Merry Christmas! {Recipes}

Merry Christmas! 

Here are the recipes from the Women's Ministry Taste and Take party!  

The Women's Ministry wishes you a very merry Christmas and a blessed 2013!

Ginger Cookies

Peanut Clusters

Haystack Cookies

Pioneer Woman's Carrot Cake

Popcorn Brittle

Glazed Fresh Apple Drop Cookies

Fiesta Cups

Cream Cheese glaze

Snowflake Crisps

Pecan Bars

Peanut Goody Bar

Jalapeno Popper Bites

Pumpkin Bread

Peanut Butter Graham Snacks

Peanut Butter Snowballs

Oh My Goodness Brownies

Molded Shrimp Spread

Texas Caviar

Creamy Double Decker Fudge (for microwave)

Pull Apart Bread

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Another version of Pumpkin Bread

You can get past your fear!

This week's devotional is brought to you by Holly Gerth: You can get past your fear. 

Have a great week!

Be Picky

What does broccoli have to do with this week's devotion?  Check out the devotional to find out!

Have a great week!

Trust and Obey

Trust and Obey

But Samuel replied: "Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the LORD? To obey is better than sacrifice,and to heed is better than the fat of rams

I recently returned from a mission trip to Guatemala.  There were many aspects of this trip that I learned from and was bless by.  But, I think there was a particular reason that God wanted me to be on this trip.  My experience was much different than many of the others who were on the trip with me.  This story is a testimony of what God accomplished in me as a result of this mission trip. 

It began for me in January at an informational meeting for parents of those going on the trip.  I wasn't even required to be there because my older daughter, while planning to go on the trip, was out of the youth group and in college and my younger daughter was not even old enough to go even though she cried to be able to go.  I was there, I guess, because God convicted me of the need to be there.  It was during this meeting that God called me to go to Guatemala.  It was way past the time to sign up and I told our Youth Minister that if it was not possible for me to go that was ok.  It wasn't in the going that God was requiring of me, at least not at this point, it was in the willingness to go. This also meant that my youngest could go too.  This was a huge step for me because prior to this I was too afraid to leave the country, no matter where we were to go.  So, it was only by the conviction of the Holy Spirit that I was even willing to go.  It had to be of God or I would never have even asked to go!  

So preparations were all made, and we were off to Guatemala.  Our destination was an orphanage in HueHuetenango.  This is a city about a 7 hours drive from Guatemala City.  We arrived in the late evening and made our way to the orphanage (Fundacion Salvacion) to get acquainted with the children.  We only had a couple of hours to spend with them because we needed to eat and prepare for VBS for the next day.  We were told that we would be going to the fair in the morning and doing VBS in the afternoon the next day.  So, our first full day would be on Tuesday. 

We got up Tuesday morning.  Took the bus ride to the orphanage, picked up the children and off to the fair we went.  Some of the workers went with us as did three girls who were there for the summer as interns from Pepperdine.  Since I work with university students at my church, I was interested in talking to these three girls.  In the conversation I asked where they were from.  One student in particular caught my attention.  She was from Utah, and having grown up in Idaho, wanted to know more about her.  I asked where in Utah she was from and somehow in the conversation I asked her about her faith.  She told me that she had grown up Mormon, but had recently decided to become a Christian.  Now that intrigued me and I began to ask her questions about how and when she had decided to become a Christian!  I wanted to know if she knew the difference and if her experience of salvation was real.  I was and am convinced that she truly is a Christian and that she has made Jesus her savior.

Now, this may not seem to be a big deal to you, but let me explain some things.  Here I am in Guatemala (outside the U.S.-- way outside my comfort zone), with the Youth Ministry of our church (I teach University students), having grown up in Idaho with Mormons, talking to a University student who grew up in Utah (the home of Mormonism) as a Mormon recently becoming a Christian.  I am not saying that I am the only one in our group who could have talked to her, but maybe the only one interested enough to talk to her.  I don't know for sure, but think she decided to become a Christian about the same time God called/convicted me to go on this trip.  I had taken a book to read that God had impressed me to take, and while there told me to give it to this student.  When I gave it to her she took the book and said thank you.  She then went to her room and read the back cover and came back and thanked me again saying it was the perfect book for her to read right now.  You see, she had just finished reading the gospels and this was the book by Charles Swindoll, Jesus.  Coincidence?  Not likely! 

When this journey began I had no idea why God wanted me to go to Guatemala.  I couldn't speak the language, I was afraid to leave the country, I was with High School students--nothing fit for me.  What was my purpose for going?  I had no idea!  For me it was an act of obedience.  God called and I went (I obeyed).  But God's will is perfect.  His ways are beyond my understanding.  And, His thinking is above my ability to comprehend.  Only as I walk in faith, and obey His call will I ever understand His purpose.  So, as the hymn says, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way, to be happy in Jesus.  But to trust and obey!" 

