On every Christmas Eve, all the kids come home to mom’s house and we all exchange our gifts. There is also dinner made for everyone. In the past I’ve made homemade pizza, lasagna, mac & cheese etc… but lately everybody wants my chili. So again this year I made my firehouse chili. It is a lot faster and easier than my regular one. I use salsa, can tomatoes and frozen veggies to save on prep time. So as a extra gift to my family and all of you - I’ve finally put it on paper. Here it is enjoy! :O)
Tisa’s Firehouse Chili A La Hot
- 4lb of 85% hamburger
- 1 large 28oz can of organic crushed tomatoes - “Cento” brand good
- 2 large 28oz cans of organic diced tomatoes – don’t drain
- 2 large 26oz cans of Campbell’s tomato soup
- 1 cup of Worcestershire sauce – “cheap kind” store brand only
- 6 - 15oz cans of organic red kidney beans -rinse & drain
- 2 - 29oz cans of organic black beans -rinse & drain “Goya” brand good
- 1/4 cup of chili powder
- 2 - 12oz bags frozen diced peppers
- 2 - 12oz bags frozen onions
- 1 jar each of Green Mountain Gringo Salsa – Mild, Roasted Garlic, Medium, Hot
* This is a big recipe, please use a stock pot around 20-24qt
1. Cook the hamburger until crumbled but not all the way (slight pink) and drain.
2. In a large pot add all the ingredients together except the hot salsa. Med heat until simmering - keep stirring
3. Add the chili power to ½ cup of boiling water mix and stir into chili and simmer for at least 2 hours - more the better – it will taste sweet at first but don’t worry.
4. Add hot salsa slowly to taste – depending on how hot you want the chili - I suggest having the rest of the hot salsa in a separate bowl for the hot mouths to add for themselves. Remember with Green Mountain Salsa MED is hot and HOT is really really really hot!!!(sorry they don't make the hot salsa w/ habaneros anymore. If more heat is needed, please only use a little bit of the "Habanero Hotsauce" thanks.)
5. Serve w/ shredded toco cheese, Cheez-Its, crackers etc.
For all the real hot mouths, here is "Habanero Hotsauce" to replace the hot salsa *PLEASE USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION*
- 8 orange habanero peppers (whole)
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup cilantro leaves
- 2 small ripe tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ¼ cup real lime juice
- Mix in blender- be careful of the fumes when opening the blender.
Friday, December 25, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
"You know better than I"
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
First Fruits of Zion
I subscribe to the weekly edrash also. Enjoy! :O)
23 November 09
Parashat Hashavuah
Vayetze - ויצא : "And he went out"
Torah : Genesis 28:10-32:3
Haftarah : Hosea 12:12-14:10
Gospel : Matthew 15-16
Rachel and Leah
Thought for the Week:
"A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven." (John 3:27)
Commentary:
"And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face." (Genesis 29:17)
Laban had two daughters: Rachel and Leah. Leah was older, but the Torah says that she had weak eyes. Rachel, on the other hand, was beautiful. What does it mean that Leah had weak eyes? The Hebrew word translated here as "weak" can also mean delicate, tender or soft. Some translations understand it in the sense of "beautiful eyes." In that case, the Torah would be saying, "Leah had beautiful eyes, but Rachel had a beautiful figure and face." Leah had beautiful eyes, but was not as attractive as her sister.
Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak because she thought she was destined to marry Esau and therefore she was constantly crying.
She believed that she was destined to marry Esau. She would cry because everybody said, "Rebekah has two sons and Laban has two daughters. The older will marry the older and the younger the younger." (Rashi on Genesis 29:17)
This is probably not the real reason for Leah's weak eyes, but it does raise an interesting point. We know that Esau married Canaanite girls. We know that his mother and father would have preferred him to marry within the greater Abrahamic family. Leah would have been the logical choice for him. It seems natural that the firstborn would have married the firstborn and the second-born the second-born.
Jacob fell in love with the second-born Rachel. But legally, he had already taken Esau's position as firstborn over the family when he purchased the birthright. Leah was the one God had chosen to be the wife of the progenitor of Abrahamic blessing. When Jacob took that position from Esau, he unwittingly acquired Leah as well. Jacob worked seven years to pay the bride price for Rachel. On their wedding night, Laban surreptitiously switched his daughters. He disguised Leah as Rachel, just as Jacob had disguised himself as Esau to trick Isaac. The ruse worked. Jacob accidentally married Leah.
Laban switched his daughters on the wedding night simply to get another seven years of work out of Jacob. Executing the swap would not have been difficult. In the custom of the ancient world, the bride would have been completely veiled and in extravagant dress, unrecognizable. Her unveiling would have happened only in the bridal chamber and in the dark.
Many orthodox Jewish communities today still have the tradition of completely veiling the bride on her wedding day. However, the bridegroom is allowed to lift the veil just prior to the ceremony to make sure he is marrying the right girl.
Jacob's accidental marriage to Leah is a good example of how God works in our lives. We make plans, dream dreams and set out to accomplish certain things. Then our plans are frustrated, our dreams come to naught and we find ourselves far away from our original goals. But this does not mean that God has abandoned us. Your plans for your life may not necessarily be His plans. God may be attempting to work something great through your situation that you never expected.
Through Leah, Jacob sired Judah and Levi, who in turn fathered the line of the Davidic monarchy and the Aaronic priesthood. He never intended to marry her, but the spiritual greatness of Israel came through Leah.
23 November 09
Parashat Hashavuah
Vayetze - ויצא : "And he went out"
Torah : Genesis 28:10-32:3
Haftarah : Hosea 12:12-14:10
Gospel : Matthew 15-16
Rachel and Leah
Thought for the Week:
"A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven." (John 3:27)
Commentary:
"And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful of form and face." (Genesis 29:17)
Laban had two daughters: Rachel and Leah. Leah was older, but the Torah says that she had weak eyes. Rachel, on the other hand, was beautiful. What does it mean that Leah had weak eyes? The Hebrew word translated here as "weak" can also mean delicate, tender or soft. Some translations understand it in the sense of "beautiful eyes." In that case, the Torah would be saying, "Leah had beautiful eyes, but Rachel had a beautiful figure and face." Leah had beautiful eyes, but was not as attractive as her sister.
Rashi explains that Leah's eyes were weak because she thought she was destined to marry Esau and therefore she was constantly crying.
She believed that she was destined to marry Esau. She would cry because everybody said, "Rebekah has two sons and Laban has two daughters. The older will marry the older and the younger the younger." (Rashi on Genesis 29:17)
This is probably not the real reason for Leah's weak eyes, but it does raise an interesting point. We know that Esau married Canaanite girls. We know that his mother and father would have preferred him to marry within the greater Abrahamic family. Leah would have been the logical choice for him. It seems natural that the firstborn would have married the firstborn and the second-born the second-born.
