Thanksgiving prayer

Abba Father,
Thank you first and for most for the gift of salvation and for the sacrifice on the cross. Thank you for blessing us with the bounty of food and the time spent with family. I pray we remember those less fortunate then us today. I lift up the troops overseas and pray that you will keep them safe. I pray you will heal and comfort the people suffering around the world.
In your blessed name,
Amen

Recipe

Roasted Fall vegetable medley
1/2 sweet potato
2 small onions (about the size of pearl onions)
3 baby carrots
1 small red potato
olive oil
dash salt
dried herbs (i.e. basil, oregano etc) to taste

In the bottom of a small ceramic dish drizzle olive oil (a few tablespoons should do it.) Dice veggies and any other veggies you like (i.e. zucchini, squash) and place in dish. Sprinkle herbs and salt on top. Roast/bake on 350 for about 20 minutes. Best served with a slice of multi-grain toast and a cup of steaming apple cider.

Excerpt from psalms

"How lovely are your dwelling places,
O Lord of hosts!
My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the Lord;
My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.
The bird also has found a house,
And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young,
Even your altars, O Lord of hosts,
My king and my God.
How blessed are those who dwell in your house!
They are ever praising You."
Psalm 84:1-4 (NAS version)

Being a nature lover, I like the verses that speak of creation. The message version or verse four states "Birds find nooks and crannies in your house, sparrows and swallows make nests there. They lay their eggs and raise their young, singing their songs in the place where we worship."
It reminds me of how church is a small resting place for my soul from the weary of this world. How much more so will heaven be!!
"indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same "
-Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

Something is radically wrong with this world. It takes a radical kind of love to fix it. Sometimes I want to throw up my hands ,"Jesus, You must be CRAZY to love me this much." Behind all my imperfections lies the glory and grace of God. It matters not what we bring to the table. If you wait for yourself to be perfect to live for God or witness to others you will never do it! It is deceptively simple yet frighteningly freeing to realize this! As the ragamuffin gospel states: "Why are we do afraid to love?" ! and why are we so afraid of God's love?

Pray for America

Ok, this may sound strange but this is important. Please pray for American Celebrities like Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton. Lots of young girls look up to them and they are ruining their lives. Pray that they find peace and fulfillment in having a relationship with God rather than a temporary vain happiness found in drugs and partying. If even one of them found Christ that would be amazing for them and for all those who look to them as role models!

Mutually exclusive?

Many people act as if those working for better conditions for animals care nothing for humans. I find the opposite to be true if you really look. This may be the mindset of some folks, but it is unfair to make a blanket generalization. As Christians, this is particularly important as we are called to be compassionate as Christ was.

all-creatures.org says:
"
"And He said to them, "Go into the world and preach the gospel to all creation." (Mark 16:15)
The Greek word for creation, ktisis, relates to all creation! Taking The Great Commission in combination with several other passages relating to God’s concern for, and salvation of, His creation leads us to the Christian’s obligation to actively care about and for animals. Remember, all creation is known as "General" or "Natural" Revelation; that is, God’s visible proof of His act as Creator (Romans 1:20). Following The Great Commission by sharing the Gospel with all people as well as caring for animals can be uniquely done in a joint effort. "

National Day of Prayer

"But, Oh what a death is to strive and labour,
to be always in a hurry and yet do nothing!"
Sound familiar? I know I am constantly rushing around and yet what does this busying going to do in the long run? Not much in the grand scheme of things. This quote may sound like it was written by a busy college student of today, but it was penned many years ago by a Puritan. Take a moment from your busy day today and spend some time in prayer. Not just because it is national day of prayer, but because it is important to have a strong relationship with your creator.


