Lost and Found

"Mom, you can't leave your purse in the car, someone will steal it!" my daughters insisted while I was visiting them in California. I gave in and placed it in the trunk.  Never did I think that I would have to experience something like this in Michigan.  People don't steal from you here like they do in big towns! Right?

Working feverishly in my classroom, putting up bulletin boards, arranging supplies and getting ready for the students who will arrive on September 4th has been the focus of my attention lately. On Wednesday I arrived at school, Big Lots bags in hand that contained a Toy Story rug, room freshener, sanitizing wipes, and duct tape. Spent a few minutes getting caught up with fellow teachers and then dropped the bags and my purse in my room. For some reason I set my keys and phone in a desk drawer. Opening the broken window in my room, I made a mental note to ask when it would be fixed. After a few hours of prepping for the big first day of school, walking back and forth to the printer and a conversation with a maintenance person, I decided that it was time to call it a day. "Now where did I put my purse", I thought to myself.  Over the next 30 minutes I looked in my car, called Big Lots to see if I had left it there, asked several teachers to help me check my room, looked in all of their rooms and finally looked in my desk.

It was no where! The thought kept replaying itself in my mind, "Could someone have stolen it?" It meant that they crawled through my window into my classroom and then out again.  I didn't want to believe it.

 Disheartened, I left my classroom, stopped by Big Lots just to check and make sure that my purse was not there and then sadly went home.

The small black purse contained my wallet, sun and reading glasses, church keys, and a brand new lipstick. My mind was spinning with what I needed to do.

Cancel credit cards,

Order new license,

File a police report

Buy a new lipstick

Buy new glasses

Keep my purse locked in a drawer!

Two days later we received a call from a the Department of Public Works in Kentwood Michigan informing us that they had recovered my purse from a trashcan in a nearby park. I have to say that I had lots of emotions going on. Excitement that what was lost had been found. Questions regarding the contents of the purse, would my brand new lipstick be inside? Anger that I had to cancel my credit cards and obtain a new license. A little fear that someone had violated my trust by stealing from me. I couldn't focus on these things, only that it had been found. Honestly a small piece of me thought that maybe I had misplaced it somewhere!


Nervously I stood at the counter of the Public Works Department, "what would the purse look like and would my lipstick be inside?" Outwardly the purse looked as I had left it in my room, but inside the contents showed the signs of someone rummaging through it. Sadly,my reading glasses and my new lipstick were absent! 

The bible is gives many examples of things that were lost and then found. In Luke 15:1-32 there are 3 such stories.  The prodigal son, the Lost sheep and the lost coin. In all of these looms the beautiful picture of the Father lovingly receiving, searching for and restoring what was lost. My purse is such a small thing, yet I noticed that I was preoccupied with finding it.  Imagine how much more God is preoccupied with those who are lost. We are His. 

Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.Psalm 100:3


Thank you Father for always searching for us! 

I can do everything because of Jesus!

Guest blog

“I did it” I exclaimed as I did a little jump in the air!  I had just finished talking in front of church in front of A LOT of people.  And not just once, but twice.  It was one of the best days of my life!!

Growing up, I was always one of the shy, quiet kids.  I did have a couple of shining moments in junior high, like when I won the school spelling bee (my winning word was casserole), and reciting the Gettysburg Address word for word in about 30 seconds in front of my entire history class.  There’s where my memories of having confidence stop.  High school is when my memories of low self-esteem and anxiety begin.  I had my first panic attack when I had to talk in front of people.  I don’t know why it happened.  I didn’t like it.  I was embarrassed, and I did my best to avoid situations where there was the potential for it to happen again.  I know I missed out on a lot of opportunities because I was afraid, but life was easier that way.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 4:6-7

Things began to change for me in the fall of 2009 when I started going to Corinth Reformed Church.  God began to work in my life in so many wonderful ways, and one of the areas was my fear.  I wanted to get involved and get to know people and take advantage of opportunities where I could grow in my faith.  This meant stepping out of my comfort zone, which made me very nervous.  I attended a couple of women’s bible studies to begin with.  I really didn’t say a whole lot at either one, but just the fact that I went was a big step for me.  I was also part of a life group.  The night before the group started I was so nervous that I almost changed my mind and decided not to go.  I did go, and it ended up being such a wonderful experience for me.  The next year when life groups met again, I was co-leading one!!