Jacob fell in love with the second-born Rachel. But legally, he had already taken Esau's position as firstborn over the family when he purchased the birthright. Leah was the one God had chosen to be the wife of the progenitor of Abrahamic blessing. When Jacob took that position from Esau, he unwittingly acquired Leah as well. Jacob worked seven years to pay the bride price for Rachel. On their wedding night, Laban surreptitiously switched his daughters. He disguised Leah as Rachel, just as Jacob had disguised himself as Esau to trick Isaac. The ruse worked. Jacob accidentally married Leah.
Laban switched his daughters on the wedding night simply to get another seven years of work out of Jacob. Executing the swap would not have been difficult. In the custom of the ancient world, the bride would have been completely veiled and in extravagant dress, unrecognizable. Her unveiling would have happened only in the bridal chamber and in the dark.
Many orthodox Jewish communities today still have the tradition of completely veiling the bride on her wedding day. However, the bridegroom is allowed to lift the veil just prior to the ceremony to make sure he is marrying the right girl.
Jacob's accidental marriage to Leah is a good example of how God works in our lives. We make plans, dream dreams and set out to accomplish certain things. Then our plans are frustrated, our dreams come to naught and we find ourselves far away from our original goals. But this does not mean that God has abandoned us. Your plans for your life may not necessarily be His plans. God may be attempting to work something great through your situation that you never expected.
Through Leah, Jacob sired Judah and Levi, who in turn fathered the line of the Davidic monarchy and the Aaronic priesthood. He never intended to marry her, but the spiritual greatness of Israel came through Leah.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
"Routine"
It has now been a month since my last day at work. I have been trying to stay busy. I’ve put a big dent in my job jar but the worst thing is I don’t have a routine anymore. My day use to start around 5am and end around 11pm. Now I usually fall asleep around 2am. and wake up whenever. Don’t get me wrong, going to bed at any time is kind of cool but it is still not good. This reminds me of summer vacation when I was a kid. The first month of summer vacation, there was no bedtime curfew but then in the last couple of weeks before school would start my mom would have us go back to our bedtime curfews. Not having a routine for the day messes me up. Abba wants us to have a purpose and not waste what he has given us. Each day should be considered as a gift Abba has given to us.
Every month I receive the FFOZ monthly ERosh. They are really good and have great info. This month’s ERosh is called “The miracles Of Kislev”
17 November 09
As the rains that started during Cheshvan continue to nourish the land of Israel, the temperatures begin to drop. Daylight hours dwindle away and the long, dark nights of Kislev begin. One cannot help but naturally feel slightly melancholy and glum during the winter seasons. Thankfully, God has given us many reasons to rejoice during this season.
On the 25th of Kislev, the anniversary of the rededication of the Temple is celebrated for eight days. This festival is customarily known as Hanukkah. For thousands of years, the Jewish people have remembered the miracles God performed for the Maccabees. They were not only able to stand up to the persecution of the Syrian-Greeks, but were also able to rededicate the defiled Temple. A frequent phrase heard during this season is "nes gadol hayah sham," a great miracle happened there.
Though this has been a time-honored celebration by the Jewish people, the earliest attestation to the celebration of Hanukkah is not from Josephus or the Mishnah, but the Gospel of John. In John 10:22-42, the Master was present at Temple in Jerusalem during Hanukkah. Just like his previous visit during Sukkot, the crowds were eager for him to announce his kingship as the Messiah. "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly" (John 10:24).
Relating to the story of Hanukkah, the Master points out that he had already told them, "the works that I do in my Father's name, these testify of me" (10:25). For both the Maccabees and the Master, the presence of God's miracles signified his approval of their efforts. Both sought to uphold the true standard of Torah in the face of opposition. For the Maccabees, Hellenist Jews and Syrian-Greek persecutors opposed them. For the Master, unbelieving Pharisees and Sadducees challenged his teaching of Torah and the Kingdom of God.
In both situations, the miracles were present for all to see. Unfortunately, miracles do not produce faith; they sustain faith already existent. In the days of the Maccabees, the Hellenists refused to remain true to Torah. In the days of the Master, the unbelievers refused to believe in the One sent from the Father.
The same is true in our day. Miracles are there if one chooses to recognize them. The Amidah prayer expresses it this way: God's miracles are "with us every day" and his wonders and favors are "in every season." Yet, many ignore the miracles that sustain us day in, day out. It takes great faith to acknowledge miracles.
May your Hanukkah be filled with the remembrance of the miracles in the lives of our forefathers, the miracles present in our daily lives, and most of all, the miracle of the salvation made available through the One who was sent from the Father-Yeshua the Messiah!
Every month I receive the FFOZ monthly ERosh. They are really good and have great info. This month’s ERosh is called “The miracles Of Kislev”
17 November 09
As the rains that started during Cheshvan continue to nourish the land of Israel, the temperatures begin to drop. Daylight hours dwindle away and the long, dark nights of Kislev begin. One cannot help but naturally feel slightly melancholy and glum during the winter seasons. Thankfully, God has given us many reasons to rejoice during this season.
On the 25th of Kislev, the anniversary of the rededication of the Temple is celebrated for eight days. This festival is customarily known as Hanukkah. For thousands of years, the Jewish people have remembered the miracles God performed for the Maccabees. They were not only able to stand up to the persecution of the Syrian-Greeks, but were also able to rededicate the defiled Temple. A frequent phrase heard during this season is "nes gadol hayah sham," a great miracle happened there.
Though this has been a time-honored celebration by the Jewish people, the earliest attestation to the celebration of Hanukkah is not from Josephus or the Mishnah, but the Gospel of John. In John 10:22-42, the Master was present at Temple in Jerusalem during Hanukkah. Just like his previous visit during Sukkot, the crowds were eager for him to announce his kingship as the Messiah. "If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly" (John 10:24).
Relating to the story of Hanukkah, the Master points out that he had already told them, "the works that I do in my Father's name, these testify of me" (10:25). For both the Maccabees and the Master, the presence of God's miracles signified his approval of their efforts. Both sought to uphold the true standard of Torah in the face of opposition. For the Maccabees, Hellenist Jews and Syrian-Greek persecutors opposed them. For the Master, unbelieving Pharisees and Sadducees challenged his teaching of Torah and the Kingdom of God.
In both situations, the miracles were present for all to see. Unfortunately, miracles do not produce faith; they sustain faith already existent. In the days of the Maccabees, the Hellenists refused to remain true to Torah. In the days of the Master, the unbelievers refused to believe in the One sent from the Father.
The same is true in our day. Miracles are there if one chooses to recognize them. The Amidah prayer expresses it this way: God's miracles are "with us every day" and his wonders and favors are "in every season." Yet, many ignore the miracles that sustain us day in, day out. It takes great faith to acknowledge miracles.
May your Hanukkah be filled with the remembrance of the miracles in the lives of our forefathers, the miracles present in our daily lives, and most of all, the miracle of the salvation made available through the One who was sent from the Father-Yeshua the Messiah!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"How big?"
- Isaiah 40:12, 15
“Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand and marked off the heavens with a span, enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance? Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, and are accounted as the dust on the scales; behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.”