(quote from the valley of vision)

Veganism and Spirituality

I visited my friends church today as her dad was speaking on simplicity. These are a few benefits of vegetarianism that I have seen in my life. 1. Vegans* live simply. Meat has always been a sign of wealth and extravagance. It still is viewed this way in many cultures around the world. 2. We have an appreciation of God's creation. Most Christian vegans that I know have an ability and insight to stand in awe of the beauty of nature and animals than other Christians. 3. When we extend compassion to even the smallest of life it seems easier to be kind to our human neighbors. I became a Christian around the same time that I became vegan so this is some observations I've made in my life and how God has grown me. God bless all! (*note I use vegan but this is true for vegetarians also)

Quotes

"The church is not a museum for saints but a hospital for sinners."
-Morton Kelsey

"We're free Narnians, Hwin and I, and I suppose, if you're running away to Narnia you want to be one too. In that case Hwin isn't your horse any longer. One might just as well say you're her human."
-Chronicles of Narnia

Psalms

"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
The Lord delivers him in times of trouble."
Psalm 41:1

"O Lord, you preserve both man and beast.
How priceless is your unfailing love!"
Psalm 36

The all (or should I saw new?) American lunch

Today I had Amy's california burger on food for life's wheat bran bread with mustard, tomato and sauteed onions. MMMMMMMM I also had a "milk"shake with it. It reminded me kinda of the 50s having a shake and burger for lunch. I don't normally post recipes here, but this shake recipe I got from my mother's cookbook was good. Well, by the time I veganized it and played around a little it is hardly like the original recipe. I call it "Monkey Madness"

Monkey Madness:
1 banana
1/2 cup vanilla rice milk (or soy)
1/4 cup orange juice concentrate
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon nutmeg

So it tastes to me like a cross between orange julius and eggnog. Hmmm... I thought it was good, but it's probably a preferred taste.

Compassion with a fork

I don't understand why most people would agree that certain things like dog fighting are morally wrong and that as Christians we should not participate or associate with it. Yet, mention the fact that you are a vegetarian or vegan and many will snub you or act downright rude making atrocious comments. Is this not the same thing? The conditions the animals endure in factory farms are probably even more harsh then that of a dog or bird fight. Hypocricy or insecurity because they know they are wrong?

Adapted nursery rhymes

Snail,Snail
Come out of your hole
And greet the little foal.
Snail, Snail,
Put out your head
All the little animals share a feast of bread.

Lady-bird, Lady-bird
Fly away home,
Your house is a mess,
Your children need to learn.

They aren't that great, but atleast they aren't violent like the original versions. I was inspired by this site.

Peace and Blessings in His name

"Though my father and mother forsake me,The Lord will recieve me.
Teach me your way, O Lord;
lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up againse me, breathing out violence.
I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord"
Psalm 27:10-14

With all of what is going on in the world today, though I feel far away from it, it is easy to feel frightened. Reading through Psalms is a good reminder that God will never leave us. Wars come and go, but God is eternal. Tonight I will pray for peace and the comfort of those who have already been affected by the wars occuring in the middle east. I hope that God blesses and protects you and your family.

I hope you know the ultimate peace of knowing Jesus Christ, our Lord and savior.


Those Words Are Not Enough

feelings, inside of my head
i don't know, but i'm thinking about you
understand that it's so hard to tell you, cause you already know
you already know
when it's twice as hard to realize
that i'm still trying twice as hard to satisfy myself on my own

and i'm still waiting for things to change
i lay my life before you, and i'm not getting up
father, how i adore you
those words are not enough
father, know i love you, and know i am wrong
Lord, please take my life
make me your son
make me your son

-Relient K

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

I read in one of the Left Behind series novels about a Character, Buck, who was so overcome with emotion when hearing this song for the first time as a Christian that he could not sing it. I found this quite ironic considering my own situation. I, like Buck, can not sing this song without being too overwhelmed with mixed feelings. The last two times I sang this song flood my mind with memories. The first, was on a school fieldtrip for choir. My best friend and I were waiting outside the college chapel to perform with the rest of our chorus. We sang Amazing Grace together as we often did our own private duets. She died two years ago from yesterday. It is hard to believe it's been two years since I last spoke to the one person who knew me best. The second time was outside the hospital where I visited my Grandmother for the last time. So much sorrow accompanies this song, yet so many happy memories. And the message! What hope for us who were once lost and those who still are. It truly is amazing to think of all God has done in my life since I lost two people whom I loved dearly in 2004. I urge that if you are reading this and you are not a Christian please take a look at http://www.wayofthemaster.com/ or read through 1 John, Mark and Luke if you have access to a bible.