Catching Monkeys

I heard a very neat story at church yesterday in a sermon titled "What Christians Can Learn from Monkeys."  Yes, monkeys.  You might be surprised at the comparison, but I assure you it's a good one. 
The story goes:

There’s an oft repeated tale about how certain hunters in Africa catch monkeys. It can be very difficult to corral these intelligent creatures, so hunters have used a more inventive method…trapping a monkey by enticing him. A small jar is placed at the base of a tree with nuts or other items which may attract the monkey’s curiosity.

The opening of the jar allows the monkey to place his hand in, but when he tries to withdraw it, he is unable to do so without letting go of the contents of the jar. Believe it or not, some monkeys will stay there with their hand in the jar until the hunter comes back to trap them! They are trapped because they are unwilling to let go of something they are doing which is working against them.

There was obviously more to the sermon than this story, but I was intrigued by the idea behind this little tale.  It made me wonder how often I am like the monkey, unwilling to let go of the juicy tidbits in that jar and trapped in a bad situation because of it.  Why are we so resistant and stubborn?  Intellectually I know that God will take my burdens from me and handle them better than I ever could.  Emotionally it's a lot harder to give him those things.  If I "let go and let God" what will I control?  How will I determine the outcome I need if it's not in my hands anymore? 
I think we really like playing tug-of-war with God.  How many times do you give Him a burden just to reach out and snatch it back minutes later?  What do you gain from holding on to it?  Nothing - in fact, you set yourself up to be trapped by the "hunter" every time you snatch a burden back from God.  I am convinced that Satan uses any little morsel he can get to entice you into his trap.  When we struggle with giving God control we open ourselves up to Satan and he's waiting with his net to catch us and keep us snared forever. 
Fortunately for us, God has given us everything we need to avoid the trap.  Throughout the Bible are verses that tell us what He has in store for us if we will just trust in Him.  I will share some of my favorites with you and I challenge you to find some favorites of your own to use when you feel the trap closing in. 
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
I remember when I first realized what this passage was talking about.  As a champion worrier I was stunned and comforted at the same time.  I don't have to worry - it's a choice I make.  I continue to work on giving God my worry and letting tomorrow worry about itself. 
Luke 12:22-34
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
This is Luke's version of the same parable shared in Matthew.  Jesus is quite clear about what He wants from us.  He wants us to let Him do the worrying for us so that we can be about His business here on Earth. 
I hope to someday outsmart the hunter and get my hand out of the jar.  As I mature in my Christian walk I am able to leave more and more behind, but there's always something in that jar that I just can't resist holding on to.  I am determined that those things, too, will soon be left in the jar and Satan will have to stand back and let me go.

A Celebration of Marriage

Today Charles and I celebrate 13 years of marriage.  Wow!  According to several online sites, the average marriage that ends in divorce in the US lasts 8 years.  That's pretty sobering, isn't it?  When Charles and I celebrated our 8 year anniversary we had three young children, had recently moved into our home, and were experiencing some rough financial times.  We were on a very strict budget, and I don't think we went anywhere to celebrate.  Each year since has brought something different - sometimes better, sometimes worse.  Last year I was just 9 days out of back surgery, so we postponed any celebration until I was mobile.  But whether we do it up big or just spend some special time together, I am a big believer in acknowledging the importance of every anniversary.

Marriage is not a popular topic in our society.  Don't get me wrong - we LOVE weddings and romance, and we love to be in love, but marriage is not nearly as cool.  Marriage requires sacrifice and unselfishness; it's taking a spouse to the hospital when they're sick, holding them when they cry, and letting them vent when they really need it.  It's bills and paychecks and more bills.  It's raising children and pets and learning to make time for yourselves as a couple when you're pulled in about 500 different directions every week.  That's marriage - is it any wonder so many people give up when it gets hard? 

What's the benefit to working your way through all the hard stuff?  You end up with a lifelong companion, a person who is so close to you they see you down to your soul.  Yes, that means the ugly parts too, but they don't care!  I can be myself with Charles, warts and all, and I can trust him to hold me accountable when those warts start showing through!  Conversely, I can also hold him accountable when his less desirable traits make a showing.  

