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WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT by Linda Hull
Enjoy words of encouragement from the Bible, inspirational Bible stories, Bible verses to live by, Bible teaching, homeschool tips and resources, and healthy easy recipes.
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"I meditate on all thy works." Be Transformed! ...by the renewing of your mind
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In This Issue
January, 2010, Volume 16.1
"The
Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all His works." Psalm
145:17
Seeking the Lord in all things... |
Will You Contact Me? Share a prayer request, your decision, or seek counsel.
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Mission Statement:
"As we live out our daily lives, each must choose whom they will serve. I seek to maintain a close fellowship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to serve Him as He directs. My desire is to be in the center of His will at all times. It is my prayer that Words of Encouragement will encourage and exhort all of us towards a closer relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ through increased knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. May it provide the help and hope you seek. May it strengthen the Church of believers."
- Linda Hull
Letter from the Editor...
As we begin a new year, let us spend this month seeking the Lord. Take some time to be alone to seek God's will for this coming year. If you have ministry concerns, family concerns, job concerns, or others, you need wise counsel. Time spent in prayer and Bible study is a wise investment. When you've poured out your heart before the only One who can provide the counsel and guidance you need, spend time listening in meditation. You may need one or more private sessions with the Lord. Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal areas that need change in your life. The new year is a perfect time to begin the changing processes. Don't go overboard! Small steps will get the job accomplished.
In this issue you'll find encouragement if you feel like you're in the depths. What is it that is particularly overwhelming to you? Like Jonah, when we are at the end of our strength, we can call upon the name of the Lord. If you have something on your mind that you can't let go of, pray. Put it before the Lord. He calls it casting your cares upon Him. If your past is haunting you with remorse and shame and guilt, maybe you need to confess sin and seek reconciliation with someone you wronged. Maybe you need to go back and make something right. If there is something you have left undone, make it right, do it now. Don't put it off any longer.
Believers, guard your conscience to avoid becoming hardened to sin. Some who are not yet believers may have a seared conscience, trusting in false teachings and unable to understand the truth of God. Find out what you need to do...
Begin your study of our January Issue by clicking to continue ... or just scroll down to the Table of Contents.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: but if you refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isaiah 1:18-20
IN THIS ISSUECLICK ON THE LINKS TO TAKE YOU DIRECTLY TO AN ARTICLE
| A Seared Conscience |
| In the Depths? |
| Proverbs 30: The Words of Agur |
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Copyright © 2010 by Linda G. Hull
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"Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient; whereunto also they were appointed. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy." 1 Peter 2:1-10
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"...having their conscience seared with a hot iron" 1 Timothy 4:2b
If you are relying on your own instincts, gut feeling, or some other personal measure of right or wrong, chances are you are going to be misled. You will miss what God wants to teach you, and you will miss the purpose He has ordained for your life.
There are many sincere people in the world who truly believe they are righteous and right in all their thinking. We can look at some of the popular issues of today and see much debate. You may be wondering how can there be debate over issues such as abortion. Well, if you have based your thinking on the wrong standard, then you will be out of sync with God. Your righteousness will be an illusion and you will have deluded yourself into thinking your standard is correct and right. Please know that your conscience has been seared with a hot iron as Timothy describes. You are blinded to the truth of God's Word and do not have the Son, Jesus Christ.
What does it mean to have a conscience seared with a hot iron?
Our conscience is the means we use to make decisions; some will be wise and others will be unwise. Commentators* teach us that the conscience operates within a context of belief. For example if you were taught a false religion, your actions will be founded upon those teachings, even when they are in disagreement with normal or rational behavior. Suicide bombers are acting upon a false belief that this act of terrorism is a good work which will earn great reward. Murder is in conflict with the Word of God and specifically the sixth commandment which says, "Thou shalt not kill." Exodus 20: 13.
The Lord God Jehovah teaches us that we are to learn and obey His Word. Then our conscience will be in tune with the Creator of the Universe. Our conscience will serve us well, for we will become sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit and to the Word of God. The standard upon which we base our decisions will be in established in truth.
How do I gain a godly conscience?
You must change the context of your beliefs so that you can change your conscience. Once you have realized that your conscience is faulty, you must repent of sin and receive the Savior, Jesus Christ. Then allow God to teach you. Pray for understanding as you read the Word. Seek wise counsel from another believer whose life is evidenced to be in obedience to God's Word.
"Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness." Psalm 119:33-40
Strive for a clear conscience toward God and men...
We are to "have always a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men" (Acts 24:16). That means that we are to repent of sin and reconcile with all. If you cannot reconcile with the offended person because he or she will not receive you, then you must move on. There is nothing more that can be done. Continue to pray and continue to be open to receive that person again. God will work to convict them of the need to forgive you and restore fellowship between you.
