Praise His Holy Name!

It is my great pleasure to share today's post with you.  It is written by my wonderful friend, Tonya Sanchez.  I have already read it twice and cried both times.  If you know Tonya, you know she is a beautiful, quiet, reserved woman of God.  As she will tell you, this is out of her comfort zone to share.  This testimony is very encouraging.  As my friends, I'm asking that if you read a something on my blog by a guest writer that touches, encourages, or speaks to you, please leave them a comment, email, or send them a text and tell them what it meant to you. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11              

I ♥ y'all,

Tera

Tonya and Mitchell Sanchez! 

I am a follower of  Tera's  Blog.  She's quite inspiring and an Amazing Friend.  I've never done this before but here I go... I might be all over the place so I'm sorry in advance!! :)
 
Well, as I sit here, there's so many things I want to write about.  How the Lord has changed me, Set me free, Healed me, Saved me, Delivered me and Restored my Life.  How he's wiped away my past and made me NEW!!  Wow I sit in Awe of His Goodness!!!  He truly makes my heart Burst with Joy when I think about the things He's Done!!!!! 
 

Praise the Lord Oh My Soul

all my Inmost being,

Praise His Holy name! 

Psalm 103:1

 

Brother Shannon was preaching at the end of service last night.  He was talking about how Satan tries to keep you bound in your past.   Well, I was one of those people he had bound for a long time.  Satan IS A LIAR and the father of Lies.  John 8:44.  He had me believing I wasn't good enough to be around certain people at church, then I'd feel intimidated.  But Gods Mercy and Grace is so Great.  His word says in Psalms 103:12,  "As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us!!!" 

 

Psalm 103 is my most favorite scripture to read.  I've read it over and over.  I went up to the altar at church one night for prayer.  An amazing lady was praying for me.  I didn't tell her what I needed prayer for, and she said as I was praying, "For you, The Lord gave me this scripture." and it was Psalm 103.  She quoted some of it to me, and it was the very thing I went up to get prayed for.  God knows just what we need!

 

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and of love and a sound mind.

 

I was bound up with Anxiety.  I was searching for a way to fill the emptiness I felt.  I tried to fill it with drinking and going out with girlfriends.  Of course that didn't work.  My husband passed away suddenly on Aug 9,2006.  It was a hurt like I'd ever felt.  I had an 18mth old and a 5 year old.  I remember thinking how in the world am I going to do this?  Satan was trying to destroy my life.  The thief comes only to kill, steal, and destroy,  But I have come that you may have life and Have it more abundantly - John 10:10.  Then, in Aug of '06,  I gave my heart to Jesus.   Oh how He Rescued me and Set me free!!   He came in and gave me a peace like nothing I've ever felt before, healed this broken heart, and Redeemed my life.  I found what I had been searching for, my Jesus!  

 

In him, we're made whole.  Jesus is  all we need!!  Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well! Matthew 6:33

 

The Lord is so Faithful!   He has Blessed me with this man I'm So crazy in Love with.  Mitchell is an Awesome husband and father,  most of all He Loves the Lord!  I would have to agree with Tera, Mitchell and Bill are quite the pair!! LOL!  I had to throw that in there!   I don't know what we did to deserve him!  There's not a day goes by that I don't Thank the Lord for Him! 

 

Oh I could go on forever!  I just want to say no matter what it is we go through in this life, God is with us!!   Never will I (Jesus) leave Nor Forsake you!  Hebrews 13:5

 

For I know the plans I have for you",

   Declares the Lord , plans to prosper you and not harm you 

Plans to give you a Hope and a Future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with you all your Heart.     Jeremiah 11-13

 

  

^{Psalm 103}

 

¹ Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
² Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
³ who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
⁴ who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

⁶ The Lord works righteousness
    and justice for all the oppressed.

⁷ He made known his ways to Moses,
    his deeds to the people of Israel:
⁸ The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.
⁹ He will not always accuse,
    nor will he harbor his anger forever;
¹⁰ he does not treat us as our sins deserve
    or repay us according to our iniquities.
¹¹ For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
¹² as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

¹³ As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
¹⁴ for he knows how we are formed,
    he remembers that we are dust.
¹⁵ The life of mortals is like grass,
    they flourish like a flower of the field;
¹⁶ the wind blows over it and it is gone,
    and its place remembers it no more.
¹⁷ But from everlasting to everlasting
    the Lord’s love is with those who fear him,
    and his righteousness with their children’s children—
¹⁸ with those who keep his covenant
    and remember to obey his precepts.

