today!  Send a card, make a phone call, email or just go out of your way to speak to someone.  Your kind word may be the only bright spot in their day.

Tea Talk is a meme hosted by Ruth at Celebrate Friendship.

Queen of My Domain

One day, I was sitting in my office, feeling - let's be honest - a little dissatisfied on my lot on life.  I was sitting facing my computer.  I glanced around at the way I had everything arranged at my desk. It occurred to me that this u-shaped arrangement of office equipment.made it seem like I was sitting in "command central."  Thinking along those lines, I had an epiphany.  "I am Queen of my Domain.," I thought, "I'm free to run this office in the way that I see best (of course, abiding by the policies and procedures manual!)."

In fact, since I work for two churches, I'm Queen at that Domain also.

Taking that thought further, I realized that I am Queen of my Domain at home, as well (also, abiding by the policies and procedures of the greatest of all manual, the Bible).

That's a lot of Queendom!  That's a lot of responsibility.

A Queen is not just someone who wears fancy clothes and receives a lot of accolades from her adoring public.  A Queen has a responsibility to rule her kingdom well.

Not long ago, I was studying the subject of man's dominion on the earth.  Of course, Genesis 1:28 tells us that man has dominion over every living thing. Studying further, I noted that in Genesis 9:3 man has dominion over every resource as well.  

The kicker - at least, to me - is Hebrews 2:7-8:

You have made him a little lower than the angels;
You have crowned him with glory and honor,
And set him over the works of Your hands.
You have put all things in subjection under his feet.”

For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him....

As God so often does, to emphasize His word, He put the same thought in another part of the bible:

You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands;

You have put all things under his feet Psalm 8:6

The sum of these thoughts is this:  God has put me here.  He has given me a work to do.  He has given me dominion in that work.

I looked up dominion in the Strong's Hebrew and Greek Dictionary.  Here are some of the meanings:  be the master of, power, reign, kingdom, empire, rule the country or realm, to be lord over, overcome.  All these are queenly (or kingly) words!

A domain is a territory over which dominion is exercised.  We all either have a job or a home, or both, that is our territory.  Let's rule it well!

To rule well, we need self discipline, organization, and knowledge.  Most of all, we need effort! We can talk all we want, but if we do nothing, we are no better than a wicked ruler who terrorizes his minions into doing all the work.

Let's be a beloved ruler by setting a good example.  Let's be a true "Queen of our Domain."


In the coming weeks, I hope to explore more of what makes a good Queen of  My Domain.  Join me, won't you?  Start by leaving a comment on what you'd like to see in a good Queen.

I'm linking up with Jennifer at Getting Down With Jesus, and

 

Michelle at Graceful,

and Shanda at A Pause on the Path

Daybook - 03.26.12

FOR TODAY, MONDAY, MARCH 26

Outside my window... a perfect spring morning, sunny and 50°

I am thinking... how blessed I am.

I am thankful...that God takes care of me.

In the kitchen...homemade hamburger helper.  This is good to take leftovers in lunch.

I am wearing...black pants, cardi, and sandals with a white, grey and black geometrical blouse.

I am going...walking around the track at the park after work.  My hubby and I are trying to do this 3 times a week... rain prevented us last week from making the third trip.

I am wondering...how people make it without hope.  My hope is in Christ.

I am hoping...God gives clear direction in decisions I must make.

I am looking forward to...special church services we are having this Saturday night.

Around the house...some serious dusting needs to be done, and my desk needs de-cluttering ... AGAIN

I am pondering... Hebrews 13:16 NIV  "And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

A favorite quote for today...

“a tidy house ushers in the possibility of a tidy heart.”

… Ann Voskamp, Holy Experience 3/12/10

One of my favorite things...relaxing in my recliner with my laptop and a glass of sweet tea nearby ...

A few plans for the rest of the week: a couple new recipes to try this week, walking the track,  blogging and bible study -- maybe dusting :)

A peek into my day...

I love waterfalls!

This photo taken on the last roadtrip Jim and I took.

The Daybook is a concept that Peggy Hostetler created. If you would like to link up, visit her blog, The Simple Woman's Daybook.