If you are participating in ministry it is vital that you have a clear conscience. Consider these words of the Apostle Paul to the church at Corinth:
"Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." 2 Corinthians 4:1-6
A seared conscience makes one unfit for service to the Lord. This one is not yielded to God and is not capable of truth, for one's life must be founded upon truth in order to teach the truth of God's Word. The blind cannot lead the blind to righteousness, but must be guided by one who is conformed to the image of God.
"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." Titus 1:15-16
Maintain a clear conscience...
To maintain a clear conscience we return to the words of Titus 2:11-14: "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."
Habitual sin must be put aside. Vices must be conquered. Sin must become an abhorrent thing we seek to be rid of. Let us not enter into the company of those who would entice us away from the ways of God. Instead, let us heed the words in Hebrews 10:22-27:
"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries."
As believers we experience a glorious freedom in Christ. But we must guard our relationship with Him, for sin will cloud and obscure it until we confess and repent of sin. Do not make the mistake of thinking that there is anything that can be offered by the world that can compare to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He promises an eternity spent with Him. Guard your conscience. Do not let it become hardened to the truth of His Word.
*Criswell, W.A. (Ed.). (1979). The Criswell Study Bible, KJV. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
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"The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth." Psalm 145:18
MUSINGS...
"Bow down thine ear, O Lord, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee." Psalm 86:1-2
"Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell." Psalm 86:11-13
"These are the things that ye shall do; speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: and let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord." Zechariah 8:16-17
"Thus saith the Lord, let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise lovingkindness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24
"Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, O Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for He will speak peace unto His people, and to His saints: but let them not turn again to folly. Surely His salvation is nigh them that fear Him; that glory may dwell in our land." Psalm 85:6-9
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"The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy." Psalm 147:11
Have you ever felt like you were never going to get out of your troubles and trials? Sometimes that light at the end seems very distant. Do you believe that God will deliver you?
Jonah, a prophet of the living God, rebelled against God’s command to go to Nineveh to preach repentance. Instead he ran to the sea where he took a ship to sail as far away as he could, hoping to escape from God. God sent a raging storm to hinder the journey. It was so bad that the seasoned sailors were fearful for their lives. They cast lots, believing that God was punishing them. They sought to discover who among them had incurred the wrath of God. The lot fell upon Jonah. After inquiry was made, it was determined that Jonah would be cast overboard so that the ship and its crew might be saved from God's wrath.
Jonah describes the scene so clearly in the book of Jonah in the Bible. He tells how the sea was high; hitting the ship with such great force, they feared it would be broken apart. The wind pounded them mercilessly. Attempts to row toward land were useless for the wind drove them on. The sailors tried to lighten the ship so it would ride higher on the water to avoid being swamped by the huge waves. Finally they called upon their gods. The Lord God answered them revealing that Jonah was guilty. Confronted by the crew, Jonah confessed and explained the mission God called him to perform. He told them of his rebellion and told them to throw him overboard. They continued to try to row to land, but when no progress was made, they begged God not to kill them. When the crew threw Jonah overboard, the sea was suddenly calm.
What happened to Jonah? He was swallowed by a great fish. He tells us more about his experience in chapter 2, verses 5 and 6:
“The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.”
Jonah was a goner. He was sinking into the depths of the sea and could not rise to the surface. Seaweed was wrapped around him. He felt trapped, but in that moment the fish that God had prepared swallowed him. He stayed in the belly of the great fish three days and three nights. Then he remembered God and prayed. God heard his prayer and spoke to the fish. The fish vomited Jonah onto dry land.
When you feel swallowed up by your troubles, do what Jonah did: pray! Don't wait like Jonah did. Our God is able to help you in your time of need. He will save you! We cannot save ourselves. Our wisdom and might is not good enough. Only God can deliver us.
We deserve His punishment for He is a righteous God. He will judge, but He is longsuffering. He seeks to restore us to Himself with forgiveness and love. Praise Him for His mercy and grace, for He does not punish us as we deserve. Here is a prayer of David that might be your heart's prayer too. Humble yourself and call upon His name...
"Let not the waterflood overflow me, neither let the deep swallow me up, and let not the pit shut her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And hide not thy face from thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily. Draw night unto my soul, and redeem it: deliver me because of mine enemies."
Psalm 69:15-18
Proverbs 30: The Words of Agur
"(1) The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy. The man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, (2) surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. (3) I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. (4) Who hath ascended? Who hath gathered the wind in his fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?" Proverbs 30:1-4
The Bible references Proverbs 12:1 as an explanation of verse 2 in Chapter 30: "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish." Brutish actually means stupid or irrational according to Webster's. Isn't it foolish not to listen to wisdom? Agur calls himself brutish because he hates to be corrected. Yet at the same time, he recognizes he is not equal to God. As Agur considers his position before the Almighty God, he realizes that to reject God's wisdom is simply foolishness.