I can honestly say that marriage is not what I expected it to be 13 years later, but it's better than what I ever envisioned for myself.  Our marriage isn't perfect, and it wouldn't work for anyone else, but it works for us.  Why?  I think because we made a decision long ago to put God in charge of our relationship.   Our home is built on a firm foundation of Jesus Christ and He influences every decision we make.  Times we don't see eye to eye there's often a disconnect somewhere between us and God.  We aren't perfect, and our marriage isn't perfect, but it's blessed by God and He holds us in the palm of His hand.  That's comforting to me, and makes me firmly believe that I will be writing on my marriage in another 13 years, and 13 years after that! 

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas with your families and friends this year.  Whether you're travelling or staying home, enjoy your time off!  I will be back with you after the new year with all kinds of new and exciting writing!

I'm hoping to get to spend some time on the cruise ship writing, and I plan on having plenty of time to let things "cook" in my head! 

God Bless you and yours!

Christmas??

It's that crazy time of year again - stores are hectic, parking's a nightmare, people are cranky, and there's never enough time to get everything done.  Merry Christmas everyone, welcome to the season of crazy!  Some of us are getting ready to travel for the holiday while others are preparing things at home and planning family dinner.  I find that I've really lost the magic and joy of Christmas this year.  Do you find this happening at your house?  What sorts of things do you do to keep yourself centered and sane during the holidays?  Here are some ideas I am going to try:

-  Stop and enjoy the magic with your kids.  Does your town do a Christmas light display or does your church put on a Christmas Eve play?  Go to them with your kids and enjoy seeing them through young eyes.  We have a local train display that the girls really enjoy visiting every year, followed by a drive through town to see the lights.  Even though the lights are the same every year the girls enjoy seeing where different displays are set up - it's like visiting old friends every year!  My goal this year is to share the magic with them and step outside of my "mommy shoes" for a little bit.  Usually during these trips I'm worried about getting us there, keeping track of everyone's stuff while we're at the train display, etc., etc., etc.  This year I want to let that go a bit and just have fun.

-  Take the stress out of your preparation.  I have a lot of packing to do before we leave on the 20th of December... A LOT of packing!  But I'm trying not to worry about it and stress over it.  It will get done in time or we will stop at a WalMart on the way and pick up what we forgot.  Do you have family coming to stay with you during the holiday?  Try to make sure you take time while they're with you to relax and enjoy their company.  Don't let your hostess duties rob you of the special time you have to share with your family.  It's perfectly fine if breakfast on Christmas morning is bakery pastries or a box of donuts if it means you get to sit down and open presents with everyone.   


- Chill out about the shopping.  With our Christmas shopping this year I am doing what I can when I can.  I have pretty specific ideas for most people I'm shopping for and I work on those a little bit during my free time.  Online shopping has been a real life saver this year - we found the girls' big item (chairs for downstairs family time) as well as gifts for nieces, nephews, friends and family all in one handy place - Thank you Amazon!  One thing I am trying to do is buy smart.  I'm not buying out of obligation, but trying to put thought into each gift we give.  Even with gifts the girls pick out for family members, we're trying to pick something that will mean something to the recipient.  It takes a little more thought, but means so much more when it's opened! 

- Remember why we're celebrating.  How often do you stop to remember why we're celebrating Christmas in the first place?  If the first time you think of Jesus' birth is the Christmas Eve service at your church, you might want to take some time out and reflect.  This is such a special time of year - a time we have to remember when our Savior came to earth and was born.  God sure considered it to be special!  How many times in the Bible was an event heralded with choirs of angels and a huge star pointing the way?  I can think of only one time... the birth of His one and only son, Jesus Christ.  Jesus really is the reason we celebrate this holiday and we need to remember that.  Maybe tonight is a good night to read the Christmas story with your kids or talk to them about Christmas.  My girls love talking about Jesus' birth anytime, but especially at Christmas time! 

I hope that you will be able to take some time and enjoy the Christmas season with me this year.  I am determined that I will find the magic and joy in Christmas, even if it means I have to shut myself in the house with my Christmas carols and hot coffee!  Let Christ share His joy with you and let His peace rule in your heart this special holiday!

