WHANM: Serving God

Hope you all got a chance to go to church or some sort of small group tonight. Tonight's Bible study will be kind of short. I've been on the phone and online applying for..you got it..school. That's right, I'm finally going to finish my degree, my Mum is thrilled.

I wanted to just lightly touch on the topic of service..and tonight..why we should serve God. Believe it or not some people don't. They make a profession of faith but just kind of grow stagnant without deepening their relationship with God. Service is part of your relationship with God. Think about it, how do you speak to God? Prayer. How does God speak back? Through His works and..his word. What is his word? The Bible. And what does the Bible say about service to him? Let's have a look:

Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. (Deuteronomy 13:4)

So even early on in the Bible it mentions how we should follow and serve him. To obey his voice, especially when he calls us into service. Then later in Joshua (22:5) we are minded again "love the Lord your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul." This is actually a great reminder but also a great way to stay true to serving him. Sometimes, at least in the beginning it may seem or feel like you are forcing yourself to do some sort of service. Service to God and others is never bad, but you have to put your heart into it. Don't be a High School Counsellor at church trying to help teenagers with their problems and responsibilities on a Sunday morning when the night before you were doing exactly what you're advising them not to do. Don't be hypocritical in your service. Don't commit to helping with bus ministry if you aren't going to show up. It's important to follow through with service and be open to leaders in your church guiding you to areas of service that need help(hello, God's open window) or ministries you are good at and have God given talents with.

Service is also a sign of your profession of faith, when we profess Christ..we are telling people that we have been changed..we should want to serve him..

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, (which is) your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what (is) that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

This is part of our proof. Remember last week when we talked about leading your testimony? Service to God is one way we can show others that we are legit in our decision to follow him, and that we care about those who have not yet made that choice.

Service to God can be a great tool as well. Ever find it very difficult to resist temptation? I'm pretty sure I just heard everyone cybertronically(if that's a word) shout yes, or at least half smile thinking "Yeah of course". Well, it's a lot easier not to give into some of our strongest temptations when we are serving God. Do you break out alcohol or smoke a joint or a cigarette when you are teaching children's choir or talking to opening doors/being a greeter at church? Or even just cleaning up or helping with Awanas? How about when you're praying with lifting up someone from an addictions meeting? Temptation will always cross our minds, but serving God just helps that temptation to cross..and keep walking. But don't just take my word for it..

(Be) kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another(this part gets so much more easier when you serve God and fellowship with other Christians..it makes resisting temptation so much more realistic); not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;(..) Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.(Romans 12:10,11&13)

Lastly but not the least..a very important part of our service is reaching others. How are people going to know about God if we don't show them God's active role in our lives. If you don't do something to serve your Saviour, you know what most people think, "There isn't anything that they have that I don't." Which is a terrible lie Satan would like everyone to believe. Because someone who does not have Jesus Christ, they have nothing..your service to God could be the smile, handshake, encouragement, clean up, or invite that brings them closer to having something, to have eternal life with Christ our Lord.

God bless you and have a great rest of the week!! Pray about service and ask God to bring some into your life.

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WHANM: Leadership

Wednesday Has a New Meaning: Leadership

I hope you had a chance to get to church tonight but if not to have had some extra time with the Lord and I hope you enjoy the time I've had in my Bible Study tonight.

Tonight, I wanted to study a little bit about leadership. Now it might not be as you think "taking the leadership role" or starting anything where you will be the "leader" but more so about how we are placed in leadership roles on a daily basis and how we can take on roles to strengthen our service to the Lord.

Earlier this week I had one of those "this is going to be a great day" mornings. Which, if you've ever gave birth to me, lived with me or have seen me in the morning..those do not come often. Normally, in the morning it takes me an hour or two before I can bare to see anyones face. One prime reason why I live alone, I like it. I was driving to work and thinking about all God's blessings and how it feels so safe and lovely to be so focused on Him. How he's changed my life. And I started to think about leadership. Believe it or not, on a dreary day - the sun shown right through the cloud as I smiled and said "Okay God, whatever that means I'll follow." Which lead me to thinking about the subject more.