- Psalm 139:2-16
You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord , you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you. For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there were none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them! If I would count them, they are more than the sand. I awake, and I am still with you.
So how big is Abba?
Thursday, October 22, 2009
“This is my destiny”
For the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to finish this blog. At the beginning my thoughts would change and the titles would change. It felt like it was in a holding pattern, nothing was coming out. Plus I have also been busy witnessing in Albany on Friday nights. I felt peaceful even more so because I know I’m doing what Abba wants me to do. I didn’t really care at first, I don’t really need to do a blog all the time anyway but as I was listening to one of Dennis Jernigan’s songs “This Is My Destiny” I started to get that desire to write again. I typed in this title and started working on it that day. I tried getting back to it but things were just popping up taking my time. Then on Tues Oct 20, 2009 me and two other drafters were let go. I’m actually calm about it now but when I got home Tue, I really didn’t want to talk to anybody but my brother Joe, who was thru it before, was downloading everything to me telling me what to do and getting me to start the process that day. Then yesterday, I was called by one of the drafters that was let go and also I had tons of stuff to do, driving all over the place. Then today I got a call from my former boss who wasn’t there that day we were all let go. Also for the past two nights, I have been talking to my 23 year old nephew till 4:00am in the morning. I took care of him since he was 4, I was his surrogate mom at that time and next week he wants to take me to his favorite karaoke/ burrito bar with his friends. Can you imagine me singing in front of people? YIPE! Anyway, so I really haven’t been getting any time to feel sorry for myself, Abba has been pulling me forward whether I like to or not. What is even weirder, I have been with the company 11years 9months. I don’t know, but to me it's just weird. I started drafting for the company on Jan 20, 1998. So finishing this blog today feels like my journal. I don’t know what Abba has in store for me, but knowing what he has already done for me in my life, I can say this with confidence, Abba is up to something. This is part of the beginning of the song “This Is My Destiny” on the We Will Worship Album. Enjoy :O)
“But I don’t half to wait until Heaven to enjoy that intimate relationship. He delights in my presence. His thoughts toward me outnumber the very sands of the sea and before He laid the foundations of the earth, before time began, I was in His mind and He destined me to be His very own and He says this “Child, I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future” oh Lord we love you, we bless you and crown you king. We proclaim that you are the Lord and the destiny of every believer’s heart.
“But I don’t half to wait until Heaven to enjoy that intimate relationship. He delights in my presence. His thoughts toward me outnumber the very sands of the sea and before He laid the foundations of the earth, before time began, I was in His mind and He destined me to be His very own and He says this “Child, I know the plans I have for you, plans to give you a hope and a future” oh Lord we love you, we bless you and crown you king. We proclaim that you are the Lord and the destiny of every believer’s heart.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
"Ambushed"
Monday, September 14, 2009
"Ladies Escape retreat"
This Sat/Sun, Sept 19 & 20, I'll be going to Seed’s Ladies Escape retreat at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center in Greenwich, New York. It wiggs me out that we are going there because it is a catholic place. I grew up being catholic and was even confirmed. I can gratefully say now "I am a born again spirit filled true believer." As a kid I went to Christ the King school in Albany, how ironic. The bondage and suffering I went thru at that school...I still have bad dreams from that. I almost didn't sign up but I know Abba is with me plus I need to be with my church family. No excuses, I just need to suck it up.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
“Push Buttons”
Monday, September 7, 2009
"The battle is not ours"
Four months ago, my sister Becky gave me "VeggieTales - Esther, The Girl Who Became Queen" DVD. I took Becky last year to see "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything: A VeggieTales Movie" It was a really good movie and I loved the song "YoHo Hero" Becky told me I would like Esther. She was right and it really hit home for me w/ the layoffs at work. Yes, I know it is a veggietale cartoon but sometimes Abba will use simple things to strengthen us. Here is a song from it.
Mordecai: You wanted to know why you
became queen. I told you God must have a reason.
Esther, perhaps he put you here, for such a time as this.
Perhaps this is the reason.
Ester: Tell me why, I don't understand.
Tell me why, or show me your hand.
Tell me why because I can't see my way through
What now...should I...do
The battle is not ours
We look to God above~
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love
I will not be afraid
I will not run and hide~
For there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side
No, there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side
The battle is not ours
We look to God above
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love ~
Narrator: Queen Esther just learned that sometimes God has
plans so big only he can see 'em! All she had to do was believe.
Mordecai: You wanted to know why you
became queen. I told you God must have a reason.
Esther, perhaps he put you here, for such a time as this.
Perhaps this is the reason.
Ester: Tell me why, I don't understand.
Tell me why, or show me your hand.
Tell me why because I can't see my way through
What now...should I...do
The battle is not ours
We look to God above~
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love
I will not be afraid
I will not run and hide~
For there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side
No, there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side
The battle is not ours
We look to God above
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love ~
Narrator: Queen Esther just learned that sometimes God has
plans so big only he can see 'em! All she had to do was believe.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
"He is Holy!"
Psalm 99 - Praise to the LORD for His Holiness
The LORD reigns;
Let the peoples tremble!
He dwells between the cherubim;
Let the earth be moved!
The LORD is great in Zion,
And He is high above all the peoples.
Let them praise Your great and awesome name—
He is holy.
The King’s strength also loves justice;
You have established equity;
You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob.
Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His footstool—
He is holy.
Moses and Aaron were among His priests,
And Samuel was among those who called upon His name;
They called upon the LORD, and He answered them.
He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar;
They kept His testimonies and the ordinance He gave them.
You answered them, O LORD our God;
You were to them God-Who-Forgives,
Though You took vengeance on their deeds.
Exalt the LORD our God,
And worship at His holy hill;
For the LORD our God is holy.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
“Come, my child, come.”
Abba has wanted me to write this for a very long time. I have been putting this one off for a while because I know people are going to be angry, discount me or even curse at me for this one. About ten years ago on a Saturday morning in my bedroom, I was preparing a lesson for the next day. I taught the 8yr – 12yr kids at the church me and my brother attended at that time. As I was sitting there, I was caught up into the spirit to a place I do not know. From above inside I saw it was a warehouse packed with people in a radial symmetrical group. Rows and rows of people just walking towards a small hole in the center and just falling in. Then I became one of them walking towards that hole. I could see the hole but I didn’t care if I fell in. Then I heard a voice in a distance behind me saying “Come, my child, come.” I turned for a moment but then I still was walking towards the hole. The voice got louder and stronger “Come, my child, come.” I turned around and started walking toward the voice. It was easy at first but as I started getting to the middle part of the group they started to grab me knocking me down trying to turn me around forcing me to walk their way, I started to give in and then I heard again “Come, my child, come.” I force my way thru and was getting toward the outer edge of the people. They tried to hold me but they seemed to be getting weaker as I was reaching to the outer edge of the group. I leaped out and saw who was calling me. There was a person in a white robe sitting on a large white marble throne. From the chest up there was a cloud. I focused on his right hand. It was a human adult hand. I could sense someone to my left I turned my head and saw Yeshua. I ran to him. He grabbed me and hugged me. As I was in his arms, I looked to my left and saw the outer edge of the group. Their backs were facing me. They were so close, I reach to touch one but couldn't. I asked Yeshua “Do they not hear you?” He says “They hear me, but do not listen.” I was then back sitting on my bed. I sat there amazed and stunned. I was grateful to be saved. Now there are many ways to explain what each area meant but I going to let Abba tell you this one. He wants to rescue you. He is tugging at your heart to seek him, to become intimate “Come, my child, come.”