I also took over as the volunteer coordinator for when our church makes a pancake breakfast at Degage.  That meant leading a group of volunteers and saying the prayer before breakfast in front of about 150 people.  I never thought I would be the one standing in front of all those people with a microphone in my hand saying a prayer.  I was definitely nervous the first time, but I prayed that God would give me the courage to do what He had called me to do, and He did.  That was in May of 2011.  I had no idea then that just five months later I would be doing something even bigger than that.

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.  Philippians 4:13

In October of 2011, I attended a women’s conference at our church.  On the last day we brought our struggles to the foot of the cross to give them over to God.  I laid down my feelings of inadequacy and my fear. 

I told God that day “if you want me to talk in front of people I will.” 

 Two weeks later He was giving me the opportunity to do it.  I was thinking, “Wow God you sure didn’t waste any time.”  My first chance was talking in front of a small group of women at bible study to share about a service project.  That same day I also got an email from the pastor asking me if I would talk in front of church on Sunday about my experience at Degage.  I thought he had to be joking.  Why would he ask someone like me, whose biggest fear in life is public speaking, to do something like that?  I told him I would see how Thursday night went, and if that went well, I would speak on Sunday morning.  Thursday night went great.  I told myself, “talking in front of 13 women can’t be that much different than talking in front of 1,000 people right?”  So that weekend I wrote my speech, practiced it in front of whoever would listen, and prayed, and prayed, and prayed.  I reminded myself that I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.  I was so nervous that weekend and on Sunday morning, but I got up on the stage and I DID IT!!!  And it was absolutely one of the best days of my life.  To accomplish something I never thought I could do, and being totally reliant on God for the help to do it, was INCREDIBLE!!

If you would have told me three years ago that I would be standing in front of church talking, I would have said “no way, I don’t think so.”  Looking back I see that God was using all those smaller experiences to prepare me for that Sunday morning at church.  I have learned that being obedient to God can be scary at times, but when we are faithful, He enables us to do what it is He calls us to do.  I still get nervous when I know I am going to be in a group of people or doing something I haven’t done before, but I remind myself that if we supply the willingness, God will supply the power.  I am excited to see what God has planned for me next!

Emily

Emily loves to serve in any way that she can.  Her willingness to learn and grow has resulted in some exciting opportunities! Love your your heart friend!

Paleo Pizza Bowl recipe

While in Tennessee, we went to a little diner called The Cobbly Nob. I was delighted to find what they called a pizza bowl.  Here is my version of it.

Sauce Recipe

·        1/2 cup chopped onion (or one small-medium onion)
·        1 tablespoon Olive oil
·        3 cups water
·        1 (12 oz.) can tomato paste (I like Contadina)
·        1/2 tsp. honey (optional, takes away the acidity)
·        1 tsp. basil
·        2 tsp. oregano
·        1 tsp. sea salt (or to taste)
·        2 tsp. garlic
·        1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

Sauté onions in olive oil then add the rest of the ingredients, bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. (I love to let it sit in the crock pot for an hour or so on low.)

Pizza Bowl Recipe

For each bowl

•  Foil
•   ½ cup sauce
•   Toppings of your choice (onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, spinach, zucchini, olives, mushrooms, jalapeno, pineapple, sausage, bacon, ham)       
• Sprinkle with Italian seasoning

Place foil into oven safe bowl, add sauce, then place your toppings. Cook at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly.

Satisfying on so many levels!

The flavors in this dish all mix together so well, that I didn't even miss the crust. I have been eating paleo for about 6 months now and honestly I don't miss some of the old things.  Making changes in my diet have required some sacrifice but the benefits in my health have far out weighed that which I have given up.  

I am reminded that as Christians we too must make some choices to give the old way of life up, and soon you won't miss them anymore. Daily we must choose to surrender, and press on.

Surrender

This is not an easy task for us.  The more we grow in Christ, the more we understand how much we must surrender. In I Kings 20:4 King Ahab makes this promise, " I and all I have are yours"  My desire every day is to be able to say this. To keep nothing back. Daily bringing every single sin before His throne and then changing my behavior. This means that I must come clean with Jesus about thoughts, words, feelings, work, time, and possessions. 

 Andrew Murray has said, "Jesus has a right to all--He demands the whole. Give yourself, with all that you have, to be guided and used and kept, undivided and blessed."  

