Why I Went to the Altar Again Last Sunday

August 25, 2015August 25, 2015 RefreshHerLeave a comment

Every Sunday my husband preaches solid Truth from God’s Word. It’s powerful, not because it’s my husband, but because he’s preaching The Word of God. During the sermon, the Lord is wanting me to hear, to be instructed, to change, to repent, and to obey. How will that be evidenced in my life? I believe that the first step is indeed a step – a step toward the altar. I go forward on many Sundays not necessarily to confess some horrific sin, but I’m driven by the desire that my heart will stay soft and not get tough and crusty. I don’t go every single Sunday, but I do go frequently. Here’s why:

I desire to stay tender towards the Holy Spirit’s prodding in my heart.
It’s good to just talk to God about what was just preached, and ask the Lord to search my heart.
I confess anything He brings to my mind and then surrender to Him whatever He brings to my mind and heart.
I desire that my going to the altar will encourage others not to be afraid to move forward as well.
I go to pray for others I know are unsaved in our service.
When I’m down front, I’m ready to be able to minister to other women who may have a spiritual need.

Most of the things listed above could be done right at my seat, but with all my heart I’m telling you, that I’ve watched “Old Christians” get hardened and hard hearted about invitation time. Some I’ve known for years have never walked the aisle to bow the knee in surrender or confession of a need. How can that be? I’m sure it isn’t that the Lord has not spoken to them, but I believe the longer we sit tight and talk ourselves into the, “I can make any decision right here in my seat,” we’re moving towards it being easier and easier to toughen up and resist the conviction and leading of the Holy Spirit. A person doesn’t lose their salvation, but I do believe your heart can get hard as a result.

I’m not putting myself up as a “super-Christian” because I go forward – it’s really just the opposite. I know my own heart and how it wants its own way! My method to fight against that is to pray for a tender heart and then obey when the Spirit of God prods me. I remember hearing about a man who used to cry so much in church and in any spiritual situation and he hated that, so he prayed for God to take his tears away. Then he spent the rest of his life asking God to give his tears back.

How long has it been since you’ve “done business” with the Lord at the altar of your church? If your church doesn’t give invitations any more, I’d seriously pray about finding one that did. There’s a lot to be said for having a tender heart before the Lord and having an opportunity to respond to His conviction and leading…at the altar!

Lovingly,

Family life

The Perks of Family Dinner

August 24, 2015August 25, 2015 RefreshHer8 Comments

I believe so much in Family Dinner that I think I could almost make myself preach a sermon about it (except I don’t believe women preachers are biblical)! So instead, let me write yet another post about its importance.

One reason I started adding recipes to my blog was so that I might encourage women that they could prepare a little ahead of time and have a nice Sunday dinner for their family. What’s the big deal any way? Why does it matter if we sit down and eat at the table versus everyone grabbing their supper and heading to the television or couch?

Family dinner creates unity in the family. Everyone seated together unites your heart as you share the meal, the table and the experience.
Family dinner makes memories. There are multiple kinds of memories – food, stories told, laughter shared, even delicious aromas.
Family dinner enhances good manners. When you’re seated together at the table, loving instruction and example can be shared about the proper use of utensils and of etiquette.
Family dinner gives time to work together as a family. Setting the table properly, learning to prep food, clearing the dishes, loading the dishwasher, washing and drying dishes all need to be done by all the family. Start with small tasks and lead up to greater ones as the children mature.
Family dinner creates time to connect with one another. You can learn a lot about the day’s happenings when seated at the table.
Family dinner is a great time to introduce new foods to your children. Ask that everyone take one spoon and give it an honest try.
Family dinner is a great time to pray and share burdens. Pray for the meal before you eat, but then if someone shares a burden or hardship from the day, stop and pray.
Family dinner creates a family bond. “Be home in time for dinner” creates in the heart of each child a place where they belong.
Family dinner is a great time for children to bring home guests. Allow your child to invite a friend from time to time. All the reasons above will remind you why that’s a good idea!

A little structure is needed. I would suggest:

Everyone gathers when called.
No one leaves the table unless asked to be excused. Being excused is at the end of the meal, not to randomly get down and go play, then come back and eat a bite, then go play…
Pass the food, teaching to take some and leave enough for everyone to be served.
Try to keep things relaxed. Teaching manners shouldn’t be scolding constantly, but a gentle reminder. Lift your napkin to your lips and say your child’s name to remind them to put their napkin in their lap.

Mom, it’s really up to you to create the atmosphere. Try:

Using cloth napkins (they’re economical and pretty, and far more sturdy than a paper one!)
Add a centerpiece. Flowers from your yard, a bowl of fruit or a candle will do nicely!
Turn on soft music to quiet the atmosphere. If you can’t hear the music in the background, someone’s being too loud at the table. =)
Use your “good dishes” sometimes. Don’t save them just for company! Your family are the most important ones that will gather at your table!
Plan your menu so you can prepare ahead of time. Everyone likes to know what they’re going to have for supper!

So, there’s my sermon!

What do you love about Family Dinner? What makes it difficult to make this happen at your house?

With love from my country kitchen,

Time to Buy!

August 21, 2015August 21, 2015 RefreshHer6 Comments

I was at Hobby Lobby yesterday and noticed that all their Christmas merchandise is OUT! Of course, if you’re a crafter you have to get started early! But you know what else? If you want to the “the good stuff” you have to shop early! I saw these ornaments there that are really hard to find once the Holiday season rolls in.