Thursday, August 20, 2009
"What a mess!"
These pics are from my grape vine I planted 12yrs ago. (click on pic to see better) The vine was a little over a foot tall and I used a tomato cage for support. I wanted it to grow a little first before I start to prune it and tie it to a wire fence. As you can see I haven't touched it in about 10 years. The Blackberry vine bushes are now mixed in with the grape vines. Ouch! Serves me right for letting it grow that wild. In the next couple of weeks, I will try to cut back the berry vines and in Feb I'll be able to start pruning the vine. Having a grape vine requires a lot of attention. Just in the first year of its growth, the vine requires constant watering for root development. Also the vine in the next 3 years also requires to be shaped, pruned, & molded on the wire fence to continue to grow in that direction. In John ch 15, I understand more now what Yeshua is saying "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser" Abba cares for us. Just like a vine we require a lot of attention too. If we let Abba shape, prune, & mold us, we will bear much fruit for Him. He wants to see His vine branches grow and takes delight in us when we do.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
"The Ultimate Gift"
I finally got to watch this movie. It has been in my Netflix que for over 6 months. 11bucks a month for unlimited Netflix is worth it. This movie cannot be missed it is 2 hours long but well worth the time.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
"He Will Carry You"
Last night at Seed's bible study, Rabbi Steve had us break into groups and pray for each other. Milli and Nick were with me. Milli had some of these words in her head "If He carried the weight of the world, He will carry me" for a week and I told her it was a song. I also told her I would get it for her. This 80yr old prayer warrior started to praise and thanked Yeshua. That's cool. Abba put us together just so she could know what it was and I bet he is going to have her bless me somehow too. Rabbi Steve was teaching about the love factor in faith. 1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Something has been going thru my head also. Some people say they love Yeshua but then they have this book of stamps against Abba. He never answered my prayer, He didn't save this person and they died, or I trusted him but I got hurt. People act as if Abba has sinned against them. Abba has never SINNED! Only we have. Holding this unforgiveness against Abba will only separate you from him. Abba is in control, not by our standards but his. If we trust Abba to take real control over our life we need to have real faith (a love for him) that "he will carry you."
"He Will Carry You"
There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you
He said come on to me all who are weary
And I will give you rest
There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you
He will carry you, He will carry you
"He Will Carry You"
There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you
He said come on to me all who are weary
And I will give you rest
There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
He cannot move it
There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my brother that He will carry you
If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know, my sister that He will carry you
He will carry you, He will carry you
Sunday, August 9, 2009
“Wii - like to play”
1 Wii console = $ 250.00
1 Wii Controller w/ nunchuk = $ 40.00
1 Wii Fit w/ Balance Board = $ 80.00
Finally being able to beat your smarty pants baby brother @ Nintendo…Priceless
.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
"A MIGHTY WORSHIPPER"
Friday at church they played “Great is the lord almighty” during worship. I loved this song and finally looked it up. Dennis Jernigan is the writer and singer. I down loaded 4 of his albums. My favorite so far is “Giant Killer: A Heart Like David” Here is one of the songs from it. The way he sings reminds me of another album I listen to a lot, “Spirit over New Mexico” by Calvary ABQ worship team. They all sound like the Maranatha Singers. I wish they would play some of these worship songs again up here in New York on the radio. You don’t hear songs like this anymore. Shalom :O)
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS GOD SUPREME
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD GREAT IS THE LORD
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
WHEN THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL CAME TO THE BRINK
HE LED THEM THROUGH LETTING PHARAOH SINK
THEN THE CHILDREN WERE DANCIN' AS OLD PHARAOH SANK DOWN
LIFTING UP A MIGHTY JOYFUL SOUND SINGING
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS GOD SUPREME
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD GREAT IS THE LORD
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
WHEN THE CHILDREN OF GOD CAME UP TO JERICHO TOWN
THE LORD SAID CHILDREN LET'S WALK AROUND SO FOR SEVEN WHOLE DAYS
THEY WALKED A-ROUND THAT GREAT WALL,
TIL THE LORD SAID SHOUT AND WATCH IT FALL, CHILDREN
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS GOD SUPREME
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD GREAT IS THE LORD
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
WHEN HIS CHILDREN WERE DYING AND LOST IN THEIR SIN
MY GOD DIED AND HE ROSE AGAIN
AND I'VE BEEN REJOICING SINCE HE TOOK MY BLAME
I THANK YOU JESUS, PRAISE YOUR NAME!
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS GOD SUPREME
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD GREAT IS THE LORD
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS GOD SUPREME
GREAT IS THE LORD ALMIGHTY HE IS LORD HE IS GOD INDEED
GREAT IS THE LORD GREAT IS THE LORD
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
THE LORD REIGNS, HE IS A MIGHTY GOD THE LORD GOD REIGNS
Monday, July 27, 2009
"I want my prize"
In the movie "Good Boy" Owen has to prove to his parents he is grown up enough to pay & take care of a dog by himself.
Owen - It's adoption day!
Mom - What?!
Dad – Hey, pal.
Mom - It's dining room day, Owen.
Dad - Let's see that calendar.
Mom - Didn't you just start that job?
Dad - He's right. Exactly three months today he's been walkin' those dogs.
Owen - Not one problem. I already got mine picked out at the shelter.
Dad - Good for you, O. Great job.
Mom - Yeah, that's great. Terrific. Listen, can we talk for a second? Don't you think that it makes more sense to wait until after we move to the new place before we get the dog? I'm just thinking of the dog. That way, he won't have to relearn a new house and a new neighborhood and all that other newness.
Owen - We had a deal, Mom.
Mom - We did. We sure... we sure...we absolutely did.
Owen - "The best way to achieve your goals, Owen, is to make a plan, work hard, and always keep your eyes on the prize."
Mom - That's an exact quote, isn't it?
Owen - I want my prize.
What is our goal as a true believer? apostle Paul said it best "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3v14 The "prize" is the call Abba has on our life not only to have a call but also doing our call with Abba. Running the race with him. I want my prize!
Owen - It's adoption day!
Mom - What?!
Dad – Hey, pal.
Mom - It's dining room day, Owen.
Dad - Let's see that calendar.
Mom - Didn't you just start that job?
Dad - He's right. Exactly three months today he's been walkin' those dogs.
Owen - Not one problem. I already got mine picked out at the shelter.
Dad - Good for you, O. Great job.