Will this be your prayer today?" I and all I have are yours" 

Press on

One we have surrendered the next step is to get to work! Daily asking, "what would you have me do today?, Who can I care for in your His name in all that we do!

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 

To think all of this started at the Cobbly Nob and the pizza bowl.  I love hoe God teaches me through everything!

How to use a Mandoline Slicer

In the kitchen aisle at Marshalls I fell in love! There hanging, waiting for me to pick it up and take it home was a beautiful green mandoline slicer. I have been looking for one that will help me slice zucchini into thin long slices for lasagna and noodles.  This one looked perfect.  It even came with a holder that you use on the item that you are slicing so that you don't slice your finger by accident.

Once I arrived home, the mandoline was taken out of it's packaging, washed and then the plastic film on the blade was removed.  Imprinted onto the plastic was a warning, "Warning, sharp blade. Use caution while using." I giggled at the simplicity of it. Next, the zucchini was prepped and ready to be sliced.  The plastic grip that was supposed to fit onto the zucchini was difficult to use and mad the slicing awkward. "I know that I am suppose to be careful, but this thing isn't working properly", I reassured myself as I put the holder down and proceeded to try and slice the zucchini holding it with my hand.

On the very first pass through, almost in slow motion, my thumb was sliced. It happened quickly and the pain was instantaneous! If should have seen me hopping around the kitchen holding my thumb. All I could think of was, "Warning, sharp blade. Use caution while using." Oh the wisdom of a lesson learned!  I haven't been brave enough to try it again.  Whenever I do venture back to this mandoline I will use caution and follow it's directions!

Why do we do these kind of things?  We know the rules, know the risks, and then when things turn out bad, we ask, "what happened?" God has given us his wisdom to be applied to our lives. I wonder how many times we we see His warnings and do exactly what I did? 

Father, help us to heed your warnings, walk in accordance to your word and listen to your promptings. 

 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled,upright and godly lives in this present age,  while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. 

Titus 2:11-14

Paleo Salmon Stuffed Zucchini

Two of my favorite things combined together make a delightful dinner! I was craving salmon but wanted a little twist on it. This was an experiment that went right! I never thought that this combination would taste so good! 

Ingredients  Serves 4
Salmon (14 oz) approximately
1/2 onion
1 egg
1 Tbsp garlic
salt and pepper
1/2 bell pepper
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 large zucchini or yellow squash

Directions

• Place all ingredients except the zucchini into a food processor and pulse till blended together.
• Cut the zucchini in half then in half again. Scoop out the seeds to create a bowl.
• Spoon into the zucchini the salmon mixture, forming a mound on top. Sprinkle additional seasoning on top and bake uncovered for 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Serve with a side of fresh pico de gallo.

What I learned is that you never know how God wants to use things in your life to ramp up your witness! We all have things to offer and God wants to use these things for His purposes and plans.You were created because He had and has a plan for you!

Whether you are 
quiet or loud   
shy or outgoing
creative or academic
organized or free spirited
serious or silly
walker or runner
behind the scenes or upfront

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, Ephesians 4:11

God wants to use your gifts in a specific combination that He has already designed. The question is whether you are ready to offer these gifts to Him?

Casa de paz

Guest Blog

About two years ago I felt that God was calling me to serve in Mexico. Getting this calling at the age of 15 was a little scary. I didn’t think that I would be able to do it, but God made it happen. It took me two years to get there, but I took a leap of faith and spent three and a half weeks in Mexico. This was the most rewarding experience that I have ever had in my life.

Before I got there, I was sure that I would be ok, no problem, it’s just three and a half weeks. Yeah right. The first week was very difficult. But the second week got better, and I met some amazing kids at the orphanage. By the third week, I didn’t want to leave. The people down there, the kids at the orphanage, and my Mexican family mean so much to me. God showed me a lot in the 24 days that I was in Mexico. He showed me how blessed I am, He showed me how to really trust Him, and the biggest thing of all, He showed me how to love others in a way I hadn’t known before.

