Thursday, March 28, 2013

Easter


I love Easter.  Growing up, I always got a new dress to wear and it was always (mostly) sunny!  As I've become older, Easter's meaning of course has deepened in my heart.  I still would love to get a new Easter dress, but my thoughts usually get caught up in the last week of Jesus' life.

In college, I had the privilege of studying the Bible.  And in one course particularly, I learned more about the timeline of Christ's last week.  Since then, I have been more intentional about spending more time thinking about it the week leading up to Easter; Holy Week.  I don't want to take His sacrifice for us for granted...and I don't want to forget how He suffered for our freedom from sin.

This year, I'm struck with the thought that Jesus was human, like us.  He had friends and family, like us.  What was His time like, day-to-day, leading up to the Cross?  What were conversations He had with His mother and disciples?  How did He remain present when He knew what was coming?

These are just some things I ask when I picture Jesus' last week before His death.  I challenge myself to make this Holy Week more personal.  To even day-dream about what could have happened in Jesus' life in this last week before His death.  This is how I want to spend my Easter...remembering His death, and celebrating His victory!


MorningStar WW3- He's Alive- Suzy Yaraei



Friday, March 22, 2013

1 Kings 20-22


1 Kings 20-22

These chapters continue about Judah and Israel's Kings and their stories.  The part I want to focus on is in Chapter 21.  It is about King Ahab and his wife Jezebel.

Jezebel just killed a man because Ahab wanted his vineyard.  The word of Yahweh came against both Ahab and Jezebel that they were both going to die awful deaths because of their sin and disregard for God and His laws.

The part that really stuck out to me is how Ahab responded to his death sentence.  Now remember, in verses 25-26 it reiterates how wicked Ahab was (vs25-There was never anyone like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord, urged on by Jezebel his wife. vs26-He behaved in the vilest manner by going after idols, like the Amorites the Lord drove out before Israel.))

...keep this in mind as we read how he responded: Vs 27- When Ahab heard these words (Yahweh's word), he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly.

WHAT?!  That does not seem to make any sense!  This wicked man was full of remorse?  Wow.  Because this was how Ahab responded, in verses 28 and 29, God promised not to destroy Ahab's house in his own day.

This tells me how important our response to God's discipline and correction is.  Of course we aren't as wicked as King Ahab, but since we're human, we all have sinful tendencies that try to get the best of us.  When God's loving rebuke comes, which it will because He loves us (He disciplines those He loves-Proverbs 3:11-12), our response is so important!  We see in the book of Kings so many responses other than repentance...but in this story, we see God have some mercy in His judgement when Ahab responded with meekness and sorrow for his sin.

This also encourages me when I pray for friends who don't know Christ.  If Ahab, the most wicked King of his time humbled himself before God...my unsaved friends can too.  It gives me hope.

Be encouraged.  Keep humbling yourself before God and surrendering yourself to Him daily.  He loves you very much :)

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Making Deodorant




That's right...I'm making my own deodorant!  For a few years I've been using natural deodorants, but they don't work for long on me.  This last kind I bought has worked out a bit better but I always keep my eyes peeled for a new non-toxic deodorant I can try.  When I saw this homemade deodorant recipe on a blog I got really excited because she seems to have the same problem as me, and says this one works!

So I am embarking on making this SUPER EASY deodorant that I got from Katie Riddle's blog at Riddlelove.com-- 3-Minute Homemade Deodorant Recipe.

It only takes 4 ingredients and I am really keen to see if it works for my difficult underarms :)  I'll keep you posted!

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Okay, so I have made it.  Just waiting for it to solidify.  I'll start using it once it does and check back in.

it melted funny, so I was nervous if I did it right...I just kept going with the recipe.
Here it is!  Warm and melted and mixed up real good.

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It's been 4 days and I am SUPER impressed this stuff is working great!  It even stood like a rock against the "leading-worship-test." aka--nervous sweat!  I'll let you know how it works after a few more weeks but so far so good!  Totally recommend!

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Click here for an Update on "Making Deodorant" post

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August 2013 (that's right, I didn't need to make more for 5 MONTHS!)
For my second round of deodorant-making, I used what Katie Riddle suggested, an old, cleaned out deodorant container.  The kind that I think works best is from a hard deodorant stick because it has the twisty wheel at the bottom to push up the deodorant stick. Here is what is looks like-

Home made deodorant in an old deodorant container

It was quite messy when I was putting the deodorant mixture into this container.  Once it was in, or at least most of it, I put the container in the fridge because we don't run our air conditioning constantly at our house.  The fridge helps it apply a little easier.  Whenever you need to raise the level on the top, just leave it out of the fridge over night and push it up in the morning, then apply, and put back in the fridge.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Cookies!


In the beginning of February, I got back into my cookie baking.  I hadn't made chocolate chip cookies in a really long time, and from the first batch...I knew they were going to become a regular in the Day household!  In 1 week, I made 4 batches!!!  No, they weren't for us.  There were events that called for "bring something to share".  I never remembered them being so yummy, but soon realized why.