Passionate for Pumpkin

Is anyone else out there really excited it's pumpkin season?  I love pumpkin in bread, muffins, cookies, pies, and even in some soups!  One of my friends made a Turkey pumpkin chili a few years ago and it was really good.  I would love to try making Pumpkin Soup sometime if I come across a good recipe.  Today I would like to devote some time to pumpkin recipes in case the baking bug bites you like it's biting me today! 

My first recipe is one I made for an Oktoberfest celebration we went to last month and everyone loved it.  I had to watch Charles to make sure we had enough to take to the party!  My recipe comes from the "Betty Crocker New Cookbook," one of my personal favorites. 
Pumpkin Bread
1 16oz. can pumpkin                                       1 2/3 c. sugar
2/3 c. vegetable oil                                          2 tsp. vanilla
4 large eggs                                                    3 c. all purpose flour or whole wheat flour
2 t. baking soda                                              1 t. salt
1 t. ground cinnamon                                     1/2 t. ground cloves
1/2 t. baking powder                                       1/2 c. coarsely chopped nuts (optional)
1/2 c. raisins (optional)

1.  Move oven rack to low position so that tops of pans will be in center of oven.  Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease bottoms only of 2 loaf pans, 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, or 1 loaf pan, 9 x 5 x 3 inches, with shortening.
2.  Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs in large bowl.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Pour into pans.
3.  Bake 8-inch loaves 50 to 60 minutes, 9-inch loaf 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Cool 10 minutes in pans on wire rack.  Loosen sides of loaves from pans; remove from pans and place top side up on wire rack.  Cool completely before slicing.  Wrap tightly and store at room temperature up to 4 days, or refrigerate up to 10 days.

I also want to share a recipe with you that I am planning on making.  I haven't tried it yet, so please forgive me if it doesn't turn out well!  I was intrigued by this "no evaporated milk" recipe since all three of my daughters and I are lactose intolerant and evaporated milk is pretty rough on our tummies.  They have replaced the evaporated milk with egg nog, which you can buy in lactose-free blends. This recipe comes from: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-live/staceys-i-dont-have-any-evaporated-milk-pumpkin-pie-recipe/index.html

Stacey's "I don't have any evaporated milk!" Pumpkin Pie
1 pre-made pie crust                                       1 small can pumpkin puree
1 1/2 c. egg nog, storebought or homemade  2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar                                                     1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 t. salt                                                         1 1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 t. ground cinnamon

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2.  Put the pumpkin, egg nog, eggs, and both sugars into a mixing bowl and mix on low until incorporated.
3.  Add salt, vanilla and cinnamon until just incorporated.
4.  Pour mixture into prepared pie shell and bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes.
Note: Because of the egg content in this recipe this pie will set up faster and firmer than traditional pumpkin pies.

I hope that these recipes have given you some inspiration for your holiday baking this year!  I know I'm going to enjoy playing with this Egg Nog Pumpkin Pie recipe for my family!  

What's it Mean to Serve?

Today our country is celebrating Veteran's Day - a day we are supposed to reflect on the great service provided by men and women in the Armed Forces, present and past.  How often do any of us actually stop and remember the purpose of this day?  Not very.  It becomes like any other holiday - a day we sleep in, relax, shop, and eat.  Unless you're a veteran, or someone like me who lives with a veteran.  As I think about Charles' service to this country, as well as that of my dad, grandpa, uncles, brother, cousin, and friends it makes me think.  What does it mean to serve?  What does service mean to me? 

Serving is not the most glamorous job in the world.  Whether you choose to serve through military service, or you choose to serve as a waitperson, housekeeper, sales associate,  babysitter, or parent you're not choosing an easy path.  There is nothing more frustrating (or rewarding) than working with people.  I enjoyed waitressing, but it was not an easy job.  You often get to see the ugly side of normally nice people, simply because they see you as insignificant and unimportant compared to themselves.  Why is this?  Why do we look down our noses at people who have chosen to take a position that makes our lives easier?  Jesus chose a life of service and people looked at him the same way.  He's asked us Christians to follow his example, so Christians should be the best customers and servers out there, right?  I wish.  I'm sad to say that my worst tippers, and often rudest customers were people I knew to be Christians.  We have somehow managed to ignore that facet of Jesus' personality and focus on the "easy" things instead.  What we need to remember is this: service of others is what Jesus is about.  His life was lived in the service of his fellow men, and he expects the very same thing of us.  He expects us to be the first ones available to help during a crisis, and the first ones there to help when a brother or sister is having problems. 