It is assumed that Ithiel and Ucal are students who are being taught by Agur. Agur's goal is to teach Ithiel and Ucal sound wisdom. Like any good teacher, Agur is transparent, so his students will know that he struggles too. He acknowledges his own limitations recognizing that his life will become a testimony of God's work and faithfulness. He affirms his teaching source by commenting that "every word of God is pure" (30:5a). Sound wisdom begins with a sound foundation of truth.
Make sure your "truths" are founded on the right source, God's Word. Agur has made a study of human nature and of creation and God's creatures. From these sources, he finds truth he can trust, but only because he is certain of the Creator. Consider Agur's observations as you seek to live according to God's Word:
"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him." (30:5) When we follow the teachings of the Word of God, we will come to realize how much obedience protects us from God's judgment and correction. Obedience brings blessings and good favor from God. When you have your course of action established in your heart and mind, there will be no question of decision when your way seems shadowy. Temptation will have no hold on you because you will understand the need to escape and will seek the escape that God provides. You will have courage to stand for your convictions and will have power to resist evil.
"Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain." (30:7-9) Agur realizes the benefits of simplicity and moderation. Too much wealth creates pride and possessiveness. Too little wealth creates desperation leading to theft. Each demonstrates a departure from trusting God. The wealthy one has no need of God, and the poverty stricken one has lost faith that God will provide. God demands our faithfulness and trust in Him alone for our sustenance. Let us accept His provision according to our needs and be thankful for all He gives to us.
Agur is also aware of the dangers of excessive pride and lying. Lying is a form of self-protection, evident in one who is prideful about personal accomplishments and appearance. Don't create a false image of yourself. See yourself as God sees you. He knows we are sinners in need of a Savior. God reminds us that our best efforts are as filthy rags, not even close to measuring up to what He can do. We can take no glory in ourselves. We didn't create ourselves, nor are we able to make ourselves better. Only by accepting Jesus as our Savior and Lord can we have hope. We become new creatures, born again spiritually, and set free from a life of bondage to sin. God changes us; but we must be willing.
"There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; the conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; the locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; the spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces." (30:24-28)
Conies, rabbit-like creatures with short ears, are wise, choosing to live in a well-protected home in the rocks, away from predators. Locusts band together, working in unity and harmony to destroy plant life over large areas of land. Spiders are rather innocuous, but they are very beneficial in keeping down insect populations.
We must learn to be industrious, taking advantage of our opportunities to work and produce. Let us not forget the great commission that Jesus gave after His resurrection:
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:19-20
Let us learn from the conies to safeguard our faith as they safeguard their lives, by taking captive every thought, being careful not to saturate our brain by replaying offenses or past hurts. Do not allow doubt to creep in. Safeguard your faith by paying close attention to what you read and accept as truth. Just because it is sold in a Christian book store is no guarantee that you will find sound doctrine. Ask God to give you discernment.
Let us beware of the locusts who seek to destroy through an insidious word or comment. Instead let us take an example of their unity and use our unity with our church family to move forward glorifying our Lord and furthering His kingdom.
Spiders are quietly in the background, going about their own business, but they keep the insect population down. We can learn to be quiet and busy about our own work, knowing that in the doing of our own business, we will not become busybodies. Let us be busy with our own prayer life, praying for others. Let us be busy in Bible study, quietly gathering information and understanding.
Drawing near to God requires action on our part. We must continually seek or search for Him with our whole heart and mind and soul. We must not quit until we have found Him, and then we must stay close by obeying Him. Let us never be content without Him.
"Inspired by great-grandmother's scrapbook, compiled before 1918."
The Grace of God
by Clara M. Brooks
The grace of God that brings salvation
And teaches righteousness,
Appeareth unto every nation,
Their darkened souls to bless.His wondrous grace is all-sufficient,
And hours of deepest need
Are sanctified by God omniscient,
If we His promise plead.Within the heart His grace abounding
Will give us pow’r to reign;
Through Jesus, when the foe’s surrounding,
The vict’ry we shall gain.Our Father grace and glory giveth
In blessings manifold;
From him who pure before Him liveth,
No good will He withhold.Wondrous grace, pure gift from heaven!
Grace to set the captives free!
Grace of God, so kindly given
By the Savior unto me.
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Public domain in the United States.
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"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them." Psalm 119:165
HOME SCHOOL TIPS
Stay the Course!