Each and every day we are leading. We are leading our own lives. Yes, God should be the centre of your life - and his purpose should be our goal. But we don't know his purpose..most of the time we figure it out after we've served it. And we ultimately through free will get a choice whether to yield to Him or to fulfil our own desires.

What really stuck out to me was how our testimonies lead people. The choices we make and the way be believe have such a great impact on other people. The ones we work with, live around or just pass by are constantly watching us and if someone knows you profess to have faith in Jesus Christ..they watch you even closer. I believe one of the main reasons they do is because they are searching. What would they find in your life?

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. (I John 1:1-4)

When you live day to day, your choices, attitude, or response to life's circumstance..are you spreading or showing others your faith? Is it a reflection of what God has done in your your life and he can do in anyone elses? What is it that you portrait that is different from just anyone? We should be showing Christ in us. How he changes our lives. How we fellowship together ( not divided with judgement, gossip or hypocrisy). We should be showing others that we fellowship with Christ and that is WHY we live the way we do.

Show others around you how God gives you comfort, joy and peace. You know, in a world without God or a Saviour..what hope do we have? Nothing. I can't even imagine if I lived my life in worry or pain seeing no sign of hope, we have the power through God to show people that there is hope. Sometimes it's as simple as having faith. You don't get your promotion at work, you become very sick or ill, a loved one dies - each one of these circumstances we can show others God's love, loyalty and power. There are people who think there is no hope for them.

Do you think in Luke 8, that Legion, who was so writhed with pain and suffering having been possessed by so many demons and evil power, just went on with life and never told anyone about how Christ freed him? That he just said "Well, thanks Jesus, have a nice day." and never mentioned it to anyone? Not likely. Verse 39 by instruction from Christ himself gives us, today, a great instruction. To go and tell people how Christ changed us. This was a circumstance were many probably thought there was no hope for this man.

I do realise we might not be possessed by and fighting thousands of demons minute by minute. But we do certainly have our moments in life where God fights and takes away our "demons", whether it be an addiction, bad attitude or just negativity all around us. And we should be showing in our lives how God takes those troubles away and gives us strength and most importantly, eternal life.

Now, I believe..based on different examples and scripture in the Bible that it does not end with just our choices but also our service. When I see a "leader" in the Bible, or study one, like David, or Moses or Paul..I don't see someone who just "lived a good life." They served. They took on the challenge and responsibility of others not just seeing their lives but following them to Christ. And ultimately we should be leading people to Christ as well. So whether it be visiting others, leading a Bible Study or helping with a ministry at church..at some point we should be thinking about assuming the position as a leader and using the gifts God gave us to serve and glorify him. If you're not sure what those gift are - pray about it. Don't worry though..this may be a subject I'll touch on with another WHANM.

Until then, have a good rest of the week and be the leader with testimony and service.

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Sunday with the Girls

 Tonight I got to spend time with my two nieces, Iliana Marie and Audrina Grace. It was really fun, we went to church, came home and ate that delicious healthy snack while we waited for the pizza to come. After we ate some pizza we watched Rango while enjoying the cinnamon pie and hot chocolate with whipped cream and choc sauce!

 Iliana, she liked the choc sauce

 Audrina loved drawing on the pictures! I have a couple pictures that are in frames with dry erase markers so you can draw on my face and on an owl too.

 Not going to lie, I enjoyed the hot chocolate too!

Audrina enjoyed hers as well.

All in all it was a great night. I had a good time with my nieces. And they got to speak to Grandma Esquibel..haha she stayed up pretty late to see them, thanks Mum. My brother informed me that as soon as they left and the door shut, Audrina goes "She's so awesome! When can we come back?" Perhaps a sleepover is due? :)

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WHANM A New Man

Wednesday Has A New Meaning:
Put on a New Man

Hope you got the chance to attend church or a small group meeting tonight. If not, hope you enjoy what I learnt in my Bible study.