So how do I serve?  What is my role?  I am to serve in any way I can.  Personally this means I lead Bible studies, write, and raise my family to know Christ.  It means I help out when someone is in need and lend an ear when a friend needs me.  It might mean cooking a meal for a new mom or watching someone's kids when they need help.  It means doing something good for someone even when I know it won't be appreciated, and doing it even though I know they won't say thank you or recognize my service in any way.  It means serving because Jesus would, not because it will make me feel good about myself or make me look good to others.  It's not an easy attitude to have, and it's one I have a lot of work to do on, but I'm going to keep plugging away at it.  Imagine what our world would look like if we all decided to serve like Jesus and made it happen.  Our churches would overflow and our world would know what Christians are all about!

Hard Times

We've had a few rough days at our house this week.  This election has been a difficult one and I really expected the American people to make a better choice.  Tuesday night I couldn't sleep due to the sinking feeling deep in my soul.  I've never had this kind of reaction to election results before.  Of course, America has never made such blatant choices against God as a nation before, either;  Legalizing pot for fun, legalizing gay marriage, choosing to let the government control more and more of our lives, and the list goes on.  What is this country coming to?   I continued pondering on the situation yesterday while I was writing my Bible study and came across some great passages in the Bible that helped me find some peace with the situation.  I thought I would share them with you today so that God can share His peace with you as we move forward as Christian Americans in a fallen country.

Psalm 119:25-32

25 I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to your word.26 I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees.27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders.28 My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.29 Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. 31 I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD; do not let me be put to shame. 32 I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

 

Do any of you have a weary soul right now?  Are you laid low in the dust?  It's time for us to lay ourselves at His feet.  He will strengthen us!  There is great freedom to be had in giving your heart to Christ.  Just imagine for a moment - if you've filled your heart with God and His precious word how much room is left for despair?  He is ready and willing to fill those spaces for each one of us, and there is such comfort waiting for us when we make that decision!  

 

Matthew 5:1-12

1 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

 

I think this is a good time for us to remember the Beatitudes.  You might notice that nowhere does it say "Blessed are the happy people with no problems..."  This doesn't mean we can't receive God's blessings when things are going well.  It means we are going to encounter difficulty living here in the world and we have a Savior who is here for us when we do.  Are you mourning?  Let Him comfort you.  Are you hungry for His righteousness?  Let Him feed you and fill you up.  Are you being treated badly by people around you?  Rejoice in it!  You're walking a path that many have before you and you're storing reward in Heaven for yourself. 

Passages like this one put my situation in perspective.  Think about the world early Christians lived in.  Instead of Sunday afternoon football, people would go watch Sunday afternoon Christian vs. Lion battles, and those contests were rigged - the Christians never won those "games!"  They, too, lived in a fallen world surrounded by people who rejected God and were slaves to their base natures.  But, they didn't quit and neither can we. 

 

It's time for Christians to take back our country and it's going to be hard.  I saw an interesting segment on Hannity last night.  He was talking with a guest about why Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan didn't win, and they made a really good point.  One side was offering the "easy" solution - let the government take care of it for you.  Let the government pay you instead of getting a job, let the government regulate your food so you'll quit getting fat, let the government tell you what medical care you're allowed to have, and the list goes on.  You don't have to take responsibility because the government's going to do it for you.  On the other side you had guys with big ideas, but they all required work from each one of us.  They had answers to fix the economy, but those answers required change - change in entitlements, change in programs, etc.  It wasn't going to be easy, but they could have fixed the damage that's been done to our economy and healthcare system.  Sean Hannity likened their stance to the parent that makes you take responsibility for your actions - very necessary, but not near as appealing to the masses who have become dependent on the government for their survival.

 

We, as Christians, need to decide where we're going to put our faith.  Are you going to put your faith in God, the Creator and Savior of all?  His way isn't the easy one, either, but it's full of more benefit than you'll ever find here on Earth!