Blessings… I have so much, and everything is at my fingertips and most of it is readily available. I never truly saw how much I had until I didn’t have it. The saying, “you never know what you’ve got until it’s gone”, really shined through for me. When I was at the orphanage, I watched the actions of the kids. It’s hard to explain how their faces lit up when they were playing. Their outside toys, the few that they had, were broken and worn down. But they didn’t care. They still played with them like they were new. They were so thankful for everything they had, even though there wasn’t much. It was a reality check. Hello, Mandy! What do you even have to complain about in your life?H

As for trust, I am a planner. So for me, not knowing what’s going to happen the next day, or even that night, was a very big challenge. I had to trust that things were going to happen just as God wanted them to, even though I wasn’t making the plans. God showed me that everything was going to be okay, no matter how scared I was, how worried I was, or how anxious I was. I really had to fully rely on God to mentally get me through those 3 weeks. That was probably my biggest challenge being there.

The most beautiful thing that God showed me was how to love those beautiful kids. Watching them at the orphanage gave me so much satisfaction, pure joy. They loved with everything that they had inside of them. They don’t have much in their life. But what they do have is love for their Savior and love for brothers and sisters in Christ.

It’s really hard to explain my trip, my experience, in one word. But the only thing that I’ve been able to get out is ‘beautiful’. Simply, beautiful. 

This was a once in a lifetime experience that I wish more people could have experienced with me. But I can’t wait to go back. I can’t wait to see those kids smiling faces and have them run and give me a hug every time they see me. God has blessed me with new understandings, and a new outlook on life. And I can’t say thank you to Him enough. I will forever be impacted and changed by Mexico, in the best way possible.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" Romans 8:28

Mandy

Mandy is a high School Senior and has fallen in love with God's people in Mexico.

The Toothpick Incident

My feet are pretty flexible! Often they have been used to pick up a variety of things that have dropped on the floor.  This is especially helpful when I just don't want to bend over, or am comfortably lounging on the couch. 

The other day I noticed that a toothpick had dropped onto the floor. I questioned why my husband hadn't seen it since he uses toothpicks! Nevertheless, walking over to that little innocuous toothpick, I decided to use my foot to pick it up. 

This was a mistake! (What was I thinking?) As I grabbed the spiky beast with my toes there was instantly a sharp stinging pain between my big toe and the second toe. As I looked down, there to my surprise and honestly a little amusement was the toothpick now wedged into the skin between my toes.

Most people would quickly pull it out and never again use their feet for such a thing, however, I am a little quirky! My first thought was, "where is my camera? This would be funny for the blog!" When I realized that obtaining my camera would require hopping up the stairs, I came to my senses and pulled out the toothpick!

What I learned
Don't pick up sharp objects with your bare feet! Seems like common sense! 

Sometimes we think we know what is best without trusting God's direction. 
There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. Proverbs 14:12

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8

Sometimes we can forget Who God is

I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King. Isaiah 43:15

Sometimes we forget who we are
Yet you, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. Isaiah 64:8

Pinterest Broom

This picture of a cleaning broom was found on Pinterest. Amazing discovery don't you agree? Why didn't I think of this earlier?  I wonder if it will work on ceiling fans? I hate it when I start to clean them and down falls all of that built up lint and dirt.  Usually it falls right on top of me! 

Hopefully, cleaning ceiling fans and those hard to reach cobwebs out of the corners will be easier with this cleaning tool.  The secret to getting something clean is using the right cleaning supplies. 

It reminds me of how there is is only one way to remove the stain of sin in our lives. It all has to do with using the right cleaning supply.

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.

There have been many experiences and choices in my life that have left me feeling stained. Some were of my own doing and others were done to me! When I reflect on these stains, I still struggle to believe that God will remove it completely. Sometimes these stains have kept me captive to relive the shame of my mistakes.

This verse in Isaiah is such a blessing to me. Praise Jesus that He not only sees the sin, but He forgives the sin and then cleanses it and removes it forever! 

Whoever the son has set free is free indeed! John 8:36

Time to Let Jesus Get out His broom!

Out my window

This is the view out of my window. It beckons me to rest, relax and breathe in the beauty. I can hear the good shepherd say, "Come to me, all of you who are tired and burdened and I will give you rest". My summer has been full of visiting family, traveling to Colombia, vacationing, chaplaining at camp, and unpacking a new classroom. Right now I am so happy to be home, looking out of this window. Rest!

Do you fit into the category of needing rest? 

Jesus says that there is one way to find rest and that is to "come to Him" . Often I will try and find rest by sleeping in, indulging in a HGTV marathon of House Hunters or by scanning the Internet. When the one thing that is better, the one thing that will give me true rest is sitting with the Master. Luke 10:38-42

Why then do we continue striving to check things off of our list instead of stopping and enjoying the view? 