Colossians 3:1-17

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about what is to put on the "New Man". How hard that sometimes can be but how rewarding it is when we do. Have you ever been worried what people will think of you? Your friends? Family or employers? Sometimes, I worry about losing people who will no longer be interested in what I am doing putting on this New Man and put away the Old Man.

The thing is, when we put on the New Man, we are identifying ourselves with Christ. We are saying the Lord is our Saviour and he is who we serve. Although this doesn't make us perfect, it gets us to where God wants us to be. In the midst of others who also love Christ who can encourage us, lead us and make us aware of things we are doing wrong. It also says to anyone around us who don't believe in Christ - that is how we believe, this is our life and what we live for. You know sometimes the person you think who is least interested in your faith is the one who observing you and seeking Christ in you, a new hope, something they don't have.

It's not easy to do. It is not an easy world to live in where people think you're a bad person or close minded if you 100% believe in what you do. When someone approaches me and tells me I should be "open minded" and agree with what other people believe in, that is right for them, and this is right for me..I just tell them:

"That would suggest what is good for me - is not good enough for all, and I believe that Jesus Christ as a sacrifice was sufficient for all. If I were to believe that what you believe is right for you - then I would be saying that He is not the way, truth, or the life and that anyone can come to Him, as long as it works for them. I respect that you believe different, but I do not agree with it."

Many times we ARE saying that, with our actions by living in the Old Man, in the previous life we had before we knew Christ or the life we know we shouldn't be living. We are saying "This is good for me, that that is good for you." Which is so untrue.

Do not worry, in his word and in this chapter even we are given clear instructions on what we should and shouldn't be doing and we are given a way to live. Not just "You should be living this way.." but more like "here is how you can live this way.." and what I got from it was to stay hopeful and focus on the things of Heaven and God and what is really important. The things that are eternal..not of this earth. And to stand firm knowing(studying God's word - so really, really knowing) that we made new in Him. That He as our creator made us new when we accepted Him as our Saviour and that He is in us. To forgive others, not to spend time being bitter or proud or stubborn but to forgive those against us or who have wronged us, for us to ask the same when we wrong someone and to use our energy to dwell together in the peace and love that God gives us. To rejoice together! Sing unto the Lord, thank Him and spend time with others who push us to be more like Him, who push us to be the New Man.

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Christmas Cuppa

Perfect presents for children! And kids growing up. I made these for my neices for Christmas this year and will fill them with a few coloured permanent markers and some hot cocoa, marshmellows and candy canes!

Pick out some mugs at the dollar store 

Decorate them however you like, I chose to put a cute coffee poem and a city on one..

..and a cute way of saying I love you and owls on the other, both have the girls' names on them

Don't forget to leave instructions for Daddy!!

I loved this idea of baking on marker on a mug. The colouring idea came to me when I figured that the girls will love a mug but I think they'd love making it their own too! If you knew the personality of my neices you will know they will love love love these and their grandma and grandpa(my parents) live in England and drinking tea is big over there, maybe we can all settle down to a milky tea on Christmas. Can't wait to make more for friends!!

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iSICK

I'm sure you are thinking she doesn't look that sick. Haha well on Saturday I started to feel better but it looks like I have the flu. So I've been pretty exhausted today. Hot, cold, tired, and sad missing my Mum, remembering how she always takes care of me when I'm sick. It makes me grateful that I have awesome friends and family that check on me when I'm sick. Even if it is their wedding shower and I should be there not here. On an up side..I got my pictures from Shutterfly. I think my Crafty Muffs focus will be making memories and Christmas Presents. Sending prayers up that I start to feel better, over and out.

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Simple Delicious

When I moved into my little house here, there was a part that was broken in my stove. It's been that way for a month but don't worry!! The part is in and it's getting fixed tomorrow. So, I've been microwaving and crockpottin' a lot. For a while I just just eating raw or microwave meals and I CRAVED meat. So I gave the crockpot a go. If you live in a dorm or just don't feel like messing up your oven..follow this simple recipe I wrote today.