Mom - Yeah, that's great. Terrific. Listen, can we talk for a second? Don't you think that it makes more sense to wait until after we move to the new place before we get the dog? I'm just thinking of the dog. That way, he won't have to relearn a new house and a new neighborhood and all that other newness.
Owen - We had a deal, Mom.
Mom - We did. We sure... we sure...we absolutely did.
Owen - "The best way to achieve your goals, Owen, is to make a plan, work hard, and always keep your eyes on the prize."
Mom - That's an exact quote, isn't it?
Owen - I want my prize.
What is our goal as a true believer? apostle Paul said it best "I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3v14 The "prize" is the call Abba has on our life not only to have a call but also doing our call with Abba. Running the race with him. I want my prize!
Friday, July 24, 2009
"In His Time"
Back in 1994, when I rededicated my life to Abba and was attending HVCC, I remember waking up one morning and the song “In His Time” was going thru my head. Abba was reminding me that no matter what he is in control and he will do things in his time. I remember some of the things that were on my heart, what is your will for me, am I going to get a good job, what is my future, am I ever going to get married. Abba has taken care some of them and he will continue to take care of me. He is in control of my life. Every aspect small to great and he will keep continuing to do just that “In His Time”.
In His time, in His time,
He makes all thing beautiful in His time.
Lord please show me every day,
As your teaching me your way,
That you’ll do just what you say, in your time.
In your time, in your time,
You make all things beautiful in your time.
Lord, my life to you I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to you a lovely thing, in your time.
Lord please show me every day,
As your teaching me your way,
That you’ll do just what you say, in your time.
In your time, in your time, in your time lord,
You make all thing beautiful in your time.
Lord, my life to you I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to you a lovely thing, in your time,
Be to you a lovely thing, in your time.
In His time, in His time,
He makes all thing beautiful in His time.
Lord please show me every day,
As your teaching me your way,
That you’ll do just what you say, in your time.
In your time, in your time,
You make all things beautiful in your time.
Lord, my life to you I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to you a lovely thing, in your time.
Lord please show me every day,
As your teaching me your way,
That you’ll do just what you say, in your time.
In your time, in your time, in your time lord,
You make all thing beautiful in your time.
Lord, my life to you I bring,
May each song I have to sing,
Be to you a lovely thing, in your time,
Be to you a lovely thing, in your time.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
"Little m&m say cheese!"
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
"Little m&m is back!"
Ok,ok,ok. I know I said I wouldn't write about little m&m anymore but the squirrel has become little destructo and I found out it is a mommy. Oh and yes I'm still finding M&M's auggh!!! It has become kinda of a joke in my family. This pic came from my b-day card and the words inside said "mappy mrrfmay!"because the chipmunk's face is stuffed and my sister added "hehe, kind of looks like your favorite animal." I guess the squirrel still remembers M&M are in the house. She now has chewed thru the window screens and gone thru my mom's cereal. I'm grateful it has not been hot in Albany. The windows stay shut unless somebody watches. I am going to start training her to eat outside with squirrel food and nuts. Hopefully this will reprogram her to find food outside.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"And in that day you will say..."
About 12 years ago I was laying on my futon bed hanging off to the side playing with kittens. I had found them in a rotted out tree log on my property several weeks earlier. I had just started reading my NKJV bible when I became distracted with them. As I was playing with them, my bible pages flipped opened to another book & chapter. I saw this and suddenly stopped. I slowly turned my body and moved back in front of the bible to look at what it opened to. Isaiah 12 seemed to look different, almost bigger than the rest of the words. I was a little wigged out but I started to read Isaiah 12. Only after four times reading it I memorize it. Abba imprinted this scripture on my heart. Unfortunately, I still cannot memorize scripture. I do know a few but those are the ones you hear all the time and they are usually not an exact quote anyway. Sometimes I can finish what people say but usually I can only remember what book it came from. I have been trying to memorize John ch 3 vs16 -21. I still have not been able to do that. It is so frustrating. I have read Isaiah 12 in other versions of the bible but NKJV is still my first and favorite. On one of the bible commentaries I have read, David Guzik called this chapter “Isaiah 12 - Words from a Worshipper” I would defiantly agree. Because in that day we will say… “Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”
Isaiah 12 NKJV
A Hymn of Praise
And in that day you will say:
O LORD, I will praise You
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid
For YAHWEH, the LORD, is my strength and song
He also has become my salvation
Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
And in that day you will say:
Praise the LORD, call upon His name
Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD,
For He has done excellent things
This is known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!
Isaiah 12 NKJV
A Hymn of Praise
And in that day you will say:
O LORD, I will praise You
Though You were angry with me,
Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me.
Behold, God is my salvation,
I will trust and not be afraid
For YAHWEH, the LORD, is my strength and song
He also has become my salvation
Therefore with joy you will draw water
From the wells of salvation.
And in that day you will say:
Praise the LORD, call upon His name
Declare His deeds among the peoples,
Make mention that His name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD,
For He has done excellent things
This is known in all the earth.
Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion,
For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
"Sidekick"
In the movie Sky High, the main charter Will Stronghold is starting super high school and hasn’t gotten his powers yet. On the first day of school, he and his friends are put thru power placement to find what powers they have and what classes they’ll take. They all end up in sidekick or “hero support” class. Will finally tells his superhero parents he is a sidekick. The very next day his super strong power comes and he is transferred to hero class leaving all his sidekick friends behind but in the end it is the help of the sidekicks that put away the bad guys. This movie is really funny and kind of corny but it reminds me of when people find out what their gifts are from Abba. We all should be sidekicks helping and building up one another and not to act like heroes because only Abba, Yeshua, and Ruach are the real heroes. We are just the taxicabs Abba is the driver. I guess you need to watch the movie to get what I’m saying. Anyway I don’t know what gift Abba has for me yet but I can’t wait to be his Sidekick.
Friday, July 3, 2009
"The God of second chances"
Back in 2003, I was listening to an interview where a person was being asked “Do you think things happen for a reason?” The person replied very angrily and blaming God. My response to this was a very mean selfish off the cuff remark not knowing what had happened to him but Abba knew how I would react. He had opened my eyes to what my heart was saying and who I was in that area of my life. But then in Aug 2007, Abba gave me a second chance and I was able to help that same person this time around. I was looking something up when I came across this person’s bio. As I was reading it Abba started to show me sad events in his life. I cried out “Lord if he only knew you” The Abba told me specifically what to pray for. Several weeks later Abba took me to a place and showed me the prayer I prayed for him being fulfilled. It was really cool, a kodak moment. I know this person is going to be ok because of what Abba showed me back in 2003 and how he is now different today but I also know he still needed to choose. I don't know if he is saved or not. I haven’t been able to speak to him since that day but I know Abba will take care of him. Now Abba didn’t really need me to help and bless this person. Abba could have done it himself but he needed me to grow up and to change me into a true believer. For the past two years I’ve felt him doing just that. I don’t know what Abba is up to with me right now but I know he will always give us a second chance.
