Anyone who does anything that is seen by others is open for criticism. No matter what your good intentions were, or how much of your heart you put into some ministry, person or work, someone will find fault. For most of us, we find the criticism harder to bear than all the hours of toil.

In Psalm 38 David reveals the best way to respond to criticism. In verses 13-14 David says, But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. One commentator said that to be deaf and dumb is a great inability and defect when they occur naturally, but when they are voluntary, they are a great ability! It’s easy to have a smart come-back or to give our reason or a defence, but David, like our Savior before Pilate, didn’t open his mouth. We show wisdom when we keep silent instead.

If we believe that our God is sovereign, we will have an easier time keeping quiet in the midst of criticism. Verse 15 goes on to say, “For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. ” When we remember that God is hearing the criticism and that He can and will take care of this situation and our critic, we can remove our hands and rest. Not that we think, “Get them, God!” But we realize that the God who knows all the facts will reveal the truth in His time. Yes, we can rest instead of figuring out a plan.

On the other hand – can I offer good counsel that I heard years ago? If you have something negative to say to someone, say it with a right heart – to their face or at least with your signature on your kind note. I read this recently and felt led to share it with you:

“Don’t write or say anything that you won’t sign your name to. If you receive a negative, anonymous note, ignore it! If they’re not willing to sign their name, it’s not worth reading don’t take heed to it. Like the pastor who received an anonymous note with nothing but the word “FOOL!” written on it. The next morning he got in church and said, “I’ve gotten many notes without signatures before but this is the first time I got one where someone forgot to write the note and just signed his name!”

I shared this simply because this is what the Lord put on my heart today. The timing is so good because I haven’t had any recent criticism from which I’m writing in order to get revenge! I trust this has encouraged your heart to share things correctly if you have something negative to say to someone. Then also if you’ve been criticized, respond like David and our Savior. God can handle it far better!

With love,

I had to allow those of you who missed the Ladies’ Winter Tea to have a peek at the blessing the night was! Our theme, “Whiter Than Snow,” was carried throughout the decorations. Snowflake napkin holders…

Snowy sparkles of the snow were seen in the glittered ribbon, and the soft colors of the snow – in blues, grays and whites. There was a group of women that worked together to transform our gym into a tea room! They worked many hours and it was obvious!

The gym was candlelit and beautiful. Our men servers were so kind and more efficient than any you’d find at any 5-Star restaurant! About 15-16 men gave up their evening to cater to us, to run back and forth, and then to wash our glass plates and punch cups!

This picture wouldn’t turn (hmph!) – but you get the idea of all the wonderful treats the ladies brought! Each woman bringing something made the meal a smorgasbord! Many also brought guests – friends and family they were burdened for and cared enough about to ask them to come so they could hear the Gospel. Many have been praying as others invited. We saw God answer many of those prayers as we watched those women walk through the doors! We greeted them politely, but on the inside we were jumping up and down!

After the wonderful Tea time, we went upstairs to the auditorium to see a drama entitled, When Jesus Comes. This backdrop was made by one of the dear carpenters who is a member of our church, then it was painted by a small group of 3. They spent hours making it perfect so we could get the idea of a setting in the Bible. Finishing touches were added to it right up to 6:30 last night!

Women sang the Gospel message, played it on instruments, shared it with their own personal testimony, or displayed it by helping with the drama. Many men also participated in helping us visualize the difference Jesus makes when He comes into their life!

All the people I’ve referenced here that helped are a part of the Body of Christ – His Church. How thankful I am for this group of believers, and for God’s gift to us in the Church. As we work together, and each of us uses our gifts, God is glorified, the Gospel is spread, and sinners are converted! Though I am not aware of anyone who was saved last night, I know that seeds were planted or watered and that God will give the increase.

This took place all because the Body worked in God’s strength to glorify Him. It was a blessed evening, and I thank the Lord that I could witness my God at work!

We’re sorry you weren’t there with us, but we trust you enjoyed getting a glimpse of what a sweet evening it was!

With love,

Winter Tea time is here tonight! I’m so excited. I mentioned it on Friday’s post, but because of it, I have much to do, and not much time for extras like writing a long Monday post. I thought I’d just share with you what I’m taking for my part of the tea tonight…Scones. They are sweet biscuits – could it get any better than that? I think not!