¹⁹ The Lord has established his throne in heaven,
    and his kingdom rules over all.

²⁰ Praise the Lord, you his angels,
    you mighty ones who do his bidding,
    who obey his word.
²¹ Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,
    you his servants who do his will.
²² Praise the Lord, all his works
    everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

Cross references:

1. Psalm 103:1 : Ps 28:6
2. Psalm 103:1 : Ps 104:1
3. Psalm 103:1 : S Ps 30:4
4. Psalm 103:2 : Ps 106:1; 117:1
5. Psalm 103:2 : S Dt 6:12; Ps 77:11
6. Psalm 103:3 : S Ex 34:7
7. Psalm 103:3 : S Ex 15:26; Col 3:13; 1Pe 2:24; 1Jn 1:9
8. Psalm 103:4 : Ps 34:22; 56:13; Isa 43:1
9. Psalm 103:4 : S Ps 8:5; 23:6
10. Psalm 103:5 : S Ps 90:14; S 104:28
11. Psalm 103:5 : Job 33:25; Ps 119:25, 93; 2Co 4:16
12. Psalm 103:5 : S Ex 19:4
13. Psalm 103:6 : Ps 9:8; 65:5; Isa 9:7
14. Psalm 103:6 : S Ps 74:21; S Lk 4:19
15. Psalm 103:7 : Ps 99:7; 147:19
16. Psalm 103:7 : S Ex 33:13
17. Psalm 103:7 : Ps 106:22
18. Psalm 103:8 : S Ex 22:27; S Ps 86:15; Mic 7:18-19; Jas 5:11
19. Psalm 103:9 : Ps 30:5; 79:5; Isa 57:16; Jer 3:5, 12; Mic 7:18
20. Psalm 103:10 : S Ezr 9:13; Ro 6:23
21. Psalm 103:11 : Ps 13:5; 57:10; 100:5; 106:45; 117:2; La 3:22; Eph 3:18
22. Psalm 103:11 : S 2Ch 6:31
23. Psalm 103:12 : S 2Sa 12:13; Ro 4:7; Eph 2:5
24. Psalm 103:13 : Mal 3:17; 1Jn 3:1
25. Psalm 103:14 : Ps 119:73; 139:13-15; Isa 29:16
26. Psalm 103:14 : S Ge 2:7; S Ps 146:4
27. Psalm 103:15 : Ps 37:2; 90:5; 102:11; Isa 40:6
28. Psalm 103:15 : S Job 14:2; Jas 1:10
29. Psalm 103:16 : Isa 40:7; Hag 1:9
30. Psalm 103:16 : S Job 7:8
31. Psalm 103:17 : S Ge 48:11; S Ezr 9:12
32. Psalm 103:18 : S Dt 29:9
33. Psalm 103:18 : Ps 119:52
34. Psalm 103:18 : S Nu 15:40; Jn 14:15
35. Psalm 103:19 : Ps 47:8; 80:1; 113:5
36. Psalm 103:19 : Ps 22:28; 66:7; Da 4:17
37. Psalm 103:20 : Ps 28:6
38. Psalm 103:20 : S Ne 9:6; Lk 2:13; Heb 1:14
39. Psalm 103:20 : S Ps 29:1
40. Psalm 103:20 : Ps 107:25; 135:7; 148:8
41. Psalm 103:21 : S 1Ki 22:19
42. Psalm 103:21 : S Ne 7:73
43. Psalm 103:22 : Ps 19:1; 67:3; 145:10; 150:6
44. Psalm 103:22 : ver 1; Ps 104:1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cooking with a Twist!

 

I almost didn't want to post recipes today because I am so excited about the Week of Prayer at our church this week.  I just wanted to talk about prayer and the Power of God.  It amazes me sometimes, how we can see Our Lord do some A-MA-ZING things, yet we can still be apathetic to the prompting of His Holy Spirit.

 

John 14:13-14

"And whatever you ask in My name, that will I do,

that the Father may be glorified in the Son.

"If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it."

 

There are two people in my family who were dead....AND IN JESUS NAME.....THEY WERE RAISED TO LIFE!  I, personally, have experienced the healing power of the Blood of Jesus in my body and heard many testimonies of people being healed of all manner of disease.   

 

The countless miracles that I have seen.  How could I still be passive? 

 

1 John 5:14-15

And this is the confidence which we have before Him,

that, if we ask anything according to His will, 

He hears us.

And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask,

we know that we have the requests which we

have asked from Him. 