Friday, June 26, 2009
"Do you believe..."
Do you believe God is who he says he is? - That this present suffering is not worthy to be compared with the things that God has prepared for those who love Him!!
- That all things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose!!
- That He shall have his angels encamp about me!!
- That He hears the cries of the righteous!!
- That He is a strong tower in the face of my enemies!!
- That He will never leave me or forsake me!!
- That He sets a table for me in the presence of my enemies!!
- That every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father of Lights!!
- That in my weakness, He shows me His strength!!
- That He is all I will ever need!!
He is the author and finisher of my faith, and as long as I am willing to remain pliable clay in His hands, He will mold me into the image of His dear son, Yeshua Ha Mashiach! That is who I want to be like!!! Not a platitude of the lips, but an attitude of the heart!!
Do you believe God is who he says he is?
- This was in my church's bulletin enjoy! :O)
Saturday, June 20, 2009
"CRASH!!!"
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"Ice cream, ice cream - we all scream for ice cream"
On the 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Tuesday of every month are dill nights for WAFD and last night's drill was at the MTB tower in Colonie. We took two pumpers and I was on 459. Station 2 nicknamed the pumper "Rudolph" red nose fire truck. See the pic you'll know why. Anyway, the drill was on car fires. We did 4 evolutions and the last one was a bus. Really cool. On the ride back, pumper 454 was in front and all of a sudden it pulled into EMS 3. We were all puzzled and then someone said "they're getting ice cream!" There was an ice cream shop next door. Then we all said "Hey! We want ice cream!" The driver was more than happy pull the pumper around for ice cream. A nice treat at the end of a hot drill. Abba will do that. He loves us so much. He has done things like that for me when I had a real ruff day or whatever. Just out of the blue he will do something totally unexpected and turn things around for good in a second just because he loves us. James 1:17 says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning." Todah Abba!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
"A Father's Love Letter"
I saw this video on TBN about 5 years ago. Abba had me see this just at the right time. I needed to hear how much he cares for me again. There are going to be low times in your walk with Abba. It is inevitable but Abba cares for us and he wants us to get in his word and pray to know him more intimately. Seek him with all of your heart - he is waiting for you.
Monday, June 8, 2009
"Top 10 lessons from Noah's Ark"
TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat!
THREE: Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.
FOUR: Stay fit. When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE: Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX: Build your future on a rock.
SEVEN: For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT: When you're stressed, float awhile.
NINE: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
TEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.
People will walk in and out of your life.....but FRIENDS will leave footprints in your heart.
- My mom sent me this. It is not my words but I changed a few of them. Also I added my pic. Enjoy! Shalom :O)
Sunday, May 31, 2009
"Following in my father's footsteps"
Saturday, May 23, 2009
"He knows my name"
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"Very Cool"
When Ray Comfort started his blog. It was just a normal blog. Then all of a sudden a lot of atheists started to flood him w/ questions. Now he has renamed it to "Atheist Central" Who says Abba doesn't have a sense of humor? Here is one of his blogs, Enjoy! :O)
"Atheist Central" - Ray Comfort's Blog
Where did Cain get his wife?
Posted: 19 May 2009 08:58 AM PDT
I was about to speak at an important combined church meeting in Klamath Falls, Oregon, when someone said that an atheist had come in and was sitting in the front row, just in front of the pulpit. I say that it was an "important" meeting because it's not often that local churches come together in unity, so we were hoping everything would run smoothly.
I found out that he was a university student and that he had recently stood up during a previous church service, disrupted it, and had to be escorted from the church. Apparently he had done it to win a six pack of beer. The prize was offered by a group of atheists for anyone who would interrupt a church service. I went out to the auditorium, welcomed him and found out that his name was "Abel."
I then sat on the platform with the pastor and discreetly eyed Abel, as the congregation sang. I couldn’t help but wonder what he would say when he interrupted me. I thought that if the atmosphere became tense, as it often does in such circumstances, I could say that his name was Abel, and that when atheists ask me where Cain got his wife I say, "I would tell you if I was Abel."
During the meet-and-greet time I decided offered Abel my bottle of water, as a small gesture of love for him. He said that he had his own water and that I would probably need mine during the service (probably because my mouth would go dry when he began yelling at me).
It was then that I noticed a small green book in his hand. It was a Gideon New Testament. When he said, "I’m a big fan of The Way of the Master," I asked, "Are you a Christian?" He said, "Yes. I became one this morning."
Needless to say there was no interruption, and after the service we both had a great time of fellowship together. How cool.
For Evangelism Resources, please visit LivingWaters.com.
"Atheist Central" - Ray Comfort's Blog Where did Cain get his wife?
Posted: 19 May 2009 08:58 AM PDT
I was about to speak at an important combined church meeting in Klamath Falls, Oregon, when someone said that an atheist had come in and was sitting in the front row, just in front of the pulpit. I say that it was an "important" meeting because it's not often that local churches come together in unity, so we were hoping everything would run smoothly.
I found out that he was a university student and that he had recently stood up during a previous church service, disrupted it, and had to be escorted from the church. Apparently he had done it to win a six pack of beer. The prize was offered by a group of atheists for anyone who would interrupt a church service. I went out to the auditorium, welcomed him and found out that his name was "Abel."
I then sat on the platform with the pastor and discreetly eyed Abel, as the congregation sang. I couldn’t help but wonder what he would say when he interrupted me. I thought that if the atmosphere became tense, as it often does in such circumstances, I could say that his name was Abel, and that when atheists ask me where Cain got his wife I say, "I would tell you if I was Abel."
During the meet-and-greet time I decided offered Abel my bottle of water, as a small gesture of love for him. He said that he had his own water and that I would probably need mine during the service (probably because my mouth would go dry when he began yelling at me).
It was then that I noticed a small green book in his hand. It was a Gideon New Testament. When he said, "I’m a big fan of The Way of the Master," I asked, "Are you a Christian?" He said, "Yes. I became one this morning."
Needless to say there was no interruption, and after the service we both had a great time of fellowship together. How cool.
For Evangelism Resources, please visit LivingWaters.com.
