Ravens

Psalm 40, 54
Revelation 13:1-10
Luke 12:13-31


Luke 12:13-31

Ravens are scavengers, eating what they can find, competing with gulls for garbage. As such they were considered unclean yet Jesus makes the point that God looks after and feeds the ravens. He tends the untouchables. And so should I.


Photograph source

http://www.nps.gov/brca/images/raven300.jpg

Unmarked Graves & Clean Hands

Psalm 119:49-72
Revelation 12:1-6
Luke 11:37-52


Luke 11:37-52

s was a physician in a Viennese hospital in the 19th century. He developed a theory that outraged the medical profession. Washing hands might prevent the spread of disease. His colleagues and his wife thought he was nuts and had him incarcerated in a lunatic asylum where he died, frustrated and disillusioned.
Nowadays thankfully doctors wash their hands between patiens and even visitors to hospitals are requested to wash their hands before and after visiting a sick room. Chefs wash their hands before they prepare our food and we all wash our hands before we eat. Hopefully this results in transmission of those little unseen germs which invade a body and make a person sick.

But what about those unseen things which contaminate a soul or spirit? What am I doing that is preventing my friend or neighbor from coming closer to God? What am I doing to alienate my children from God? Or conversely how am I drawing those I meet closer to God and his kingdom?

In the Spotlight

Psalm 45
Revelation 11:14-19
Luke 11:27-36

Luke 11:27-36

To keep up with the Jones in our subdivision one needs landscape lighting. Our next door neighbor had his installed last year. His little island bed with its trees and shrubs are highlighted amidst the darkened lawn. Most of the yards are similar to the next. I am still working on illumination for this craze. I think most of the birds who have to endure these extra hours of almost daytime light intensity are also in the dark about the reason.
Wow, we are thrilled by the performance, applause fills the theater. We go home chatting excited, invigorated critiquing the evening.
What is seen as the light shines on us?

Armour

Psalms 41, 52
Revelation 11:1-14
Luke 11:14-26


21"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.

I am a fairly weak person. I can carry a few bags of flour home from the store but I am not into weight lifting and body building. I have to rely on others for my strength. Brawn is not all that is necessary in life, There are other tough situations around. For those I know that God is with me to be my strength.

Partake

Psalm 63:1-8, 98
1 Corinthians 10:15-24
Matthew 18:15-20

Yes I go to church every Sunday and worship God with other Christians. We partake in the Lord's Supper, we sing songs or worship and pray together. But what do I do in the time between Sundays? Do I partake in avarice and greed? Is my main focus on gaining wealth? Do I protect the world that God has created? Do I care for myself or my neighbor?

Busyness

Psalm 31
Revelation 9:13-21
Luke 10: 38-42


Luke 10: 38-42

Following on from yesterday Martha was not still and patient in her service. She was banging down those pots and pans on the stove top and the dishes were fairly flying onto the talbe. Chop chop chopping the of the herbs, she nearly caught her fingers with the parsley. She was focusing on what she was doing and on what she wanted done yet Jesus was with her in the house. Yes she wanted to put on a spread fit for a king but he wanted her to concentrate on him rather than providing for him. Anxious thoughts fill up the space where he could be.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Psalm 37:1-18
Revelation 9:1-12
Luke 10:25-37


Psalm 37:1-18

Stillness, without agitation. I was trying to think if there are written records of Jesus sitting and meditating. He took time out to pray and he dealt with most situations in with a calm manner even when he was being harrassed by malicious questioners. Thus will I endeavor to wait for him.

Forest Fire

Psalm 38
Revelation 8:1-13
Luke 10:17-24

Revelation 8:1-13

They used to think that forest fires were bad and had to be prevented at all costs. Then it was discovered that some trees such as the Lodge Pole Pine tree need the heat of a fire to open the cones for the seeds to fall out and grow. Fire is essential for growth and new life. We are looking forward to new heavenly life. Fire is essential.

Harvest- again

Psalms 26, 28
Revelation 7:9-17
Luke 10:1-16


Luke 10:1-16

One of the things that I miss about England is Harvest Festivals. Decorating the church with apples and oranges, sheaves of wheat and barley. Michlemas daisies and chrysanthemums. The smell of the fruits and flowers overpowering the normal musty smell of an ancient English church.
It is harvest time now.
Denton church will be having its Harvest Festival and then all the goods donated by young and old will be taken to the parish hall for the Harvest supper of cottage pie and mushy pies and gravy, nice and brown followed by apple pie and auction of the produce.

