crazy for cupcakes!

Ever notice how popular cupcakes are these days? I sure have, I have about 375 to bake this weekend! I do love ‘em though. The best part? you get it all to yourself! If you haven’t tried it, you should really bake up some cupcakes and try your hand at some decorating. It is really fun, and , you can eat the mistakes! you can pick up a cupcake decorating kit st Michaels or Walmart for cheap, which includes a couple bags, some tips and endless possibilities!

Here are some i have done to get the ball rolling for you. Enjoy!

Joy is a fruit

Joy is a fruit…

…of the Spirit!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance; against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23

Real joy is cultivated by the Spirit….anything else is artificial.

I’ve known both types of joy…the artificial and the real.

When I try to do things on my own, in my own strength, that is when I get a taste of artificial joy. Tastes great! Doesn’t last long. Very disappointing.

When I rest in the Lord and rely on Him, that is when I experience real joy. The kind produced by the Spirit…accompanied with love, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Wonderful! Long lasting! Satisfying!

I have written in my Bible at the end of Galatians this reminder to myself:

Sow to the Spirit
Read the Bible
Personalize your Bible
Combine the Word of God in Prayer
Memorize!
Quote Scripture
Pray!

May you experience REAL JOY today!

Journey of Truth - week 11

God’s Truth

Psalm 62:1-2

I wait quietly before God,
for my victory comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will never be shaken.

Attitude Adjustment

How are you doing today? Are you feeling strong in the Lord or weak? Do you sense His presence or are you feeling all alone?

It is so interesting to me that I seem to walk in one of three spiritual mindsets:

1. praising God when things are absolutely glorious
2. ignoring God when things are neither here nor there
3. crying out to God when things are just terrible

What about you? Is your spiritual mindset based on circumstances? What makes living this way especially complicated is that my definition of glorious, neither here nor there, and terrible can change as quickly as the wind. My mindset is so easily swayed by circumstances, from getting a good parking space to running out of toilet paper or hearing unexpected news about a loved one.

What I’m beginning to realize more and more is that our spiritual mindset should not be influenced by our circumstances. Our understanding of Scripture, and ability to speak it and believe it, needs to be more than a spontaneous expression of praise or a desperate cry for help. We need to know the Word well, and dwell on it until it is a part of our natural thinking.

Let me humbly admit that this Scripture seemed irrelevant just thirty minutes ago. I had no idea what to write about this verse that seemed meaningful when I selected it days ago. Until I considered a trial a friend is going through, and realized that she must…

wait quietly before God…
Indeed, her victory comes from him…
Absolutely, He alone is her rock and her salvation…
Without a doubt, God is her fortress where she will never be shaken….

This Scripture seemed irrelevant to me in my neither here nor there spiritual mindset, while at the same time it means everything to my friend.  Yet through this exercise of looking at this verse, I’ve learned that Scripture isn’t relevant only when we are facing trials! We must study the Word of God, consider it’s meaning independent of our circumstances, and allow the Lord to impart it in our minds and hearts for the time when its truth will be realized!

Will you take time today to memorize this Scripture? To speak it out loud? To share it with your family? Just maybe, the Lord has a truth wrapped up in this Word that He wants you to know in every spiritual mindset as well!

Heavenly Father, help us be disciplined in our faith and practice using the living Word in our lives.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(Used with permission from Extravagant Grace )
You can read more from Elise on her website Extravgant Grace

The Journey

A little girl, a little faith,

A loving mother full of faith

An excellent example

A gift from You, Lord.

 

Time passes as does faith,

Smoldering ambers stretch out to heaven,

Worldly things summon the one, no longer wee

Lone footsteps do not abandon.

 

Good life, bad things,

Relationship needs renewing.

History’s Circle repeated,

Needy woman, still child, seeks God.

 

Down on knees prayer is said,

“Lord, Lord forgive me…I need you!”

Joyous reunion, serenity intact,

Life anew and full of promise.

 

 Mother to Daughter, Daughter to Children,

Gift to Jesus…her babies,

Holy Spirit prepare their heads and hearts,

Army prepares, soldiers must come.

 

Choose freely, Love forever,

Oh, Holy One, sought after and true.

Lift high our eyes, hands and voices

For life in You is Divine.