These are great for putting a graduation tassel in and hanging on the tree. What happens to everyone’s graduation tassels, anyway? Most are probably buried in the bottom of a cedar chest. If you had a recent graduate in your home, why not make them a special ornament, unless, of course, their tassel is hanging from their rear view mirror (ha!). I’m showing my age!

There are other cute craft ornament ideas, like this…

Another cute christmas idea Cute babies first Christmas ornament Idea!

But you’ll need particular ornaments to make these, sooooo, this is your friendly reminder to head to Hobby Lobby, or your local craft store and pick up the items NOW that you need to make them. Bonus! Hobby Lobby’s Christmas items are 40% off this week!

What will you be crafting for Christmas?

Christian Life

A Reminder of God’s Care

August 20, 2015August 25, 2015 RefreshHer6 Comments

It was just a little piece of jewelry, but it meant so much to me. It was a hoop earring with small diamonds, given to me by my husband when I finished the home school education of our youngest daughter. It was sentimental and special to me and I cherished those earrings, and I wore them often. Then last week it happened – I went to take them off, and instead of finding one in each ear, I only found the one in my left ear.

I searched everywhere. The floor, the laundry, the washer and dryer. It was nowhere to be found.

During the time of my searching, I had been listening to a message on my phone about prayer. The preacher was talking about how every part of our lives matters to God. There is no part of my life that is mine and the rest God cares about. No! He is interested and caring about it all. In the midst of my hunt, I stopped to pray and acknowledge the presence and power of my living God in even this small detail of my life. But, still no earring.

I wondered if the Lord was teaching me other lessons – perhaps,that things don’t matter. Then about three days after it was lost, I was doing my morning routines of cleaning the bathroom and when I stooped over to clean the bathtub, I saw something shiny and small…MY EARRING!

I have no idea how it didn’t go down the drain earlier. I have no idea really how it got in the tub, but I do know that the Lord knew all along where it was, and I am sure He guided me to find it. I stopped then to thank Him and acknowledge His guidance and help in this detail that was important to me.

What a sweet reminder that He cares for every part of my life and yours! This was no coincidence, of that I am sure. I’m so thankful that I have a loving, wise heavenly Father to whom I can take my cares. I didn’t need this situation to know He cares – His Word tells me over and over again, and He proved it on Calvary, but how sweet these reminders are!

It makes me realize all the more that in every detail of my life, I must acknowledge God. How could I just move on as though He doesn’t exist? I need Him for the big things – decisions, provision, wisdom, courage to witness, and the little things – desires, remembering details, help for my daily routine as a homemaker, help with my meal prep; whatever is important to me. Nothing is too big, nor is anything too small that God is not interested.

What is on your heart today? Have you acknowledged the Lord in that area or need? Pray about it, then when He answers, be sure to give Him the credit due His wonderful Name, even for the little things!

With love,

Uncategorized

A Look Back at the Week (and a special anniversary)

August 19, 2015August 25, 2015 RefreshHer8 Comments

Here’s What I’ve been up to this week:

Who I’ve been hanging with:

My twin sister came for a visit! She came so that she could sit in on our Apples of Gold session on Saturday. She’s desiring to begin this ministry in her church in the near future. We loved having her with us for our 5th lesson. While she was here we also got in lots of shopping! They don’t have quite the variety of stores as we do, so we took her to Asheville to shop all afternoon and evening! We covered LOTS of ground and found some good treasures!

An interesting thing about the picture above is that when my sister posted that photo to Facebook, it automatically tagged me with her name! Of course, being twins, we do look similar, but when she posted the question to her friends as to who was who, every one of our friends got us right. Why? They truly know us.

You know what? The Lord knows every one of us. He knows us by name. He never gets us confused with someone else. The Bible says, He knows those that are His. However, not every person on the earth is God’s child. We’re all His creation, but until a person receives Jesus Christ as their own Savior, He is not their Father. If you were “tagged” in a picture, would it tag you as God’s child? He makes life worth living, and death the full of hope! You can have a relationship with God. See a video here that will explain how.

Whitney met us for lunch in Asheville when my sister was here. We had a yummy lunch at PF Chang’s. It’s always great to have mom/daughter time, even if it’s just a couple of hours! She brought me South Carolina peaches from a stand we’ve stopped at many times over the years. Sooo good!

My favorite picture of the week:

My sweet friend brought me these beauties. What’s happier than a Sunflower? Nothing.

My favorite kitty picture:

Liza joined me for prayer time, touching my foot while I prayed. Sigh…that kitty is so sweet!

My recent home project:

I have wanted to create a gallery wall in our bedroom for some time; I finally got it started. I need to get a few more pictures copied and then it will be complete. Here’s how it looks right now.

What I’m celebrating:

Today marks my 7th year anniversary of blogging! Here are some statistics about my blog:

I’ve posted 1,758 posts in these seven years!
There have been 33,057 views since I began on Word press in February.
I’ve had 8,661 visitors since February.
People in 23 different countries have stopped by!
I’m thankful for each and every one of them…including YOU!

This blog has consumed many hours, but it’s been a great joy to share my heart, and I pray that in so doing I’ve refreshed yours! Thank you for reading; I so appreciate anyone who takes time to stop in!

With love from my country porch,