 

People addicted to drugs, alcohol, and perversion - set free.  Sinners saved by the grace of a loving Savior!  What a beautiful sight.....even the angels rejoice every time a sinner comes to repentance (Luke 15:10)!  Lazy Christians who have had their passion and zeal renewed and reignited by the Presence of a Consuming Fire. 

 

Oh, that the things of earth would grow strangely dim.....that the eyes of our heart would turn fully to our Savior.

 

Prayer is powerful!     

 

Psalm 145:18

The LORD is near to all who call upon Him,

To all who call upon Him in truth.

 

I encourage you, if you aren't already, make every effort to attend the Prayer Meetings at Freedom Fellowship.  Just as you spend time getting your physical body ready by getting dressed, applying makeup, and fixing your hair, spend time in prayer and worship to prepare your spirit man! 

 

We sing Hallelujah!  We sing Hallelujah!  We sing Hallelujah!  The Lamb has Overcome!   

 



Here are the recipes I promised yesterday.  I hope y'all have a great day, and I will see you back here tomorrow!



 

CHICKEN PARMESAN

1/2 c. breadcrumbs
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 eggs, beaten
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Spaghetti
Parsley, optional

Heat oven to 400°.  Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a bowl.  Put eggs in a separate bowl.  (I personally season my chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder at this point, but the recipe doesn't call for it.)  Dip chicken in egg and then in breadcrumb mixture.  Place in a large greased or sprayed pan.  Sprinkle with parsley flakes.  Bake for 35-40 minutes.  Cook spaghetti about 10 minutes before chicken is done.  Place spaghetti on a plate, chicken in center of spaghetti, and top with marinara.  Sprinkle generously with mozzarella.



MONKEY BREAD

1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
4 cans of biscuits (8 ct., skinny tubes.....Or 2 cans Grands Biscuits or any the same size.  If you use the bigger biscuits, cut them into 6 pieces instead of quarters.)
3/4 c. butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 c. pecans, optional

Heat oven to 350°.  Spray Bundt pan thoroughly.  In a baggie, mix 1/2 c. sugar and cinnamon.  Cut each biscuit into quarters.  Put in baggie and shake to coat.  Arrange in pan.  (If adding nuts, add 1/2 biscuits, nuts, then the rest of biscuits.)

On stove melt butter, brown sugar, 1/2 c. sugar, and vanilla.  Pour mixture over biscuits.  Bake 30 minutes.  Cool in pan for 5-10 minutes. (Don't wait longer than that, or you will not be able to get the monkey bread out of the pan....not that I know from experience or anything! ;)  )  Turn upside down on to a plate or platter, and serve warm.

 

This is Kelanie and Kathleen's favorite recipe to help with!  They pretty much

can do the whole thing by themselves except get the pan out of the oven.

Here, they are quartering the biscuits.  Then they roll or shake them in cinnamon

and sugar until the floor...um, I meant, the biscuits.... are coated and put

into the greased Bundt pan.

 The biscuit quarters, prepared with sugar and cinnamon.

 Heat the butter, vanilla, and sugars just long enough to mix well.  Pour over

biscuits in the Bundt pan and bake.

 The finished product!  You are going to want some coffee to go with this!

 

Makes Scents!

(Don't worry, spell patrol! ☺  I meant to spell scents and not sense.  You will see why in just a minute!!!!!)

I'm really not sure what is going on with my blog, but some of the pictures won't come up when you click on an old blog post.  I am computer illiterate, so I am sure that I have done something to cause this.  Hopefully, I will be able to figure it out before it drives crazy!

It is Friday again already!  It is so amazing how quickly time flies by!  Praise the Lord he has carried us through another week!  I'm sitting here at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, watching my girls play on their swing set together in the beautiful sun!  Life is good!  When I think of the wretch that I am, I wonder sometimes how God can bless me so.  I am reminded daily of how utterly amazing His grace really is!

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and RICH in LOVE!  Psalm 145:8 

About a year ago, I became really interested in learning about essential oils.  I stumbled on to it by accident.  I wanted to start a business that my girls and I could do together.  I searched online and came across Young Living Essential Oils on Stacy McDonald's (Author of Raising Maidens of Virtue) blog, Common Scents Mom. (Like I have time to start a business anyway!)

Since I started researching and using oils, I have noticed that a lot of women are interested in doing things more naturally.  It seems a little scary at first because there is so much information out there to look at.  It can be a bit overwhelming.  My advice would be to start slow.  Add a little at a time!