 

What’s in your book bag - Five Sacred Crossing

Five Sacred Crossings - A Novel Approach to a reasonable faith

By Craig J. Hazen

Had I not a copy of this book and knew it was Christian, I probably wouldn’t have picked it up. I would have thought it was a new age book… I would not have guessed the mystery and wealth of information that lay between it’s pages… I wouldn’t have guessed that it was well worth the investment of a few dollars to read it!

So, what is the Five Sacred Crossings? It’s a new style of Christian fiction.. or at least new to me -> Christian apologetic Fiction. I was shocked when I started reading it that I was devouring it so fast! I wished my University professors were as interesting in their script of religion as Micheal, the professor was in here. I wish someone would have given me this book when I was trying to figure out how to defend my faith. While it is a fictitious story it contains compelling arguments to bigger questions that I think most of us have faced at one point in our Christian walk against someone who wants to “fight”. The method it uses to bring these questions to light are easier to understand, and the use of fiction helps the story stick in my head. I’m excited to see what else Harvest House has in store with their new Conversant Life series.

As Mr.Hazen writes in this opening “I hope the story will be compelling enough to entice readers to consider some thoughtful answers to real religious questions–readers who may never read an apologetics textbook…” You definitely don’t have to be a Christian to read this, in fact I would give this book to any of my non-Christian friends because it is non-threatening, as it is “just fiction”.

It is a book that will make you think.

A bit about the actual book:

Professor Michael Jernigan is a teacher called in last minute to sub for his colleague in a religious studies class. He introduces “The Five Crossings”. A sacred book he picked up in his past adventures. The tribe he received it from had views of religion and how to test it. It brings some basic questions that I think everyone should consider before they belong to any religious group, and that if you are actually reasonablely objective you’ll have the conclusion you knew all along (I think anyhow).

It discusses on whether it is testable, what religions cost, if it matches reality, and other topics. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much information Mr. Hazen provides on these topics.

While the challenges in the classroom, and the discussion flows, there is a back story that is just as interesting in which terrorism and life are happening around them. In short, without ruining the ending of the book, Michael ultimately gets to give the greatest example of “The Five Crossings”. Okay, to put it this way, I was touched and actually cried… and I rarely ever cry when I read a book. The ending was such a shocker for me! (hehe, does that make you want to read it?)

I think my favorite quote from this book would be “Have you emptied your cups?” It will have me saying this as I take look into my Bible and other readings; am I going in with my perceived notion of people and God’s word, or have I come to learn? I loved on page 110 where the discussion covers people such as Oprah, or the author of “the Secret” who reject the realities of life and try and pretend they are the center of the universe….

No matter which way you read this book — as straight fiction, or fiction laced with truth, you’ll be touched!

** Can I add, a week later, I’m still in awe of this book… I’m thinking one of my all time favorites!

—————–

If only I could be like Daniel,Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego

I’m sure you have heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego more than once but something I found when reading the book of Daniel again is something really remarkable. In each part of the story these four young men did remarkable things that made them stand out in the eyes of their superior’s. The first account you will find in Daniel 1:6:20. In this portion these 4 guys were being groomed to be wise men for the king and in that grooming process they were offered their choice of wine and food. Daniel spoke up for them and asked that they just have vegetables and water instead of wine and royal food. The official was reluctant but finally gave in and in 10 days he discovered that these 4 young men were stronger and looked better nourished than the other young men. Because they were willing to stand out God blessed them with wisdom and understanding beyond their years.

Listen to these verses

17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them in, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

The next part came a few years later when none of the sorcerers & magicians could interpret a dream the King was haunted by and so he decided to kill all his wise men which would have included Daniel,Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego. Daniel hearing the news went before the King and asked for time to interpret the dream. Then he went home and the 4 of them got on their knees praising their God and then asking for his mercy and the ability to interpret this dream. After they were done praying Daniel goes out to see the King and interpret’s the dream for him, not taking any of the credit for himself but giving all the glory to his God.

Listen to what happened after Daniel revealed the dream to the king ( from Daniel 2)

46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. 47 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” 48 Then the king placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men. 49 Moreover, at Daniel’s request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court.