The story's not quite over.  I have kept in touch with my new friend.  She has moved back home to finish her degree.  She will be telling her family, who by the way are generational Mormons, that she has decided to become a Christian.  I have given her contact information for some University ministers, a Pastor and a church, who she says she will contact.  I will stay in touch with her and encourage her as well.  Please pray for her that God would lead her to Christian friends who can help her grow spiritually and give her support in her new found faith. 

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."   Isaiah 55:9

Judy K. Williams

What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Mmm!

  This week's devotional is brought to you by Holly Gerth: Your favorite flavor of Ice Cream.

Be sure to check out the details on the upcoming event: Women's Ministry Fall Retreat!

Also, check out a new Beth Moore bible study that will be starting up October 1st: 

Living Beyond Yourself 

Give Me Jesus

Give Me Jesus

 

I am not ashamed of the gospel (of Christ), because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes:  Romans 1:16

 I remember the story a friend of mine told about the name of Jesus.  She was living and working in a foreign country.  As she was talking to someone she had met, this person asked her something about a song or favorite song.  My friend began singing, "Jesus Loves Me".  When she finished, the other person repeated the name -- Jesus -- several times, then said, " what a beautiful name."

Think about that name.  In Hebrew it is Yeshua -- which means, "He will save his people from their sins (Matt. 1:21)."  It is a beautiful name!

 

When we need comfort there is no other name that can be so comforting.  When we need courage, whose name but Jesus' can we call upon to bring us courage?  When there is unrest and we need peace, no one but Jesus can bring that peace.  What a powerful name!

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.  There's just something about that name.

Master, Savior, Jesus.  Like the fragrance after the rain.

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.  Let all heaven and earth proclaim.

Kings and Kingdoms will all pass away,

But there's something about that name.

 

Isn't it strange, then, that Jesus' name has become so familiar to us that we take it for granted?  We sometimes throw it about like a ball, using it flippantly or with disrespect.  We sometimes refuse to say it so as not to offend, but didn't Jesus say his name would be an offense to some.  Oh, if we could only learn that the name of Jesus is beautiful and powerful -- it can comfort, defend and protect us.  And, his name is the way of salvation for you, me and anyone who calls upon it (Rom. 10:13).

Fernando Ortega was in our church yesterday!  He sang two or three songs in the morning worship time and gave a concert in the evening.   Yesterday morning he sang "Give Me Jesus."  It was an amazing time of worship for me.  This is such a simple song, but its message is so full and deep.  He sang it with such reverence and humility.   Wouldn't it be amazing if we all spoke the name of Jesus with such reverence and humility. I am so blown away by the mention of His name!

 

In the morning when I rise,   In the morning when I rise,   In the morning, when I rise.

Give me Jesus.

 

When I am alone,   When I am alone,  When I am alone,

Give me Jesus.

 

And when I come to die,  When I come to die,  When I come to die,

Give me Jesus.

 

Give me Jesus,  Give me Jesus,  You can have all this world,

But give me Jesus.

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.  Philippians 2:9-11

Judy K. Williams

Olympic Sized Dreams

This week's devotional is brought to you by Priority Ministries Glo-Girl Blog:

Olympic Sized Dreams

**If you have recipes, book recommendations or devotionals you would like to share, 

please email them to hintsofheaven@gmail.com!**

Castles, Gratefulness and why you might kiss your Carpet!

 This week's devotional is brought to you by Holly Gerth:

 Castles, Gratefulness and why you might kiss your Carpet!

A few months ago, the Women's Ministry Cooking School made its debut.  Here are the recipes that were featured: Cooking School Recipes

Happy August 1st to you!!!

The Princess Diaries

This weeks devotional is brought to you by our very own Judy Williams.  Have a great week!

The Princess Diaries 

When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers,

The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained;

What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him?

And the son of man that Thou dost care for him?

Yet Thou hast made him a little lower than God,

And dost crown him with glory and majesty!

Psalm 8:3-5

There is a line in "The Princess Diaries" that I cannot get out of my head.  Mia is talking to her best friend and says, "Someone sat on me again!"  It is the most descriptive way, I have ever heard, of someone saying they felt invisible.  Have you stood in a room with only a couple of other people and they didn't seem to notice you were there?  Have you been talking and in the middle of what you were saying the people around you started talking about something else?  Have you been "sat on!"?  Do you go unnoticed?  If so, then you know how it feels to go through life invisible.

I find it interesting that Jesus spent his ministry with those who were the invisible of society.  He touched the eyes of Blind Bartemaus and healed him.  The woman with the blood disease anonymously touched the hem of His garment wanting to find healing.  Christ turned to her and made her whole.  The lame man who could not get to the pool of Bethsada when the water was stirred was healed by the Great Physician.  The whole of society ignored each of these individuals even when they cried out for help, but Jesus took notice.  He stopped, even when those around Him wanted Him to hurry, and ministered to the needs of those anonymous people of society.  He not only stopped, He noticed.