Don't be weary in well-doing! This is the time of year where you might feel tempted to put the kids back in school! Tiredness from the holidays and all the cleanup that goes with it can be daunting. Maybe you need a break from your Christmas break! As homeschoolers, we don't have to work by the public school calendar.
Plan to take a couple of days to regroup and cleanup. Prepare your lesson plans, get out the new calendar, and figure out where you're going for this last semester. Work the kids back into the routine quickly. Don't be put off by whining and laziness. Plan a vibrant and exciting first week. Let your enthusiasm show!
Mornings are often the best learning time, so use this time for the more difficult lessons. Take a break between subjects. Mid-morning, schedule a play time outside. It doesn't matter what the weather is like if the kids have appropriate clothing. Let them go outside for 10 minutes minimum to get some air and exercise.
Start the day with your devotion time. Be sure to sing some rousing hymns. Quiet them down with prayer. Encourage every child to offer a prayer out loud so they learn to bring their concerns to the Lord.
Music helps to set the mood, and when played in the background should not be a distraction. It will help everyone to focus and concentrate. Our family listened to the music of classical artists such as Mozart, Bach, Haydn, etc. Make sure you share the biography of the musician. Kids will love the Peter and the Wolf.
Kids are more motivated when they have something to look forward to. With the holidays past, there's not much ahead but summer break, which seems so far off in the distant future. Plan some fun field trips or family activities to be excited about. Let them help with planning so they have a measure of ownership. Suggest that everyone pick a new hobby such as collecting stamps or postcards. Maybe your family will enjoy exchanging letters with a pen pal or missionary family. Start now to dream about your summer vacation by sending off for travel brochures. Plan your summer garden now. Let the kids help plan.
Be sure to exercise regularly to get the blood flowing, heart pumping, and oxygen to the brain. Set up a home gym with a stationary bike, a rebounder, and a jump rope. Add can goods for weights. Unwanted gym equipment can be found at garage sales, The Freecycle Network, or barter with friends and neighbors.
Don't let your kids spend all their free time in front of the television or gaming on the computer or game sets. Limit the time they spend. These will rob your kids of productivity and create unnecessary frustration and addiction.
Let your days be filled with lots of interesting activities!
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THOUGHT PROVOKERS
Exekiel 33: 2b-9 Warning: Be busy sharing the good news of salvation by Jesus Christ, who died on a cross and was resurrected from the grave...
"...when I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coast and set him for their watchman: if when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul.
But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.
So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. Which I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
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"And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." I Timothy 6:6
Click on the links to go to a recipe or the tip of the month or scroll down.
"Hear, and understand: Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man." Matthew 15:10-11
* More recipes can be found at Free Recipes or Free Cooking Recipes.
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2 quarts apple cider 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1 sticks cinnamon 1 teaspoon whole cloves 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger 1 orange, sliced, unpeeled Combine ingredients in crock pot. Cook on low for 2-5 hours or longer. Makes 10-12 servings.
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1 1/2-2 pounds stew meat
2 tablespoons
Cooking Oil 4 cups boiling water
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worchestershire sauce
1/8
teaspoon garlic powder or one clove garlic 1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2
teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon salt Dash allspice or
cloves 1 onion sliced
3 carrots, sliced thin
3 large potatoes, diced
Cut meat into bite size pieces and brown evenly in small amount of oil.
Add boiling water, stirring to loosen pan drippings. Add remaining
ingredients, stirring to blend. Lower heat and simmer for 2 hours.
Add carrots and onions to stew. Cook for 20-30 minutes, then add
potatoes. *Note: add enough vegetables for your family size.
Cook until vegetables are soft but still somewhat firm. Remove
vegetables and meat from pot to bowl. Make gravy by adding 2-3
tablespoons flour to a 1/2 cup of cold water. Stir to blend in
flour. Add to stew liquid and heat, stirring gently, until liquid
thickens. Add vegetables and meat. Warm until serving.
2 sticks butter
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 medium jar marshmallow cream
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups coconut
1 1/2 cups pecans
Melt two sticks of butter, add cocoa and sugar. Stir to keep from
sticking. Add eggs, flour, and vanilla. Mix well and add 1 cup
coconut. Pour into 9/x13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35
minutes. Remove from oven. Spread marshmallow cream evenly
across top of cake. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup coconut. Cover.
Frosting:
1 stick butter
1/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1 box powdered sugar
Melt butter. Add cocoa and milk. Stir to mix. Bring to
boil and boil for one minute. Remove from heat. Add sugar and
vanilla. Beat until smooth. Spread over cake.
"And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:46-47
Storing Christmas Ornaments and Decorations
Check out my article: Tips for Storing Christmas Decorations
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