Today's lesson...

Our yard is filled with 6,7,8 and 9 year olds (5 in all) running, playing and ministering to my spirit! What a funny statement!! But it happened like this...

One of the younger fell and got a really bad scrape on the knee. To which she came in crying and feeling really sad. I carried her, doctored up her boo-boos and told her to rest on the couch. The eldest came near and was looking for ways to comfort. (Which is her incredible gift from the Lord) She began reading a "Fancy Nancy" book to our patient. The two were smiling and bonding in friendship within a few minutes. I would imagine that if Jesus were a child again, this is probably what He would be doing :)

I'm thinking of the Samaritan and his kindness and finding that this same kindness can be found today in the heart of a beautiful 9 year old girl. I hope that I find that same sweet spirit in my own heart.....looking...seeking ways to minister comfort, kindness and love.

I've found that it's even more effect to minister outside of the church walls than within.

Lord, May our eyes be wide open and aware of our neighbor's needs today :)

"Come...."

"Come ye after Me...." Those are the priceless words Jesus spoke to His disciples a few thousand years ago that still ring strong today. I can't seem to escape them on this beautiful Friday afternoon. The answers to all of my questions are found in that statement. My future...my hope....my assurance....

For any heart that is hungry for love, find it here. There are no empty promises, emotional rebounds, highs and lows in Jesus. His ways are simple. But the secret is....to come.

Maybe you have come, but it's been a while since you felt His nearness. His voice whisper in your ear...you know, that's how He talks...usually in whispers.


May you really find Him today!

~Darla

What A Momma!!

I've cracked the door of understanding open today and peeked into the lives of countless women who completed a survey of their mother. I'm reading so many different lifestyles of motherhood and how this one taught their children about Jesus and that mother was a complete and total hypocrite (as they put it). Wow!! With all that going through my mind, I am wondering: What would my children have to say about me? I am purely blessed to report a childhood filled with wonderful memories of my mother teaching us, loving us and being everything we could possibly want in a "Momma". I am constantly bombarded with the detestable creature called "Comparison". I daily compare myself with the way my mom was with us and, to be honest, I can't possibly measure up!! I never once remember my mom raising her voice in anger at the three of us children. I can't ever remember mom constantly lecturing me or berating me for something I did wrong. Yet, I am guilty. In fact, I've decided that if I haven't had good rest in a few days it's better for me to zip my lips and quickly find a prayer closet :)

I visualize myself as a quiet, gentle and longsuffering lady that my children tenderly call "Mother". I imagine that I would love to wake my kids up at 5:30 every day for morning devotion as we gather around the livingroom and then after breakfast everyone joyfully engages in their chores and schoolwork. I dream of being a discreet woman of wisdom that her children turn to for safety.

Back to the real world, I am realizing this more and more: It takes the GRACE and MERCY of the Lord to make me the kind of Momma I so long to be!

I've found the Biblical model is Proverbs 31. I pray that I will be her. I want my children to rise up and call me blessed. I'm not seeking for a Hollywood body or the wealth of Donald Trump. I don't desire a career that would put me on the cover of a magazine. My heartbeat is to imitate the Lord and that my four beautiful blessings along with my precious husband would see Him in me.....every day. That's it. Nothing else. Because when they see Him, so will everyone else!

How Great Is Our God!!

"For the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea."

Habakkuk 2:14

Last year, my precious little twin stuffed a portion of a baby wipe up one of his nostrils. I saw it happen and didn't think too much about it until we got home. To make a very long story short, Randy and I tried all the methods/remedies we knew possible to suck that wipe out! Looking back, it's quite hilarious thinking about it! Finally, after several days w/out success, we succumbed to taking him to his pediatrician. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and the doctor on call (very kind gentleman) took a good look up the irritated nostril and announced that we would need to contact the ENT for surgery the next morning if nothing happened before then.

On the drive home, I called Pastor Burns and explained Luke's dilemma. He said, "I will pray that he sneezes." I silently remembered all the sneezing we had induced at home without any luck, but BY FAITH would believe this time would be different. I'll be honest, the thought of my baby in surgery didn't thrill me in the least! When we got home I tried my best to put on a happy face for everyone, but inside I was nervous. I remember unloading the dishwasher and preparing for the Sunday evening service. Luke walked over beside the dishwasher close to where I was standing and suddenly began a series of intense sneezing! I became overwhelmed with excitement when I saw that 1 inch wad of baby wipe (and mucus) literally fly out of his nose!! We had church right in the kitchen!! Praising God and dancing! Then a second series of sneezes and another 1 inch wipe came out! Surgery never happened. All was dismissed because as Luke puts it, "Jesus took the wipie out!" Praise God!

Well, today Lincoln has encountered the same issue. It's been several days and, although I didn't see it, the pediatrician feels strongly that he has a foreign object in his nostril. The inflamed, swollen membranes and the smell is obvious that we are needing a new miracle. I reminded the Lord that He has done this once before with Luke....He can do it again for Lincoln :)

I am believing that Lincoln will carry the same testimony Luke has!! In Jesus' Name!

It's always refreshing to remember WHO we serve :)

Is there anything too hard for the Lord?


~Darla

The BEST homemade fudge....that is, if you like it healthy! :)

Ok, I know that not everyone will go crazy over this recipe, but if you are like us (sweet addicts) and try to steer-clear of the junkies....I think you will like this one!

Semi melt (soften) 1/2 cup coconut oil and add:
1 cup honey
1/2 cup coconut oil (hardened)
2/3 cup your choice of cocoa powder (carob or cocoa powder)

Stir until well blended. That's the basic recipe. I put it in the fridge for an hour or overnight.

You can also stir in these wonderful additions to the fudge while it is soft:
chopped nuts
dried fruit
shredded coconut
peanut butter/almond butter/etc.
ground flaxseed (helps keep blood sugar level)

We've enjoyed this through the holidays. It's very easy and quick to make!!

Blessings!!
Darla

Words to live by...

"In every thing give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you..."

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Very thankful for this verse! I hear it almost every day through my kiddies quoting their Bible Quiz material :)