Who are the unnoticed, invisible people around you?  Who is the anonymous person that needs Jesus' ministering touch?  Take a look around with open eyes -- with spiritual eyes -- to see an invisible hurting people who need the healing touch of Jesus.  Give me eyes to see and ears to hear.

Judy K. Williams

All rights reserved, (2001)

Risky Love

Risky Love

by Max Lucado

“If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My father will honor. John 12:26”

Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure nard.  She poured the perfume on Jesus’ feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair.  And the sweet smell from the perfume filled the whole house.  

John 12:3

When Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, his disciples mocked her extravagance.  “Why waste that perfume?  It could have been sold for a great deal of money and given to the poor,” they smirked!

But don’t miss Jesus’ prompt defense of Mary:  “Why are you troubling this woman?  She did an excellent thing for me!”

There’s a time for risky love.  A time to pour out affection on one you love.  Seize it!

Someday, I can take her on that cruise.

Someday, the children will understand why I was so busy…

But you know the truth, don’t you?  Some days never come!

Write the letter.  Make the apology.  Take the trip.  Do it!

What's Ahead will be Worth It

This week's devotion is brought to us by Holley Gerth: What's Ahead will be Worth it

And here is a poem written by our very own Phyllis Wall!

WHAT  WILL  HAPPEN  TO  ME

Does anybody care if I disappear?

Each night I live in fear.

I’m not sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

Do you see me in the dark?

Can you hear the lonely dog bark?

I’m not sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

Warm tears fall from my face.

Deep within my dark hiding place.

I’m not sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

I look out into a world passing by.

Leaving me curled in pain, why?

I’m not sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

It is up to me to crawl my way.

Darkness turns to the light of day.

I’m not sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

I see a change in the passer by.

They reach into my soul with their Hope filled eye.

I’m not sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

On my knees, with a helping hand.

Through the Solid Rock I stand.

I’m sure what will happen to me.

Let it be, let it be!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Phyllis Wall 2008

BFF's- Who are yours?

This week's devotional is the last in the series of Biblical Friends Forever: Who are yours? 

Speaking of BFF's, check out the BFF's that participated in Diva Night!

Bff's Complete your Circle

This week's devotional is part 6 of the BFF Series: Bff's Complete Your Circle.

And here are a couple little stories submitted by Phyllis Wall !

BUTTERFLY .TOAD . BOY

Said the butterfly to the toad, "Why do you bury yourself in the mud?"

Said the toad to the butterfly, "Why do you come out of that warm and cozy cocoon?"

Said the little boy to the frog and the butterfly, "It is better to stay cool and expect change than to dry out and have no hope."

2010

GOOD MORNING …

Good morning to you all. Good morning, have a ball. A ball will bounce you here, bounce you there. Anywhere you are today, do something kind for others along the way. You'll see joy, just like a kid with a new toy! Be tall and have a ball!

2010

Have a great week!!

Share Your Load

This week's devo is part 5 of the BFF Series: Share your Load

And be sure to check out the details on the new bible study, Brave, starting on June 20th!

Please be in prayer for the children and teachers that are attending VBS this week!  

Pray that God will work in their lives in amazing ways!

BFF's Carry Your Mat

This week's devotional is part 4 in the BFF Series: BFF's Carry Your Mat.

This week, you must check out the following recipes submitted by Phyllis Wall!

Potato Soup

Chipotle Mayonnaise

Pineapple Salsa

And check out all the awesome creations from last months MOPS at Clay Cafe!

Carrie's piece!

Jennifer's piece!

Mindy's piece!

Nicole's piece!

Sarah's piece!

Stephanie's piece!

Hold Your Hand

This week's devotional is Part 3 of the Priority Ministiries BFF Series (Biblical Friends Forever): 

 BFFs- Hold Your Hand

Today, we remember and honor those who have fought and are fighting for our country.  

And we also remember and honor He who has fought and is fighting for us, and made the ultimate sacrifice.

Happy Memorial Day!

Talk Your Talk

This week's devotional is Part 2 of the Priority Ministries BFF series: Talk your Talk

Need some decorating inspiration for Memorial Day?

Simply wrap some yarn around wine bottles!

I like to think they look pretty cute on my mantle!

If you have little ones, why not make a sweet handprint/footprint flag?

All you need is poster paper, red and blue paint, and some embellishments!  

And Eli sure enjoyed playing in the paint ;)

Art time can certainly be messy, but so much fun!

Have a fantastic week and Praise God for the rain!!

BFF's

This week's devotion is brought to you by Priority Ministries: BFF's- Walk the Walk

There are 7 spots available for Diva Nights! Be sure to reserve your spot!