I know Jesus is talking about a harvest of people. I am glad that I was harvested and brought into his family and give thanks for all our wonderful gifts.

Click here to experience what I am talking about

We plough the fields, and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain:

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
For all his love.


Apple Pie
1 +1/2 cup + 1/3 cup flour
1/2 stick margarine
1/3 cup shortening "Crisco" type
cold water

1 lb apples- sliced

Since we are in America it is difficult to buy real cooking apples so granny smith or cameo or gala will do and then no sugar added. With a real cooking apple it is necessary to add sugar. I used to love eating a slice of cooking apple with sugar sprinkled on it.

Rub the fats and flour together until they resemble breadcrumbs.
Add cold water to mix to a dough - add slowly as you do not want the dough to be wet and sticky.
Flour a board
divide the pastry into two
roll one lot of pastry into a round about the size of the plate.

line an oven proof plate (8inch) with the pastry
place the sliced apples in the center of the plate
dampen the edge of the pastry with water
roll the other piece of pastry and place on top of the apples
seal the edge of the pastry circles by pressing with a clean finger and knock the edges together with the back of a knife.
brush the top of the pastry with eithera little milk or egg
Make a few slits in the center to apple the pie to breath
Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes until the apples are soft and the pie golden.

Nests

Psalm 25
Revelation 7:1-8
Luke 9:51-62



Luke 9:51-62

We have a wren's nest outside our back door. it is in a plant stand. I hope to take a photograph of it. It is the second nest in exactly the same place. I did not realize about leaving nests and during the winter cleared up the one that was built last year.
Yes birds have their set place. I little place to go that is theirs. Jesus had nowhere he was too busy looking forward to his meeting with God and proclaiming the good news about it. That is what he wants us to do too. Move on and spread the word.

Praise

Psalms 148, 149, 150
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Matthew 16:13-20


Psalms 148, 149, 150

A day for Praise. Today our church celebrated its 50th anniversary. A very young church by European standards but as churches go in Texas it is middle aged.
I thank God for the brothers and sisters I have made here and for the love that they have shown me in time and kindnesses. I especially thanked Him for Pat, she would have loved dressing up in those 1950's clothes.

Always working for the Lord

Psalm 16, 17
Acts 28:1-16
Luke 9:37-50


Acts 28:1-16

Only one meal in two weeks and that of uncooked grain whilst being buffeted by an angry sea on a boat that was breaking up. A swim through a tempestuous ocean and then a bite by a snake, albeit benign. I would have to sit and have a rest by the fire and recover under the tender care of my new-found friends. Not Paul. He heals the aged and contagious, then the crowds arrive and he heals them too.

Student?

Jonah 1:17-2:10
Psalm 119:1-24
Acts 27:9-26
Luke 9:1-17

Psalm 119:1-24

This week I am attempting to teach the mysteries of basic algebra to 40 unwilling learners. How to help them to understand that 12 and 4x cannot be combined to make 16 or even 16x is almost beyond their comprehension. The concept is almost as elusive as the Holy Grail. These students lack two of the basic ingredients for teaching to be effective. The first I might be able to do something about. I might be able to fill in some of the gaps in their algebraic knowledge and complete the ramparts of their understanding. The other lack is the inclination to want to learn. Their thirst for knowledge has not been awakened. They talk and grouch and sleep.
What sort of a learner am I for God? Do I have my mind on my own plans? Am I too busy talking to listen? Do I keep my eyes open to see the nudges that God might be giving me?

Too busy

Jonah 1:1-17
Psalms 5, 6
Acts 26:24-27:8
Luke 8:40-56


Luke 8:40-56
Ever had one of those days when nthing seems to get done. Rather like the story of the Dutch farmer (I don't know why he was Dutch) who went to plough his field. On the way there he found that the tractor needed gas and went to get gas. He passed the cow with a full udder waiting to be milked to relieve her discomfort. Going to the dairy he passed the pig grunting noisily in anticipation of breakfast... you get the idea. Did the field ever get ploughted? I always grough at Jesus saying how can an itinerent preacher like you know busyness like a woman in our modern culture. The answer is that he did have those days and one is recorded in this story. Jesus has been there and with the strength of his Spirit get through it too.

Alien Pancakes

Coming later in the day. Aliens and pancakes based on the Psalm 137 :1-6.