In the next chapter(Daniel 3) the King makes an image of himself for his people to worship and set certain times of day for the people to come bow before this golden image. The astrologers being jealous of Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego tell the King that they are not worshiping his golden image and in a furious rage the King orders that they be brought before him and he proceeds to give them one last chance to worship his golden image. Now please take note of the poise and the character of these 3 young men;

Daniel 3

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

I love that last verse, it’s so powerful! Of course this enrages the King and he asked that the fire be heated 7 times hotter than usual. In fact the fire was so hot that the guard who went to throw them in the fire died instantly from the heat. Most of you know the rest of the story but I’ll tell it anyway. They were thrown in the fire but did not even have one hair on their head singed, in fact God sent an angel to walk with them in the fire! Can you imagine the King’s disbelief? His humiliation when he realized He was wrong?

These 3 stories illustrated something powerful for me just recently and I just wanted to share some of it with you; So here you have Crystal’s life lessons from Daniel.

1. Do what’s right even if it’s unpopular!

2. God loves to give us insight and wisdom if we would only ask for it!

3. Take a stand, no matter what the cost! It builds faith!

In a day in age when morality is at an all time low and it’s hard to even tell who the real Christians are, it’s important to be different. We are His representatives and we need to be different, stand out and we will make a difference in our world.

Can I challenge you? Where do you need to take a stand? What is the idol in the way of your worship today? It’s time to take a stand and say with Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego. You can throw us into the fire, our God can save us, but even if He doesn’t, I will not worship anyone but my God!

If Not Now, When?

This post is second in a series from the book Life is Short - Wear Your Party Pants:Ten simple Truths That Lead To An Amazing Life by Loretta LaRoche.

So many of us spend big chunks of our day - sometimes even weeks at a time - oblivious to the reality of the moments that make up our lives. We spend the bulk of our time inside our head, so wrapped up in our thoughts about the past and our plans for the future that we don’t even pay attention to the little things that are happening around us right now. It’s as if the present is nothing but a rehearsal for some imagined future performance.

~ Loretta LaRoche ~

Being a passenger when my husband is at the driver’s wheel absolutely drives me crazy. It isn’t the fact that he always has to be first in the line of traffic (and will pass a gazillion cars to get there). It isn’t the fact that he tailgates and I am able to see the dandruff on the lady in the car in front of us. It isn’t even the fact that he has a predisposition towards ‘road rage disorder’.

What REALLY drives me crazy is that he is so intent on getting to the destination that he misses out on the entire journey. Much of our rides together consist of me begging:

• “slow down, I really like this stretch of road, it is so awe inspiring as the sun sets over the hills”
• “oh look, slow down, there’s a mama cow with her newborn baby calf
• “oh please stop the car, the daisies are all in bloom in that field, I want to take a picture

When we are out riding around, even if we are on that dreaded trip to the grocery store, I want to enjoy the journey. I want to inhale the community where I live. I want to be woven into it’s dailyness. I want to notice it’s subtle changes and incredible beauty. I don’t want it to be a blur from a car window.

Yet when we are at home, we experience role reversal. Suddenly my husband wants to enjoy the journey and I am intent on getting to ‘my destination’. Like finishing the dishes so I can get to the laundry. Or finishing the laundry so I can make up the beds. And let’s not forget tilling the soil so I can plant my garden. Or making up next week’s lesson plan so I can teach my class….and my daughter. And so it goes…the dance of chaos.

How often have you sat down for a few moments to chill out, and then heard that nagging little inner voice starting in on your: What are you doing, just sitting there? You don’t have time for this! Get up. You have lots to accomplish today! Snap out of it!

~ Loretta LaRoche ~

There are all sorts of mundane tasks that call out our names. Some call it work, others call it marriage and motherhood. I call it life.

Putting the fun back into your life calls for putting a different spin on the ‘dance of chaos’. For me, this challenge began back at the beginning of the year when I set up my ‘cornerstones’ for 2008. I started out the year determined not to ’sweat the small stuff’.

Some days I do really well.

• days when I take a book onto my front porch in the early morning and read
• days when I put down my ‘to do list’ and go on a photo ‘field trip’
• days when I stop and watch the birds from my office window
• days when I go to a bookstore just to ‘browse’

Other days, not so good.

How about you? How do you slow down from your daily dance of chaos and enjoy the journey? Inquiring minds want to know.