We started making homemade soap and laundry detergent as well.  As much as I hate to admit it, these weren't even so much about the natural benefits of having less chemicals, as it was about finding more ways to save money.  My husband actually really likes the cinnamon soap, and one of the girls told me the laundry detergent smells like sunshine......whatever that smells like!!!!

My next step is to return to making homemade cleaning products.  About 6 years ago, I had the brilliant idea to make homemade window cleaner and dusting spray.  I was so proud of myself.  (Until that fateful day....)  The dusting spray was made out of olive oil, distilled vinegar, and water.  Kelanie (my, then, 3 year old) decided to spray down our vinyl flooring with the dusting spray.  I was in a hurry that afternoon because I was late for church.  As you can imagine, high heels, olive oil, and vinyl flooring don't mix.  My feet flew up so high I landed straight on my back....almost like you would see on a cartoon.  I thought my back was broken for a few minutes.  There were no serious injuries other than my pride and my relationship with my homemade cleaners.  I am working at getting over it so I can try again. (That's just extra for today!)

Today I have listed a few oils that I have on hand.  I have tried a couple others, but these are the ones I use regularly.  (If you are curious where to buy these, I have purchased them at Basic Foods in Beaumont, Getting Well Naturally in Lumberton, and online from Young Living.)

Lavender- This is a universal oil. It is perfect for burns, insomnia, stress, bug bites, and just for relaxation.  (When my kids are overly tired, I put this on their temples and rub a little...I mean a little on their pillow.  It has a strong scent, so a little goes a long way.)  I made soap with it too.

Peppermint-Put a drop on your temples for headache relief.  Rub a little on chest to help congestion.  Put a few drops on feet to reduce fever.  A few drops in tea or under tongue for nausea relief.  Use on sore muscles or crick.  It is also helpful with digestion, allergies, and cooking.

Tea Tree and Garlic-Fights infection  (I have read that you can also use Tea Tree on lice and ring worms as well.)

Lemon-helps increase energy and can added to any homemade cleaners or laundry detergent.  It boosts cleaning power and a great scent.  A few drops of lemon will remove gum, oil, grease spots, glue or adhesive, and crayon from most surfaces.  You can also use it flavor food.

Thieves-(I have to thank Cody Toups for telling me about this!)  Put a drop on a fever blister to get rid of it!  Add to dishwasher for cleaner dishes.  Apply to teeth or gums for toothache relief.  Apply topically to warts to see them disappear.  Seriously, you can use this for just about anything.

Cinnamon-I used this to make soap with.  I really haven't learned enough to know what healing properties that it has, but I love the scent.  It was used in the holy anointing oil of Moses given to him by God in Exodus, so I'm sure it's good, right!?!.  I did read that some people put a few drops on their feet to help boost the immune system and fight off colds and flu.

I have started suffering with migraines in the last few years.  I have prescription medication for them, but really, I don't want to take those for the rest of my life.  My sister-in-law, Betty, showed me an article about Feverfew and Lemon Balm.  I bought some at Getting Well Naturally (in Lumberton) and put it to the test.

 

I woke up at 4 a.m. one morning and new a migraine was coming on.  I went and took a dropper full of each in a small glass of tea, and put a drop of peppermint on each temple.  I was able to go back to sleep.  When I woke up again at 7:30, I still had a headache, but it was much less painful.  I took the same dosage again.  My headache was better within an hour.  The only thing that it didn't help with was the onset of nausea at the beginning of the migraine.  I went back to sleep and was able to sleep it off, but if it had been during the day, I'm not sure how it would've went.  I'm still learning and tweaking this to what works for me.

I am interested in learning more about essential oils and naturopathic medicine.  Do you use essential oils?  Please share what you know with us either in the comments or on the Facebook page.

Have a great Friday!  As my Grandfather used to say, I'll see ya back here Monday, Lord willin' and if the creek don't rise! 



 

Catch Your Breath!

Today's post is by Naomi Chance!  I don't have to brag on her to y'all, because if you know her, you love her as much as I do!  Sometimes I wonder how I am so blessed to be friends with such a giving, caring, compassionate woman of God!  I know, I know....you get it.....I love this lady! 

Naomi Chance

If your heart is broken, you’ll find God right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath. ~Psalm 34:18 (The Message)

 

Have you ever had a hurt so deep you felt like you couldn’t catch your breath? Have you ever had heartache so brutal you thought you couldn’t possibly make it through another day? I know I have. God’s Word promises over and over to bring healing.

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They ARE new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. ~Lamentations 3:22-23

I love, love, love this scripture!! It gives me hope in every storm that comes into my life. He sees ME! My innermost! There isn’t a sorrow felt, a tear shed or a groan uttered that my Jesus doesn’t know about. I will never be consumed by my circumstances!