Seeds with a Second Chance

Micah 3:9-4:5
Psalms 140, 142
Acts 24:24-25:12
Luke 8:1-15

Birds are a known way of spreading seeds. Being gobbled up by a little sparrow might not be a problem though it is worse for a grain of wheat than a berry seed. The seeds that fell over the edge of the field might be alright. It is amazing the number of times I have been weeding what I thought a bed of thorns and discovered a precious plant underneath the upstart briar. I weed and tend my foundling.
The seeds I feel sorry for are the ones that fall on the path and got trampled on or the ones on the rock.
Now the seed is not responsible for where it lands. When I am walking and see an earthworm struggling across the sidewalk I stoop down and help it to a grassy place. Perhaps in my daily walk I ought also to be mindful of seeds that might need some tender care and help from the rocky place to the fertile land.

What are you thinking?

Micah 3:1-8
Psalms 131,132
Acts 24:1-23
Luke 7:36-50

Luke 7:36-50

It never ceases to amaze me how Jesus reads thoughts of the Pharisees and responds to their innermost being- as opposed to their public face. That is what he responds to in us too. He knows what is the genuine organic part and which is the plastic exterior even when we have difficulty distinguishing between the two ourselves.

Prepare

Micah 2:1-13
Psalm 119:145-176
Acts 23:23-35
Luke 7:18-35

Luke 7:18-35

I am a list maker. So much so that one of my friends once asked me if I ever made a list of my lists. We all have different ways of making our preparations but whatever the means or the outcome usually preparations make the job easier and outcome better. Everyday, well almost every day I make a list of things to do during the day, sometimes I actually look at the list and complete some of the items. Checking them off is a great feeling and good preparation for the morrow.
How do I prepare to meet Christ? Part of my preparation for the day is reading my Bible and praying for my family and friends but preparation for meeting Jesus that is another matter. I am one of those who assume that he is always there waiting for my call.

Dwelling Place/Recipe Toad in the hole and Yorkshire Pudding

Micah 1:1-9
Psalms 121, 122, 123
Acts 23:12-24
Luke 7:1-17

Micah 1:1-9

My house, my home, the building in which my possessions rest. Really it is little more than that unless it is a place where I can withdraw from contact with humanity.
The desert fathers spent time communicating with God in their remote and minimal housing but even the desert fathers had visitors and ventured out occasionally because they knew that in order to be true to their calling it was imperative to communicate God's love to a loveless world. Julian of Norwich shared her Showings and thus God's love in a new way to her generation even though she did not leave her dwelling place.
Perhaps my dwelling place is nothing to do with where I lay my head or keep my 'stuff' or write my blog. It is wherever I can meet with God and go forth strengthened to share his love.

And the toad lives in his hole.
Yorkshire Pudding Batter
4ozs flour - about 2/3 cup but some recipes use a whole cup which gives a slightly heavier mixture
1 egg
10 fl oz milk and water mixed (about half of each)
Put the flour in a bowl, make a well in the center and add the egg and about 1/4 of the liquid. Using a wooden spoon gradually incorporate the flour with the liquid. Beat until smooth then gradually add the rest of the liquid beating well as you go. This is how I was taught to make it. Actually I put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix with an electric mixer. Place the bowl in a refrigerator for about an hour before you want to use it. (Of course I do not usually do this either)
Heat some oil in a baking tin. When the oil is hot rotate it so that the sides are coated with hot oil then pour in the batter. Bake for about 35minutes at 425 deg F.
For Toad in the Hole you will also need a pound of sausages.
Do as before but lay the sausages in the batter or you can put the sausages in and add the batter. Either way works.

Fruit

Hosea 14:1-9
Psalm 106:1-18
Acts 22:30-23:11
Luke 6:39-49


Luke 6:39-49

We had a tree grow in our compost heap. Rather like Jack's beanstalk it grew and it grew and it grew. Twenty or thirty feet tall it grew. It had large leaves. It had no noticeable flowers or fruit. I would go out and stand underneath it staring into the leafy canopy wondering what if it would ever reveal its identity to me. All I could see were leaves. That is until this year when there were avocados. When I the first one it was small and lonesome then I found some more, unfortunately hanging over the neighbors yard. But we found some more and by September they had matured into the biggest and sweetest avocados I have ever tasted. My neighbor agrees with that too!
Compost heaps are great places for discoveries. I have another little tree growing there. I think the leaves are peach or apricot. We shall have to wait and see!

Of course the real question is how long does anyone have to wait and see what sort of tree I am?