And if not now, when?

Don’t forget, if there is a question that you would like to have answered or a topic you would like to have discussed, be sure to email me at dbeverlyhills@gmail.com. All questions will remain anonymous. All answers will be sprinkled with my perspective.

The Sheet Cake Way

I just have to share this book with you! “The Sheet Cake Way” by Vi Whittington is a 46 page book jam packed with all sorts of unique ideas to use with just a simple sheet cake. it covers every occasion; birthdays, barbecues , baby showers, graduation, you name it! And for around $12 plus shipping, it is a steal! I got mine on ebay, but you can get yours here : http://www.candylandcrafts.com/books2.htm

Journey of Truth- week 10

God’s Truth

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Attitude Adjustment

Are you overwhelmed today? Do you feel like you just can’t get ahead? Is life too much for you to handle? You are not alone! We all struggle with feeling overwhelmed. Some on a daily basis.  Some seasonally. Some based on circumstances. Some based on memories. But for all of us, there is great hope and great truth to take hold of: If the Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior, then we have the power and strength to overcome all things. It is by His love that we are equipped and never left alone.

Look at what this word from Romans promises:

…neither death nor life
…neither angels nor demons
…neither the present nor the future
…nor any powers
…neither height nor depth
…nor anything else in all creation
…will be able to separate us
…from the love of God
…that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Of course there are times that we just don’t even believe this is true. That is the exact moment when we must take our emotions, put them on the back burner, and make a choice to believe. That is when we take the Word of God and read it over and over again, proclaiming it out loud and allowing our heart to hear the truth.

It is also the time to call on the body of Christ for help. Ask for prayer. Seek out Godly counsel. Don’t walk alone with the burden of doubt. Study the Word and soak in His truth. Allow God to purify your heart and lean into His love in the process.

I challenge you today to do two things: 1) Write out this verse and repeat it at least 5 times out loud over the course of the day, and 2) Call or email at least one person to ask for them to pray for you and with you today. If it is a “good” day, then make it a prayer of praise and thanksgiving!

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us. Meet us in the overwhelmed places of our hearts and renew a right spirit from deep within. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(Used with permission from Extravagant Grace )
You can read more from Elise on her website Extravgant Grace

Don’t Wait To Say You Love Someone!

                This had not been an easy month.  Seeing my seventy-four year old mother face major surgery, for the first time in her life, I quietly sobbed as I praised God for her wonderful health and her successful healing at this time.  Looking at her, lying feebly in that hospital bed, her horizontal outline reminded me of my beautiful Christian grandmother who had been called home to be with the Lord many years ago.  Inwardly I cried selfishly to myself, “I am not ready for you to take her Lord! I am not ready!”  Yet, I knew that should my Jesus choose to call her home I would release her instantly.

                My step-father had played host to my husband and myself this weekend, despite the fact that the week earlier he had been told that he had cancer, in the bowel, and that it had turned terminal.  Talking to him on the telephone, his voice quivered, and I could hear him cry as he spoke the reality that their time was very limited, as that they both they were getting on in their years.  Content and happy with God and his life, it was a wonderful thing to see.  Precious and so few were his words and now after thirty years of marriage to my mother, in this crisis, he told me that he loved me.

How dear this was to me.  As I type this I still weep, as too many people do not realize how important it is too say those special words…”I love you.”

He had given me hugs before but he had never told me that he loved me.  My sister had told me that he loved me and I remember thinking, “Well, if he loves me why doesn’t he tell me?”

“Why do people have to wait until they are in a crisis until they share their emotions or their love?  Why can’t they just make it a habit of telling someone that they love them?  Wouldn’t that make their lives much simpler?”

                I do realize that my life is a gift from God and that every moment that I breathe is a present.  Everything that I have is from Him and He may call me at any moment.  My life is to be lived to the best for Him, as an example to others and that I must try my best at every moment.  Perfection will never become me without Christ Jesus my Lord, so I must call on Him and ask Him daily to be my Lord, my King and my Saviour for without Jesus, I am nothing and with Him, I am a King’s Kid, a Child of Paradise.  A child with everything to look forward to and I look forward to the days ahead and all of the promises that my Lord, my God promises in my treasured book, the Bible.