Simple Delicious: Chicken and Dumplings

You will need:

1 carrot

2 green onions

1/2 can of: green beans, corn, peas

(you can also use frozen packs or medleys)

1/2 cup chopped chicken

1 can chicken broth

1 packet chicken gravy

1 cup egg noodles

1 can biscuits

Directions:

1. Cut up and drain all your vegetables and place in crockpot on high (I have a small crockpot, larger ones will need to go on a lower temperature)

2. Pour half the can of broth in with veggies and stir occassionally while adding or preparing the other ingredients

3. Partially or fully cook your chicken. I chopped mine up and placed in a small bowl with a little salt and soy sauce, and microwaved carefully for 2 minutes until cooked. Then add to crockpot. Stir

4. Rinse egg noodles until water runs practically clear, then add to crock pot

5. Mix remaining chicken brother with chicken gravy packet and add to pot

6. Give it a good stir and leave in crockpot one hour, if there isn't liquid to the top of mix - add water

7. Tear biscuits into small pieces or roll into dumplings and cook. I just have a microwave, did you know: You can cook biscuits in the microwave?! You can, I seperated mine then cooked them for 3 minutes and "fluffed" every 1 minute.

Serve soup with dumplings and enjoy.

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Wednesday Has a New Meaning

This time last year, at work, I used to get off nearly two hours before I get off now. I would always make it to church on a Wednesday night. They were some of my favourite nights because the class I went to would have great music, a good lesson and a real intimate study where we could discuss things and really reflect on our lives.

Because of my new schedule it's very hard for me to get to church on Wednesday nights, if at all. Some may take this as a "freebie" like skipping Sunday School because you're sick when you are little. I miss Wednesday nights, so, after thinking about all I am missing, what other people are missing and by suggestion of my Mum, I've decided I will make my Wednesday night in the word, a little later..when I get off work.

I am going to look for a Bible Study to share with you all. But for tonight, I felt like I needed to experience joy. I felt disappointed after work. The reason isn't important, but my disappointed and "failure" feeling, simply came to me because I, like many, often try to control God's blessings, instead of trusting him, that all things come in his time. So I turned to the book of Psalm..

I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. O Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. (Psalm 30)

So when you feel disappointed and are feeling like a failure, when you feel like you've lost control or yourself, when you're wrapped up in this world, sad or lonely and all you can do is cry, yell, shout or complain, when you feel bitter or hurt, when your heart feels heavy..remember to praise God in your circumstance and that..

ps. this is one thing, that for the past year my very good friend Meleah has reminded of me, in each of my circumstances..to be grateful and praise God, no matter what

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Labour Day

Today..I..

 Mod-Podged a pink tin, to match the home decor in my studio/office

Made some delicious Pizza Pasta in the crock pot

Alberto Einstein & Charles Dickens got a hair-cut, bath, flea treatment and lots of cuddles

I had my "Labour Day" fun last night when I went over to a friends house for some chicken and waffles(which btw, is amazing, just sayin') then we played some Clue..it was electronic, very fun. I ended the night by laughing at hilarious ads on CraigsList. I don't have Tuesdays off, so when I get a paid holiday I take it easy, because I..like many..have to work tomorrow.

Excited about lots of changes coming - keep reading my friends!

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Brighten Up!!

A NEW SHADE OF LIFE

I got off of work today and it was raining. My two best friends left on a trip to see their mother. I don't have a boyfriend (at least not one). I have two dogs who I love to cuddle with a list of things that I needed to do at home.

I recently starting renting a house. (Emphasis on rent..the step before you buy..right) I love house life! I love having two bedrooms, a living room and kitchen. I love the fact I have a huge back yard. But the house is old.

Bring life to your kitchen by a simple and easy cabinet make-over. I went to Home Depot after work and bought some Oops Paint for fifty cents, it was white so I added a little yellow to it to make it a fresh clean yellow look. I didn't want to paint all the cabinets because I think that's a little intense. So I taped off edges and painted!

The look is clean and easy, try the panels on a hutch, kitchen or bathroom cabinets. And when the life returns to the room, remember, you did it yourself!! Express yourself.

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