Friday, May 15, 2009
KNIGHT RIDER
Way back in 1986, when I was 14, there was this show called Knight Rider. My youngest brother Steve was 8yrs old and loved that car. I really didn't start watching it until the 3rd season but back in 86' Abba used that show to save my life. Abba can and will use anything to help anyone. One night a group of kids from school came over Fri night and asked me to come with them to go to a party. Like any normal teenager you'd think I would jump at a chance to go to a party but I didn't. This is what actually happened, it was close to 8:00pm, Knight Rider was coming on and I didn't want to miss it. The one chance I could have gone and hung out, I choose to watch a TV show. Why would I do that? I should have asked "What was Abba up to?" A few months before my 21st birthday, my mom threw a Memorial Day party and I asked if I could drink. It took me over 5 hours to drink one wine cooler- Why? I started to drink another one but stopped because I went to my sister's house. When I arrived I got very sick and started to throw up. I thought I must have gotten food poisoning but no one else became sick. Later that year football was starting and my favorite team was on TV. I got out of work and bought home some combos and wine coolers for the game. This would be only the second time I drank alcohol. The second I took a sip of that cooler, my head started to pound and I wanted to throw up. Thinking back in my life on how my body reacted with cough syrup and mouth wash, I realized I must be allergic. Now Abba could have let me go to that party, but I know that I wouldn’t be alive today if he did. Abba always has a reason for everything in our life. We may not understand it now, but it will always make sense in the end.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
"Abba in the Center"
About 15 minutes ago there was a strange ambulance call on my fire pager. Outside on my street where I live, there was a call of a man down in a car. The call woke me up out of a being half awake on the couch. Where I live, the houses have some space between them and it is really not a suburb area. As a FF/EMT, I ran out and found no one. At the same time, a police officer showed up and began asking questions. We found the people who called and they explained the man was in his car for over two hours slumped to the side. They knocked on the window and the man stumbled out of the car and went back in. They called an ambulance and the person left before I came out. They said there was no smell of alcohol. Was he too tired to drive? Does he have allergy meds in him? My mind started to race thinking of what was wrong. It took me a while but I did pray for him. That should have been the first thing I did before I left the house. Sometimes we get so caught up in our issues of the day and never have Abba in the center of them. Abba should always be in the center of everything we do including filling out a shopping list. The more we have Abba in the center of the little things, the more we will trust him in the "center" of big things.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"Wake-up call"
Yesterday morning @ 4:30am, my cat Chance decides he wants some attention and starts to wake me up. I don't respond fast enough and he decides to start pulling my crate on top of the radiator towards him. When Chance wants attention, he will start knocking things off either on my computer desk, kitchen table or in this case my radiator. I have fish tank stuff in that crate along with a 1.5 liter water bottle half filled. The crate flips over and falls on top of me but the water bottle lands without spilling. Chance runs to the bedroom window trying to play innocent. I had forgotten about the water bottle and I proceed to take the crate and flip it right side up spilling the water all over me and it wasn't warm. I now have three extra loads of laundry to do tonight. Sometimes Abba can be very subtle when he wants our attention but if we don't answer he will give us a wake-up call that puts us back in focus on him and they are not fun. Pray, seek him diligently or you just might get that "Wake-up call"
Sunday, April 26, 2009
"NYC Trip"
Friday, April 24, 2009
“When You Rise Up”
In the song “When You Rise Up” by Joel Chernoff, he speaks of Abba rising up, but it is not really Abba rising up, it is us. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, we are representatives of Yeshua here on earth. When we, as true believers, “rise up” and believe what was given to us by Yeshua over 2000 years ago on the cross, we become more than conquers in him - Romans 8:37. It is time for us to stop wandering around in the desert and take hold of the promises Abba has given us. In the book of Joshua, Abba directed Joshua to go into the promise land and conquer it. Joshua's success was his strong faith & belief in Abba and he always followed Abba’s instructions. That land was originally for Moses and God’s people whom he pulled out of Egypt. But because of not trusting in and not following Abba, they remained in the wilderness for 40 years and only the next generation was allowed to enter. What the “promise land” means to us today is the call Abba has on our life. We need to “rise up” and crossover into the promise land and fulfill what Abba wants us to do. No more staying in the desert. “When you rise up, the nations will scatter, the nations will scatter, the nations will flee.” When You rise up
When You rise up, the nations will scatter,
The nations will scatter, the nations will flee,
When you rise up, the nations will scatter,
The nations will scatter, the nations will flee.
For you are the giver of law,
And You sit enthroned above all,
For the Lord is the King of Kings,
It is He who will save, and victory bring.
When You rise up, the nations will scatter,
The nations will scatter, the nations will flee,
When you rise up, the nations will scatter,
The nations will scatter, the nations will flee.
For you are the giver of law,
And You sit enthroned above all,
For the Lord is the King of Kings,
It is He who will save, and victory bring.
When You rise up, the nations will scatter,
The nations will scatter, the nations will flee,
When you rise up, the nations will scatter,
The nations will scatter, the nations will flee.
At the thunder, thunder of Your voice,
The thunder of Your voice, the nations will flee,
At the thunder, thunder of Your voice,
Thunder of Your voice, the nations will flee.
Rise up, when You rise up, rise up
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Auggh, Homework!
For the next two months, I’ll be taking a New York State haz-mat tech course. It is only the second day and I already have two take home quizzes plus chemical write-up sheets to fill out YIPE! In my fire district each station has a specialty - rescue, fast team, first responder etc. My station deals with Haz-mat. So if I glow in the dark you’ll know why. WAFD – Hazmat covers other counties and we work with the Albany Fire Department. We have a few guys from other stations and districts in the class to learn for various reasons but they are all welcomed to train with us. More the merrier. In a true believer’s life the same thing holds true. Each one of us has a special gift Abba has given us. I was told this once ”no matter what a person does to you, look at them as what they would be doing if Yeshua was in their life.” They are right, we are special in Abba’s eyes and we have a purpose. Whether we chose it or not, Abba gives us that choice. We are to develop it under his direction and be prepared to have lots of homework! Philippians 3:14 “ I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Yeshua, is calling us.”
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
"Ever chased chickens?"
Tramp: Not to change the subject, but... um... ever chased chickens?
Lady: I should say not
Tramp: Oh-ho, then you've never lived!
Lady: But we shouldn't.
Tramp: I know. That's what makes it fun. Aw, come on, kid. Start building some memories.
Lady: But we...we won't hurt the chickens?
Tramp: Hurt them..no, we'll just stir them up.. a bit.
Tramp: Look at those fat, lazy biddies - why they should’ve been up hours ago.”
The Tramp sneaks into the hen house and starts to bark. The chickens wake up startled and run in all different directions.
Some christians are a lot like these chickens. Once they get saved that’s it. They never want to help in ministry, always want to be fed, and complain when things are not comfortable. These christians wander too close to the edge of the fence and then… SNATCH right up by satan. These christians need a wake up call before it is too late. So not to change the subject, but.. um... ever chased chickens?
Tramp: Oh-ho, then you've never lived!
Lady: But we shouldn't.
Tramp: I know. That's what makes it fun. Aw, come on, kid. Start building some memories.
Lady: But we...we won't hurt the chickens?
Tramp: Hurt them..no, we'll just stir them up.. a bit.
Tramp: Look at those fat, lazy biddies - why they should’ve been up hours ago.”
The Tramp sneaks into the hen house and starts to bark. The chickens wake up startled and run in all different directions.
Some christians are a lot like these chickens. Once they get saved that’s it. They never want to help in ministry, always want to be fed, and complain when things are not comfortable. These christians wander too close to the edge of the fence and then… SNATCH right up by satan. These christians need a wake up call before it is too late. So not to change the subject, but.. um... ever chased chickens?
