The Grazing Ground: September 2013

Graze: To feed on growing grasses.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.

-Ps. 23:1-6

Growing up on a farm, I used to watch the cows, sheep & horses graze in the pasture. Each morning we would open the gate to the barnyard and they knew there was freedom from that small pen they were in. They also knew there was nice green grass beyond the barnyard. Once the gate was open, look out because those animals wanted to get where the tall, green grass grew – the pasture! They would take off sometimes even running up the old fenced lane that went up over the hill through the cornfield to the lush green pasture on the other side of the farm. There they would graze for a while then lay down and rest for a while then graze some more. They did this all day long. Come evening we would go over to the pasture’s edge and call the cows – 'come boss, 'come boss. They would gather at the pasture gate. Sometimes we would have to go round up a few stragglers and when all were accounted for, we’d open the lane gate and back over the hill they would go to the barnyard for the night. The next morning was the same routine, day after day. What a life, huh?!

Oh that we could just graze and rest in shady green pastures all day long! But we can rest and graze in God’s green pastures and restore our souls . . . The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. (Ps. 23:1) I believe God wants us to slow down and “rest” and “graze” and “feed” on His Word. Life throws so many things our way and we are so busy – busy doing good things. But are we running on empty a good share of the time? Are we feeling stretched to extreme? Are we content with who we are in God’s divine providence? Slow down and take some time to just leisurely graze, rest a while, then graze and feed on the good things God has provided for you. Graze, rest, and enjoy the “shady green pastures” of God’s abundant love, grace, and mercy.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Holy Cow Cake
Chocolate Cake Mix (your preference), baked as directed
1-14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
8 oz. jar of caramel topping
4-5 Butterfingers candy bars, crushed
1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened
12 oz. Cool Whip

Prepare and bake cake as directed on package. Meanwhile, blend caramel and sweetened condensed milk.

After removing cake from oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes into the top of the cake. Pour caramel mixture over cake. Crush candy bars and sprinkle half of them over the warm cake. Chill.

Stir cream cheese and Cool Whip together until blended well. Spread over cooled cake. Sprinkle with
remaining candy.

(moo!) (moo!) (moo!)

Being the "farm-girl at heart" that I am and the fact that I have a whole herd of Holstein cows in my collection . . . this recipe definitely caught my eye!!! Holy Cow Cake! It didn't help that Butterfinger candy bars are my all-time favorite!! Of course, anything with sweetened condensed milk, caramel and cream cheese in it has to be a winner, don't you think??!!! This one is a "keeper" in this "farm-girl at heart's" cookbook!! LOL! It's easy to fix and hits the spot. All you need is a great cup of coffee to top it off!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Get Service - Looking Through God's Eyes!

These glasses shed a whole new light on our day-to-day activities. I think "maybe" . . . we should all have a pair of them!

Maybe . . . we would be able to "cope" with our little world better.
Maybe . . . we would "reach out" to others that have needs that we don't even know about.
Maybe . . . we would "understand" the people around us and "see" where they are coming from. Why they do what they do!
Maybe . . . we would be better able to "encourage" those we come into contact with.
Maybe . . . we would be able to point those around us to "Jesus" who knows and cares what they are going through and has the answers.
Maybe . . . just . . . "Maybe" . . .

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ". -Gal. 6:2

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not". - Gal. 6:9

"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith". - Gal. 6:10

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

9-11 Twelve Years Later

As you reflect on September 11, 2001, pray this prayer. – It will bring you peace today … and every day. – May the Lord heal and protect our country! ~~@[123733579947:274:CALLED Magazine]

It's hard to believe that it has been 12 years since the terrible 9-11 Tragedy of the attack on the United States. How time takes it toll and marches on! I remember so vividly getting ready and heading for work that day. I was a little stunned as the news flashed over the TV and then the radio in my car and the radio at work as the news began to unfold horrifically.

Isn't it strange that most of us can remember the time of day, exactly what we were doing, who we were talking to . . . These things make such an impact on our lives and of course on the families and the lives that were lost in this tragedy. I remember touching base with my daughters who were away from home attending an out-of-state university. Fear seemed to grip us all as we went through that day experiencing the "unknown" - not knowing what to expect or where to turn. Not knowing the extent of the casualties, the direction of our country and the military impact of such an attack. The "unknown" can be so fearful and disheartening.

But when our "trust" is in God the fear dissipates. We may still be somewhat fearful but the bottom line is that the God of the Universe knows all, sees all, hears all, He has "all" under control. We may not always understand everything about God's control but we can TRUST HIM - "for" - "with" - "in" - "through" - and "above" ALL THINGS"! So put your trust in the one that can exchange our fears for a peace that fills our very being to overflowing - in spite of our fears!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Monday, September 9, 2013

How Much does a Miracle Cost?

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet.

She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even.. The total had to be exactly perfect.. No chance here for mistakes.

Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention, but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it!

'And what do you want?' the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice.. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages,' he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

'Well, I want to talk to you about my brother,' Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. 'He's really, really sick....and I want to buy a miracle.'

'I beg your pardon?' said the pharmacist.

'His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?'

'We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you,' the pharmacist said, softening a little.

'Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs.'

The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl, 'What kind of a miracle does your brother need?'

' I don't know,' Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money..'

'How much do you have?' asked the man from Chicago.

'One dollar and eleven cents,' Tess answered barely audible.
'And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to.'

'Well, what a coincidence,' smiled the man. 'A dollar and eleven cents---the exact price of a miracle for little brothers.'

He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said 'Take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need.'

That well-dressed man was Dr. Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place.

'That surgery, ' her Mom whispered. 'was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?'

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost....one dollar and eleven cents...plus the faith of a little child.

-Unknown Author

In our lives, we never know how many miracles we will need. Why don't we each look around and see if we can be a "miracle" to someone that needs a miracle in their life today!

MY OATH TO YOU...

When you are sad.....I will dry your tears.

When you are scared.....I will comfort your fears.

When you are worried......I will give you hope.

When you are confused.....I will help you cope.

And when you are lost...and can't see the light, I shall be your beacon...shining ever so bright.

This is my oath.....I pledge till the end.

Why you may ask?....Because you're my friend.

-Unknown Author