And just a reminder for those that signed up, Mother/Daughter Cooking school is this Saturday!

Have a fantastic week!

And Praise the Lord for this glorious rain!!

Things Our Hearts Forget

 This week's devotion is brought to you by Holley Gerth- Things our Hearts Forget

Mothers Day is coming up! Prepare for Mother's Day with these 3 Mother's Day Tips!

And be sure to check out this recipe submitted by Charlotte White: Corn & Tomato Sizzle

Have a great week!

A Heart Like His

A Heart Like His

At the same time, you need to know that I carry with me at all times a huge sorrow.  It's an enormous pain deep within me, and I'm never free of it. I'm not exaggerating - Christ and the Holy Spirit are my witnesses. It's the Israelites . . . If there were any way I could be cursed by the Messiah so they could be blessed by him, I'd do it in a minute. They're my family.  I grew up with them. They had everything going for them - family, glory, covenants, revelation, worship, promises,  to say nothing of being the race that produced the Messiah, the Christ, who is God over everything, always. Oh, yes!  Romans 9:1-5 (The Message)

Can you hear the anguish in Paul's voice as he laments the sin of his countrymen.  His sorrow for his countrymen is so great that he would choose to suffer God’s punishment in hell if it were possible.  In Luke 19:41-44 we find that Jesus, as He was entering Jerusalem in the days before the crucifixion had a similar anguish for his countrymen. The difference is that Jesus, unlike Paul, could be and was the substitute to bear God’s wrath.

 

I remember a few, maybe 7 or 8, years ago an 11 or 12 year old girl asking me, “Why, if Christians know where they are going when they die, don’t they go to dangerous places to tell people about Jesus.”  She also told me she wanted to die a martyr’s death and would rather die herself than for someone who does not know Christ to die.  She would die in their place, if possible.  This same girl, now a college freshman, was distraught over the mob beating of a Muslim friend in another country.  Why so upset?  Because he is a man without Christ, and if he had died would be lost forever in the hell that was prepared by God for the devil and his demons.

What about you?  Do you agonize over the lostness of family and friends?  Would you be willing to die in their place? Before today is over think of one person you know that needs Christ.  Begin to pray for them, and eventually, talk to them about how God loves them and sent Jesus to be their substitute for the punishment of their sin.

When the city came into view, he wept over it.  "If you had only recognized this day, and everything that was good for you! But now it's too late.  In the days ahead your enemies are going to bring up their heavy artillery and surround you, pressing in from every side.  They'll smash you and your babies on the pavement. Not one stone will be left intact. All this because you didn't recognize and welcome God's personal visit."
Luke 19:41-44 (The Message)

Judy K. Williams

What's the big deal with prayer?

This week's devotion is brought to you by Women of Faith.

What's the big deal with prayer?

Have a fantastic week!

Creativity

Happy Monday!  Today's devotional is brought to you by Holley Gerth- Creativity

There is a Women of Joy Conference available to us September 28-30 in San Antonio, Texas.  

Speakers are: Max Lucado, Pam Tebow, Anita Renfroe, Jeremy Camp/Adam Cappa, Karen Kingsbury, and Charles Billingsley.

You can visit Womenofjoy.org or click HERE to view the informational brochure.

If you are interested in attending, please email me at hintsofheaven@gmail.com 

or give Charlotte a call at 296-6318.

Have a fantastic week!!!

Crucifixion

Happy Monday! This week's devotional is brought to you by our very own Judy Williams!

"Crucifixion"

"Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.  

So the soldiers took charge of Jesus.

Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).  

Here they crucified Him, and with Him two others -- one on each side and Jesus in the middle."

John 19:16-17

I have always been fascinated by the spelling of the word "crucifixion."  Why didn't those who decided how to spell this word use "ct" instead of the "x"?  Every time I  look at or just see the word crucifixion I am reminded of the cross on which Jesus died.  

As the "Feast of Unleavened Bread"  approached, Jesus gathered His disciples to celebrate the Passover.  He talked to them about His betrayal and crucifixion.  In just a few short hours He would be led away, tried and crucified.  The gruesomeness of the cross brings the hope of salvation to those who believe.  The writer of Hebrews says it this way:

"But now He has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.  Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people, and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him."  Hebrews 9:26b-28

I am sure someone can explain the "x" but it still remains that it is a reminder of the cross.  So, let us never forget the "x" in crucifixion as a symbol of the sacrifice that Christ made for our salvation.

"Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hand I commit my spirit.'  

When He had said this, He breathed His last."  Luke 23:46

 Judy K. Williams
All rights reserved

PS: Be sure to check out the upcoming event Princess for the King for girls 6th-12th grade!

And there are 2 new recipes to check out!! 

Crockpot Honey Sesame Chicken  &  Bacon Ranch Slowcooker Chicken.

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