On my 3rd batch, I realized I misread the recipe.  Thank you dyslexia!  You serve me well :)  Instead of 3/4 cup of butter, I added 1 cup.  You may not think that would be a great difference, but when you're using the world's best butter, you can taste every piece of deliciousness!  What is this butter you ask?  Kerry Gold Butter.  It's the only butter we use because we're butter snobs and think Irish butter is clearly superior to all other butters :)  And...it keeps a little part of home in our kitchen!  We buy ours at Trader Joe's because it's all we can find...usually $2.99 each.

The next thing I realized that made these cookies so delectable is my homemade vanilla extract!  It takes 6 months to make.  A friend of mine made it and gave them as her Christmas gifts.  Genius!  So with the best butter and homemade vanilla, these cookies are melt-in-you-mouth-goodness.

This recipe was passed down to me by my Mom so I call these Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies!  Try this simple recipe and see what you think.  I've also included pictures :)


Mom's Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup shortening (or 3/4 cup butter/marg)  (Note---this is where my awesome mistake occurred)
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/4 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet choc chips
1 cup chopped nuts (optional (I do not use this option))

Preheat oven at 375 degree (American setting) 

Cream shortening or butter, brown sugar, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy.  Add eggs and beat well.  Combine flour, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture.

Stir in choc chips and nuts.  (Place dough in fridge for about 13-30 mins, which helps make chewy cookies).

Drop by tsp onto un-greased cookie sheet (I use the butter wrapping to grease the sheet for more buttery goodness).  

Bake for 10-12 minutes or until light brown.  Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet.  Place on foil to keep cookie chewy.  Let completely cool on sheets of foil.

For fat and chewy cookies, take butter out of fridge to get room temp (about 2-3 hrs) and chill dough before baking.

YUM!

Enjoy and if you try this recipe, come back and let us know how it turned out :)


the supplies
stir in chocolate chips


Enjoy!


March 13- Jesus Calling

Today's reading in the book, Jesus Calling, really spoke to me, and I wanted to share it on here with you.


March 13th

LEARN TO LIVE about your circumstances.  This requires focused time with Me, the
One who overcame the world. Trouble and distress are woven into the very fabric of this perishing world.  Only My Life in you can empower you to face this endless flow of problems with good cheer.

As you sit quietly in My Presence, I shine Peace into your troubled mind and heart.  Little by little, you are freed from earthly shackles and lifted up above your circumstances.  You gain My perspective on your life, enabling you to distinguish between what is important and what is not.  Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one can take away from you.
 
        
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace.  In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
                                                                                    John 15:33 (NKJV)
        So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
                                                                                    John 16:22


1 Kings 17-19

This portion of scripture was one of the first I read in my children's bible story book all those years ago. I just remember the picture in the book of the fire raining down from heaven as Elijah prays over the alter. I was always amazed at the many miracles God performed through Elijah in these three chapters from raising the widow's son from the dead to creating rain after years of drought. Instead of focusing on the works God did I want to focus on Elijah and the confidence he displayed in this passage.

Elijah was the last of the Lord's prophets left (18:22) and he came up against a nation who were following false Gods and had 950 prophets. Elijah was alone, that last voice who was standing for the truth. What struck me about Elijah throughout this passage was his complete confidence in what he was doing. He spoke and acted with authority without complaint and without fear. Looking at the situation it seemed desperate but Elijah know something bigger was going on behind the scenes. Elijah had a promise. The Lord had spoken to Elijah about exactly what was going to happen. Elijah was not alone by any means because God was leading and directing him every step of the way. (18:36)

At times in our lives we are the last ones standing. We are that last voice willing to stand for the truth. Should we fear? Should we feel alone? I don't think we should but instead we should have hope and confidence in the Lord. The Lord has given each one of us a promise. The promise of salvation and everlasting life. God has also given each one of us promises specific to our own lives. Hold on to those promises and have confidence in what the Lord has spoken to you.


Written by Philip Day

Monday, March 11, 2013

1 Kings 14-16


The Thought for this week is pretty short and sweet.  It is actually something that I've had to remember a lot in the past 6 months.  This week's reading reiterated the point that you can be any age to choose to serve the Lord or to turn away from Him. Faith isn't contingent on your physical age. You can start waking in His ways at 40, or decide to turn away. The same holds true if you're 10.

Guard your heart. None of us are beyond temptation...no matter what our age.  Reading about all these kings that could have followed God and kept His laws, it reminds me over and over again that we must always keep humbling ourselves before God and surrendering to His will daily. I'm sure many of us have seen what can happen if we don't do these things...regardless of our age. 

Coming up to Easter helps us remember surrendering and humbling!  Matthew 26:36-46 is the story about Jesus surrendering himself to the Father...3 times.  Even in the midst of his darkest moment and most lonely one, Jesus asked to for a way out, but if there wasn't one..."Not my will but your will," was his prayer.  Let us remember to surrender our will to the Father, daily, and humble ourselves before Him constantly.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Update on the Cold---Remedies that work!