And yes you cannot see the tree in all its glory as it came down in hurricane Ike. We had a glut of avocados so there are quite a few recipes. I used avocados in stir fry, souffle, baked with vegetables and olive oil. Here is the most simple one for my quick and easy lazy way to make guacamole.

1 avocado
1 tomato
1 teaspoon Tony Chacheres Creole Seasoning

Scoop the flesh out of the avocado and smash it in a bowl
chop the tomato into small pieces, add to the avocado, mash some more add enough seasoning for your taste. You can also add lime juice if you like.

They went and told Jesus

They went and told Jesus

Hosea 13:4-14
Psalm 118
1Corinthians 2:6-16
Matthew 14:1-12

Matthew 14:1-12

Their leader was dead. Killed as a party favor for a teenage girl who could not think for herself. He was buried. Their life was empty, bereft of direction. They went to Jesus, the healer, the one to whom their leader had said "He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."
Where do I turn when all is lost? Do I turn to Jesus or a stiff drink or go for a walk or music or sleep or call a friend or find somebody to pick on or bake a cake or go to the mall or try harder or...
I know I used to turn to Jesus in the crises of life but do I still do that or am I clinging to the thought of passed habits.

Green

Hosea 11:1-9
Psalm 107:33-43
Acts 22:17-29
Luke 6:27-38


Psalm 107:33-43


We do not seem to need God's help in transforming a fruitful land into a barren waste. We kill the pollinators with insecticides, divert rivers from their courses, we create dust bowls out of fertile soil. We pick up leaves and twigs and bag them to use for landfill, then cause other trees to be felled to be ground into mulch to cover our yards. We emit toxic waste into clean air.


43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
and consider the great love of the LORD.

Sacred Stones

Hosea 10:1-15
Psalm 102
Acts 21:37-22:16
Luke 6:12-26

Hosea 10:1-15

I was watching the BBC News. I like to hear the news as it is told in my homeland. The story was that new research has shown that Stonehenge may not only have been a place of worship but may also have been viewed as a place of healing its Neolithic or Bronze Age builders. A recent dig there found evidence that it was an ancient Lourdes for both and European people from 2300BC through Roman to Medieval times. Amulets were chipped off the bluestones at the center and found in the graves of diseased and sick people in the neighborhood. These bluestones are very special. The only place where they are found in Britain is Pembrokeshire, many miles from Stonehenge. They were rolled on logs and shipped along the the Bristol Channel as the amp in the link shows. Special stones and a special place required special effort.

Now what are my sacred stones? What are reminders of God, his grace and love to me and those I meet and what do I really think is going to give me strength for my going on?

Photograph
Frédéric Vincent
This file is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 License (cc-by-sa-2.0)

Seek

Hosea 5:8-6:6
Psalm 105:1-22
Acts 21:27-36
Luke 6:1-11

Hosea 5:8-6:6

We have all lost things. The car keys that went missing when you were already running ten minutes late, the back of an earring, the nail that you had laid out ready to use, all the rings that you inherited from your grandmother. Sometimes the searching has results and the key turns up in the cuff of your pants and the earring rolled under the bed. Sometimes you learn to live without the precious item and other times you just have to get a replacement.
The time of searching is a time of emotional stress and diligent and possibly frenzied activitey tinged with feelings of anger towards oneself for getting into the situation.
Do I use this much energy in looking for God?

Everyday life, everyday recipe, jam tarts

Hosea 4:11-19
Psalms 101, 109:1-4, 20-30
Acts 21:15-26
Luke 5:27-39


Luke 5:27-39

Levi was sitting at his tax booth just doing his job, just as he did every working day. He was not looking for Jesus. He was not up a tree trying to see over the crowd nor was he standing with masses on the roadside trying to get a glimpse of Jesus. When Jesus passed by he stayed in his booth doing his job. Jesus was not relevant to his life.

Will I notice Jesus when he passes by? Will I respond when he calls?

Jam Tarts
1 +1/2 cup + 1/3 cup flour
1/2 stick margarine
1/3 cup shortening "Crisco" type
cold water

Rub the fats and flour together until they resemble breadcrumbs.
Add cold water to mix to a dough - add slowly as you do not want the dough to be wet and sticky.
Flour a board roll the pastry to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut using a cookie cutter into 3inch rounds and place in greased tray
Put about 1 teaspoon of jam strawberry is good into each tart. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes until the pastry is golden.
Makes about 15 tarts