Sandra Lee has made a living sharing recipes that are “Semi-Homemade.” This means you don’t have to start from scratch to come up with something that tastes like it’s homemade! Box cake mixes are really versatile and useful. Some of them are really better that the consistency of a cake made from scratch!

Well, here’s a biscotti recipe made from a brownie mix. Biscotti looks really impressive and intimidating. Impressive, it is! But there’s no reason to be intimidated by this treat. This cookie is baked twice, giving it its pretty shape and crunchy texture. A sweet friend of mine shared her recipe with me and it is soooo yummy! Take a peek…

22-oz. pkg brownie mix

8 T butter

2 lg eggs

1 C all-purpose flour

3/4 C nuts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together and roll into 2 small loaves, approx. 8″ x 2″. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Slice diagonally and place on sides. Bake again for 10-12 minutes. Store in Zip-lock bag.

With all the flu bugs that travel from house to house during the winter, it’s nice to enjoy the comfort of a hot bowl of chicken soup. However, if you’re sick, you don’t feel like going to much trouble! Here’s a quick fix soup that will make you or your loved one feel better soon, but this is so good, you’ll be fixing it when everyone’s well and you need a simple lunch!

Chicken and Rice Soup:

In a saucepan mix a can of Cream of Chicken soup

1 can of chicken stock (instead of milk)

1 cup of cooked Rice (I usually cook up extra and keep some in the freezer for this soup)

If you have cooked chicken from a Rotisserie chicken or leftovers from another meal, you can add that too, if desired. Heat until hot.

I trust you’ll try these and enjoy them as much as we do! I pray it will bring some winter comfort in the middle of this season!

Boones Creek ladies, let me remind you of our Ladies’ Winter Tea scheduled for Monday, January 31st. Be sure to invite an unsaved lady or unchurched lady to attend with you. I am so excited about the night. The theme is Whiter than Snow and will be reflected in the decorations downstairs. Then we’ll go upstairs for the special music and drama, When Jesus comes. Please be praying that God will use this to bring glory to Himself and that ladies will come to Christ Monday night!

See you in church!

With love,

I’m sitting here giving an occasional glance out the window – we’re expecting another winter storm in East Tennessee. I’m not sure how many red alerts I’ve seen on the weather channel for our area this winter, but it seems like lots! I don’t mind the snow, but I am not a huge fan of gray days. But I’m not going to let it get me down or cause me to complain.

The winter blues hit lots of people – especially mid-January and February when you’ve played in the snow, had plenty of cancelled school days and church services and are now kind of ready to move on!

Winter is here until the Lord moves it onward, so why not make the most of it and encourage yourself while you wait for the first daffodil to pop its welcomed little face in your yard? Here are some ideas to Refresh you and help you to make even a gray winter day a blessing.

1. Keep little lights on around the house so it’s not dark! If you don’t want to burn much electricity use hospitality lamps. Burning votives is another cheap way to add light. I got a bag of 144 for less than $7; that’s .05 each! They burn for a couple of hours. I love to walk into a room in the middle of a gray day and be met with a flickering flame.
2. Create a Winter Tea time each afternoon. If you’re not a fan of tea, try coffee or hot chocolate with a little treat like biscotti or cookies. Drink it from a special cup.
3. Create some fun – have some friends over for brunch or lunch.
4. Be creative. Get sewing, scrapbooking, quilting, card making, jewelry making, or whatever you love to do, but usually don’t have time for!
5. Move the furniture around! This always gets my adrenaline flowing! Poor Dale! Even changing around the accessories is fun! Look for a spot where you can create a cozy reading corner. Add a small table in your bedroom for candlelight dinners or dessert. Create a new centerpiece for your kitchen table using what you have – fruit, a pretty dish, kerosene lamp…
6. Turn on some music that will lift your spirits. I love listening to Anne of Green Gables soundtrack.

First and foremost, however, make sure you’re letting in the Light of God’s Word each morning. It will melt any icicles that are forming! Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. Psalm 119:9

What do you do to chase away winter blues? Come back tomorrow; I’m going to share two great winter recipes. One starts with a can of soup to make the best soup (and yummiest) for flu days. The other recipe starts with a brownie mix for delicious biscotti!

With love,