Today, why not enjoy the view and rest in the arms of Jesus. Rest.

Paleo Green Goddess Chicken and Broccoli recipe

Since February I have been primarily eating Paleo foods.  That means proteins, vegetables, nuts, fruit and healthy fats. To find out more check out this link.  

When trying to decide what to make for dinner I notice a jar of alfredo sauce in my cabinet. Why it is still in this Paleo house, I am not sure!  I began to contemplate what would satisfy my creamy cravings. I have to say this dinner hit the spot and it is completely Paleo! 

Green Goddess Chicken and Broccoli

Serves 2
Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
2 chicken breasts cubed and seasoned with salt and pepper
1 head of broccoli
1 yellow squash sliced
1 avocado
1/4 Cup coconut milk
1 tablespoon garlic
olive oil
salt and pepper

Directions
In a small amount of olive oil saute the broccoli and squash until tender. Remove from the heat. Brown the chicken and then combine with the vegetables.

Creamy Green Goddess sauce
In food processor combine avocado, coconut milk, garlic and salt and pepper. mix until creamy.

Pour sauce over chicken and vegetables. Ooh la la is this fabulous! 

What I learned is that when changing things in my life I must find healthier things to fill the place that the old ones once held. 

As a Christian, I must allow the old things to be removed and replace them with the new things that Jesus offers. Galatians 5:22-23

Impatience with Patience
Anxiousness with Peace
Sorrow with Joy
Hate with Love
Grudges with Forgiveness
Harshness with Gentleness
Selfishness with Selflessness
Pride with Humility

Ooh la la- this is so worth it!

Restless Heart

Today I my heart is restless.

Maybe it has something to do with 

Moving 18 times before I was 18.

A father who drove truck cross country

Travelling and seeing the beauty of God's creation

Busyness

or 

Maybe I have forgotten 

All of the things that God has given to me

What it means to be content.

That He has a plan, even when I do not see it.

Our Father is the giver of all good things

 It is not that I am not thankful for everything that I have been given, it's just that I don't want to miss any opportunity that the Lord might offer. I am restless to feel his presence, to sense his direction and leading. To live in that sweet spot of life, in the palm of His hand.   

Philippians 4 tells us how to be content. I love how the amplified version says it.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. Philippians 4:6-8

Being restless is a way that God stirs my heart to follow hard after Him. 

Thank you Lord!

Feet Washing

Jesus in John 13:1-17 does something that no one but servants would do. He washed the disciples feet. Taking the form of a servant, lovingly, carefully, washing away the dirt, mud and dusty remnants from their feet. Imagine their faces, as they watched his every move. What must it felt like to have your savior be so intimate and gentle with you? 


I have been at Camp Geneva all week as a chaplain and last night had the great honor to first observe the counselors lovingly washing the feet of their campers and then pray one on one with each student. What a beautiful example of how we are to love one another!

Later, I myself was asked to sit and be blessed with my own feet being washed and then prayed for. It is one thing to observe others being blessed in this way and another thing entirely to partake of it yourself.

I felt
honored
humbled
blessed
loved
appreciated
not worthy

Yet Jesus tells us in John, that we must first allow him to serve us and then we are called to serve others in this very way. I know I have some serving to do!

I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15
Who can you serve in Jesus name today?

God really loves me!

I am a chaplain at a 4-6th grade camp this week. It is a truly wonderful place.  Situated adjacent to lake Michigan in Holland, Michigan is Camp Geneva.  Not only is this place beautiful, but it is also fun, fun fun! The counselors do a fantastic job loving students, hanging out with them, leading them in discussions and providing a camp experience that point them to Jesus!  


This week the theme is reflect- 

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2


During our first night here, my husband Kevin and I were sharing with the students that they were "dearly loved". We had lots of examples, some fun stories and then the most amazing thing happened! 

The sweetest, blonde haired, blue eyed darling raised her hand and wanted to share. "I went to church with my Grandpa, it was only my 3rd time being at church and I learned that God really loves me!"  Then, streams of tears came flowing down her face, hands in motion trying to display her passion about this. "I am so happy!, He really loves me!"

Well that did it for me! Now I had tears in my eyes! This child taught all of us what it meant to know that we are deeply loved!  


May you know that God loves you deeply! That because He loves you, He sent His son Jesus to die for you, so that you would experience His love!