I just wanted to update you quickly on how my cold and ears have been since starting my remedies on Monday.  I am really encouraged because today, only 3 days after starting on a consistent regimen of what I suggested in my Previous Post,  I officially have NO runny nose!  YAY!  Thank you Jesus.  The only cold symptom I have left is plugged ears and low energy.  My ears will take a bit of time so I'll just keep adjusting them and drinking lots of water and they will keep draining.

I was excited to see such quick results and so I wanted to share.  For other Healthy Living resources, check out that new page :)

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Cold Remedies

This year I have managed to ward off all sickness!  Who needs a flu shot when you eat nutritious food, get a good amount of exercise, and keep your cabinet loaded with some D3, C and Silver Water??  Obviously, I don't eat good things all the time, but I have been doing really good for the most part.  I've also made it to the gym 4-5 days a week in the last month.  It's actually become my new hobby!  I also keep a well supplied stock of these great vitamins/minerals.

The last few days however, my body has been fighting some cold symptoms and I wanted to be sure to share some helpful remedies!  You don't need to rush to the Dr for every little sniffle...especially when you can take care of it yourself.  Leave your Dr more time for emergency patients and you stay home and manage the smaller stuff :)  You and your Dr will appreciate it in the long run!

If you are like me and suffer from ear troubles sometimes, this part is for you.  My right ear is shaped funny inside and so I have to take a little extra care of it in general.  If you feel an ear infection coming on, manually adjusting your ears is a great way to help them drain.  You can ask your Chiropractor how to do this (or ask me next time you see me).  It's easy and doesn't hurt...it's just uncomfortable sometimes.  Next, you'll want to get some garlic and mullein ear drops.  This is the kind I use but there are other brands out there.  (heads up, this kind smells of garlic!)  The main ingredients are garlic and mullein, but if you don't want to buy anything extra, you can smash up some garlic from your kitchen and mix with pure olive oil and drop it into your ear.  Sounds crazy, but it works just as well.  Garlic is a natural antibiotic.  These drops along with manually adjusting your ears help fend off infection that might try and take hold.

Other supplements that are good for colds and congestion are good 'ol Silver Water, Vitamin C, and D3!  In my fantastic book, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing (highly recommend) it has some extra tips for success like only taking one form of medication at a time (page 344).  You can get garlic pills if you don't like eating garlic.  That's what I usually do.  I have a friend that smears some raw garlic on a piece of toast at first signs of a cold and this helps kick out any virus.  I don't do this because the thought of it is gross to me, but hey, if you don't mind that much garlic, it will sure work! :)

For stuffy noses, you can use some nice Eucalyptus Essential oil to help your sinuses.

The thing about homeopathic solutions is they help you build up your immune system, not just relieve you from icky symptoms.  These ideas won't be a quick fix...it'll help support your body's genius function to protect itself which sometimes takes a bit longer than medications.  Sometimes homeopathic solutions may feel like they are just fluffy ideas that don't work, but in the long run, natural remedies will equip your body to fend off a cold or ear ache.  This cold has been really hard on my nose so along with all the vitamins, I have also taken a nasal decongestant; but with the advise from my book, I've only taken a "single-ingredient product" because sometimes multi-ingredient products end up working against each other (page 344).    

If you're suffering from a cold or ear ache, try these remedies and see what you think.  It's not a quick fix, but for me, I've found these to be beneficial and a great alternative for my body in the long run.  And as always, when buying vitamins, the brand is VERY important.  Be sure it's been inspected for purity and is potency and quality guaranteed :)


Monday, March 4, 2013

1 Kings 12-13

The decisions we make effect the direction our life takes. God always has our backs but God also blesses wisdom and maturity. A wise person seeks the counsel of others and I want to just emphasize the importance of taking advice from those older than us.

1 Kings 12 really spoke to me this week about the importance of older people in my life and the wisdom they have to offer. We read in the chapter that Rehoboam the new King of Israel rejects the advice of his older counselors:

3So they sent for Jeroboam, and he and the whole assembly of Israel went to Rehoboam and said to him: 4“Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you.”
5Rehoboam answered, “Go away for three days and then come back to me.” So the people went away.
6Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How would you advise me to answer these people?” he asked.
7They replied, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.”
8But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him.

Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older counselors which led to the division of the nation of Israel. Our decisions don't make an impact on such a big scale but I can't emphasize enough the importance of advice from older generations. Our parents have been around a lot longer than we have and know a lot more than us (even though we oftentimes think we know more.) I've faced many decisions in my life when I've sought the advice of my parents and other older friends. Oftentimes they confirmed and encouraged the decisions I was making but sometimes they gave me a word of caution or showed me a perspective I hadn't already thought about.

I cannot emphasize the importance that input from other people has in my life. Sometimes we are blind to certain things but another person can see what we haven't seen. Those older than us have probably been through whatever it is you're going through right now and they've come out the other side. Seek out wise counsel and let it impact your life.

Written by Philip Day