Strength for all things

This is the time of year that everything seems to start groaning "Spring..." The days are growing light longer, and an intermittent warm day such as yesterday, teases us that it is coming. Today the glimpse was gone, wind and cold returned and a bit of snow covering again. We were happy for the warm day as our drive was really icy and most melted away. It definitely would have terrified my dear UPS man. He would have turned tails. Not many venture up the driveway in the winter, it is not for the faint at heart. It can take some skill even with 4 wheel drive at times. It never seems to stop the gas well tender though, they'll drive through anything. This time reminds me of the wait we have for the winter to end in the spiritual realm, awaiting the springtime, no more ice and no more tears.

Today was not a stellar day for the teen and I, and although I know these years and their trials are minor and very momentary, I really need God in it. I am so weak, uncertain, unwise and self-preserving. I must have His help to make it through even these "little trials."
Like today, I was pressed to ask for strength to face a messy closet. The thing seemed like a MOUNTAIN, which of course it was not, but my vision is always skewed and I really need his vision, his strength, his help. How precious when he shows his love in concern over our small/practical stuff. A God that big cares about "my" little world. No doubt, the real mountainous trials do come and you may even be experiencing a REAL mountain now. If he cares about my closet and my teen (yes) then how much more can he help us climb the mountains. He is loving, merciful, and near in our trials. He is training me up and holding me up... He is eager to hold you up too. G'Night friends

Ephesians 3: (amp)

16May He grant you out of the rich treasury of His glory to be strengthened and reinforced with mighty power in the inner man by the [Holy] Spirit [Himself indwelling your innermost being and personality].

17May Christ through your faith [actually] dwell (settle down, abide, make His permanent home) in your hearts! May you be rooted deep in love and founded securely on love,

18That you may have the power and be strong to apprehend and grasp with all the saints [God's devoted people, the experience of that love] what is the breadth and length and height and depth [of it];

19[That you may really come] to know [practically, through experience for yourselves] the love of Christ, which far surpasses mere knowledge [without experience]; that you may be filled [through all your being] unto all the fullness of God [may have the richest measure of the divine Presence, and become a body wholly filled and flooded with God Himself]!

Chef of the week

Before & After

Sara has been busy in the kitchen this week. After being tempted by a yummy Rachel Ray dish, we decided to give it a try-Eggplant Steaks. Sara really likes eggplant, so we dove into the unknown and conquered the eggplant. We're happy to report that they worked out just as Rachel promised (see the lovely golden brown eggplant perfection above.) They weren't quite done in this shot, they had to get sauced (tomato/pesto), cheesed and broiled. Mmmmm! Yummy stuff. The chef is a bit under the weather now, but still managed to make a mean banana bread tonight. For the recipe, I must give credit to my dear old (but very young) friend residing in sunny FL. I couldn't make banana bread until she shared her recipe, mine were overdone ALL the time. She saved me from dark brown banana bread. We're hoping the chef will be feeling better by tomorrow for homeschool co-op.

No school today, sick girl watched TV most of the day. Banana bread was the only deviation. Valentines day celebrating was low key, we prefer to go out over the weekend when we don't have to compete for our dinner table. Not much goin' on here, we don't travel out a lot with the snow and gas prices as they are. Just simple days. But God is teaching/challenging in the simple days. I am being changed. I have been praying that God would increase my desire for Him... I know that He is pleased when I see my need for Him. Last night, I got a glimpse of my ugly heart, as selfishness oozed from me. When I come to my senses (because the Holy Spirit doesn't let me stay there), I wonder, 'how can I be a new creation?' (he says I am.) I excused my sin. I must remember what Jesus accomplished, this is the truth:

2 Cor 5:15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised..... 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.... in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them...20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

I must trust His word is true, He forgives me. Not because of my goodness, but because of His mercy. I am a new creation and his ambassador.
G'night