As a believer I have 2 of the most powerful tools EVER!

#1 is The Word of God!

 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. ~Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

The Word cleanses our minds and our hearts. I don’t know about you, but I am a work in progress. He’s changing me from glory to glory every day! My mind and heart need cleansing daily. God’s Word is also POWERFUL! When a trouble comes it is what keeps my eyes fixed on the Savior. If Jesus can use it when being tempted by Satan then so can I!

 

#2 is Prayer

 

And when you pray, you are not to be as the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will repay you. And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. ~Matthew 6:5-8

Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s not about religion….it’s about relationship.”  It is so true. We can SAY we’re a believer all day long but there is so much more to be had.  There is a Savior who wants your all (even in the storms of this life). He wants to take you onto Holy Ground! How can He do that if we don’t know Him or His will for us? A relationship is built on communication and quality time.

Time spent in The Word and prayer is NEVER time wasted…..EVER!

My Pastor says all the time, “Bad things happen to good people.”  Sounds so simple, but how true it is. Life isn't fair. But I am learning to always, always, always remember there is a greater picture I don’t see. Praise Him in your storm! There is a light at the end of the tunnel. You don’t know what He’s preparing for you. He may need you to encourage someone who is going through the same thing one day.

 

Wise men lay up knowledge ~Proverbs 10:15

 

He that gathereth in summer is a wise son ~Proverbs 10:5 

Gather wisdom and knowledge through your heartache. God wants to use you for His mighty glory! He will turn you mourning into dancing! (Psalm 30:11)

 

 

Heartbeat

This post came as quite a surprise!  I received this in an email from my very dear friend, Charmaine Clowers, last night.  She holds such a special place in my heart!  To know Charmaine, is to love her!  Trust me, you will probably need a Kleenex by the end!  If you have ever walked through a trial that takes you to a dark place, you will relate to this testimony.  If you are there now, I pray that you find healing through Charmaine's testimony and God's Word.

 

Charmaine is married to her husband, Jeff, and is the homeschooling mother to two children.

She is a Children's Church Director at Freedom Fellowship.  You can also find Charmaine

blogging at Four Irises! 

 

Sunday night in church, the piano was playing in the background, (by my amazing friend, Tera ) and a wonderful voice was singing. (my other amazing friend, Betty) Yes, I’m a very blessed girl to have so many gifted friends. During this time, I was at the altar on my knees asking the Lord to please heal my broken heart; to give me something to hold on to. At that moment, Betty started to sing, "I want to hear your heartbeat." I’m not really sure if she actually said those exact words, but I know that’s what my spirit heard.

For the past 4 months I've been walking around with a smile on my face, but completely heart broken. Two situations in my life had changed my very soul. I have shed many tears, spent sleepless nights; had angry moments, lonely days and doubting times. I was overtaken by bitterness and overwhelmed by sadness. Filled with confusion.

Psalms 107:20 He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.

I would never have imagined in a million years that I, HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY Charmaine, could feel this way. Believe me, I have had many situations in the past that were challenging, sad and very hard, but still, never have I felt this empty.

My emotions were all over the place  I, for some reason (the enemy), was resistant to change it; purposefully pushing away the Lord, His word, my husband ,family and friends . I wanted to stay in this dark place; “Just let me be. I'm fine.” I kept on smiling to everyone. That was the enemy using my pain and pride to lead me to destruction.

Psalms 34: 18 says, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” 

 

I realize that in the last month God’s love and mercy were pushing back and fighting this enemy. I wanted to be completely restored, so I begin to fight by letting people back in, getting prayed for and praying. Trying my hardest to get back to a happier place.

He, my God, my faithful God that has NEVER forsaken me, was right there.  Why was I not letting him take control of my life again? I know what he can do. He loves me!

 

Psalms 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and

binds up their wounds.

 

When I heard Betty singing those words, I felt the Lord telling me that He wants to hear my heartbeat again. He wants to heal my broken heart. I just have to let him do it. Trust Him.

 

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed,

for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

 

He who created me was telling me, "Fear not , for I am with you." He is always with me. He is not ignorant of my pain. He has heard my cry and he wants to heal me.

 

Psalms 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

 

He is my strength and my comforter. I feel his love for me. I give all the Glory to Him who has set me free once again! My journey to a peaceful place has begun.

We all can be healed and delivered from a broken heart. No matter what the situation, He is our answer, and tonight He hears my heartbeat again.