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 "Therefore, encourage each other, and build each other up — just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who are working hard among you, those who are guiding you in the Lord and confronting you in order to help you change. Treat them with the highest regard and love because of the work they are doing. Live at peace among yourselves; but we urge you, brothers, to confront those who are lazy, your aim being to help them change, to encourage the timid, to assist the weak, and to be patient with everyone."
Thursday, April 2, 2009
"For many are called but few are chosen"
Mathew ch 22 v 14 passage bothers me a lot. Why would so many be called but in the end only few are chosen. Then I look at the state of the church today and get my answer. In many churches, a lot of people look to the pastor to be the one responsible for their walk. What are they thinking? Last time I checked my pastor could not walk on water. When I go before Yeshua, I and I alone will be responsible for my walk not my pastor. Abba is his boss and we need to respect our pastors as if they are our boss as well but not as some god. My pastor is only responsible for his teachings to be biblically accurate and to give sound counsel - not to be Abba. So many people do not learn past the four walls of their church. I don’t expect my pastor to know everything much less teach on it. Abba has my pastor where he needs him to be and teaching the way he is teaching. Not only do I listen to my pastor but I also listen to 3 other pastors. They teach on things my pastor does not. I get a balanced meal. No person can survive on just meat their bodies would go into ketosis as well as a person only eating potatoes will become anemic. Everyone needs to have both biblical foundations and scriptural insight with revelation to grow balanced. A house with pretty windows without a foundation will not stand likewise a foundation without a home would just be empty. It cannot be one or the other. Too many people stay at the bottom of the mountain and never seek Abba to get to the next level. That is not what Abba intended the true church to be. When Yeshua comes for his bride, the true church will be a body of believers not a building. Churches are just ministries and yes it is very necessary to have them for fellowship and accountability, to help the hurting world but we cannot rely on it totally for our growth. That is Abba’s and our responsibility. The Holy Spirit will guide us and direct us. He is our pilot, the pastor is not. It is up to us to read the word and have fellowship with Abba to grow. Our pastor should only be one of many tools Abba uses to shape us into what he needs us to be.
"It's a cake thing"
Monday, March 30, 2009
"Touch of the master's hand"
When I was a kid I loved the trumpet and always wanted to play “When the Saints Come Marching In” with it. As I grew up, I found out I can’t play a music instrument to save my life but last week I bought a damaged African kudu horn. It has a big cut, chipped bone areas and animal teeth marks on it. I’m going to restore the horn and make it into a Yemenite shofar. Every horn is different. They have different colors, lines, thickness, and sounds. Every shofar has a purpose even though they are not a true musical instrument because you can only control the amount, duration and how clear the notes sound not the key or pitch but they are still used to praise the lord. So I might actually have a chance playing the horn. Right now I sound like a baby elephant. This damaged kudu horn reminds me of a song I loved since I was a kid “Touch of the master’s hand” by Wayne Watson. The song is about broken people being restored. Abba is the Master, the Holy Spirit is the bow, and Yeshua is the auctioneer. Just as every horn turns into a shofar by a craftsman. Every broken and sinful person can be restored by Abba thru Yeshua's blood.“Touch Of The Master’s Hand”
Well it was battered and scared,
and the auctioneer felt it was hardly worth his while,
to waste much time on the old violin but he held it up with a smile,
it sure ain’t much but it’s all we got left I guess we ought to sell it too,
now who’ll start the bid on this old violin?
Just one more and we’ll be through.
And then he cried one give me one dollar,
Who’ll make it two only two dollars who’ll make it three,
Three dollars twice that’s a good price,
who’s gotta bid for me?
Raise up your hand and don’t wait any longer the auctions about to end,
Who’s got four just one dollar more to bid on this old violin?
Well the air was hot and the people stood around as the sun was setting low,
From the back of the crowd a gray haired man,
Came forward picked up the bow,
He wiped the dust from the old violin then he tightened up the strings,
Then he played out a melody pure and sweet, sweet as the angels sing,
And then the music stopped, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low he said what is my bid,
For this old violin then he held it up with a bow.
And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who’ll make it two, only two thousand who’ll make it three,
Three thousand twice well that’s a good price,
but who’s gotta bid for me?
the people called out what made the change we don’t understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch of the Master’s hand.
now you know many a man with life out of tune,
is battered and scared with sin and he’s auctioned cheap,
To a thankless world much like the old violin,
then the Master comes,
And foolish crowd they never understand,
The worth of a soul and the change is wrought,
Just by the touch of the Masters hand.
And then he cried out one give me one thousand,
Who’ll make it two only two thousand who’ll make it three,
Three thousand twice that’s a good price,
but who’s gotta bid for me?
the people called out what made the change we don’t understand,
Then the auctioneer stopped and he said with a smile,
It was the touch, of the Master’s hand.
This older version of the song is a lot better. Shalom :O)
Friday, March 27, 2009
“The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”
I’m still not much of a prayer warrior. My mom always was but not me. My prayers are usually short and to the point but I’m long winded when I talk to Abba ??? When I rededicated my life back in 94’ I really didn’t understand prayer only what I had known from my catholic upbringing. A little while later I wanted to get a better prayer life so I started trying to get up earlier in the morning and start praying. I have a thyroid disorder. I don’t get up so easy in the morning. It was really hard for me to get up consistently. One morning in particular it was hard getting up and I just couldn’t get my eyes to stay opened. Then I heard Abba say to me “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” He was right I had made a commitment to him and I was breaking it. It is one thing to say but it is another to do. Abba will give us all the tools in the world to help us with our walk but it is up to us to learn about them, to use them effectively, and to teach others what they are. We just can’t say we are true believers we need to say what we do and do what we say.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
"It was then that I carried you."
On Fri. March 13, Joel Chernoff was @ my church, Seed of Abraham. Next month in April another one of my favorite messianic singers is coming, Marty Goetz. I do half to say that Abba is blessing me a lot lately. It hasn’t always been so. I’ve had a lot of pain, trials and sorrow in my life to last a lifetime. I also know that there is more to come but I know that Abba will carry me thru them. My favorite poem growing up was Footprints. It reminds me of how close I am to Abba and how much he loves me. The poem would always say author unknown but 14 years ago my mom found a book by Margaret Fishback Powers called “Footprints: The True Story Behind the Poem That Inspired Millions.” This was a great inspirational book. The story was about her life, marriage, the kids, the trials she went thru and how Abba was there thru the ups and downs. She also talks about how the poem "footprints" was in a box with her personal stuff and how it was lost when she moved to a new home. She knows and I know that whatever happens Abba will still always be with us no matter what.Footprints
By Margaret Fishback Powers
One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene,
I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and
One to my Lord.
When the last scene of my life shot before me
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
There was only one set of footprints.
I realized that this was at the lowest
and saddest times of my life.
This always bothered me
and I questioned the Lord
about my dilemma.
"Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You,
You would walk and talk with me all the way.
But I'm aware that during the most troublesome
Times of my life there is only one set of footprints.
I just don't understand why, when I need you most,
You leave me."
He whispered, "My precious child,
I love you and will never leave you,
never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
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