“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed” (Proverbs 11:25, NIV)

So let me pose this question to you. Do you need refreshing? So many of us go through our lives overwhelmed, torn down, tired, and barely getting by. But that is not God’s best. He wants you to prosper. He wants you to be refreshed. So, be generous to others and refresh them. Maybe this person is someone in your office or your family. Are they going through a tough time? Can you help them? Can you simply give them a smile, a hug, or a kind word? Whatever you do, do not wait until you feel like it, that day may not come. Do it because His word says to. Do it because it blesses our Lord!

Our Lord in Heaven, thank You for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for blessing us so we can be a blessing to others. Teach us Heavenly Father to be generous and kind. Show us how we can refresh others and bring glory to You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Jerry

Thomas Kinkade's Still Waters

“But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!” Matt. 8:27

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September 26, 2006: Remove the hindrance of your own thoughts and accusations so that I may move you into kingdom position. Those who I call I equip, and those who I equip I bring the revelation of the times and seasons so that you may speak those heavenly things. But, you must remove the limitations that you have inadvertently established for yourself. Raise the standard. Break the bronze gates that the enemy has placed before you, and come forth. I have not called you for nothing. I want to expand your horizons that I might open to you the fullness of your destiny in order to bring you into your kingdom position. The enemy has lied to you to tempt you to discount yourself. Roll back the limitations and put on faith. Then, come forth, says the Lord.

• Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns

Beloved, I tell you honestly (for I am God who cannot lie) that I am with you! I know what you have gone through and what you are currently facing. Refuse to be overwhelmed with the things that you must consider at this time, but rather be My brave-heart, and yield totally to the moving of My Spirit. For, certainly, I will move you to a place closer to Me where you will abide in peace. Trust Me completely and you will come through this time with ease, says the Lord.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

“And they shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are become fenced, and are inhabited.” Ezk. 36:35

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*Scroll down for WFMW: The Many Shades of Hair Color.

Kristen is in Kenya! So keep her in your prayers, and click here to join Shannon @ Rocks In My Dryer.

Since I haven’t joined the fun at WFMW in a while, I thought I’d share about the wonderful world of hair color.  I love getting my hair done, and though the salon experience is a must, so is saving money with this thing we call economy.  Perusing the isle at your local Wal-mart, equipped with more choices than needed, can be daunting; so let’s narrow it down to some faves.  I’ll start with the many shades of Clairol since my ROUGE mini-mag happens to be seated next to me.  I have naturally dark hair, which I love, but gray is not my friend.  I tend to lean towards colors with a red/dark auburn hue to bring out and enhance natural highlights, so here are some of the top choices for me.  Don’t forget to look for some coupons to make the choice even easier.  My mag has some in the back, and you can’t go wrong with that.

So whether you prefer highlights or all over color, these pics show your best choices.  You can go directly to Clairol or Revlon to choose the shades just right for you.  Remember, hair coloring is not only to change you shade, it provides dimension to bring out your best facial features and can be the first step to a complete make over.  Have fun and enlist your husband for help.  Mine has proved to be better at the details than I am.  He has even taken the time to do the individual highlights. This time we chose Natural Instincts #22 Cinnaberry.  My sister and I recently got our hair done at our fave salon, so look for upcoming post Suzonne Rocks Our Hair for the big reveal.

You don’t have to stop with hair color alone, why not go all out and get some new make-up too.  You may want to try a different lipstick than those showcased.  They tend to be softer, and both of mine have broken.  But hey, they’ve definitely lasted me a while… I still love these products.

Click pic to view Jerry's simple chili recipe.

You know, it’s still a little cold out, and I can’t resist a warm bowl of chili.  But since my hubby is sick, I’ll hold off on his simple chili recipe and opt for some Puffy Tacos instead.  I promise to link soon.  Sound good?

Just spice up your fave taco recipe using ground turkey and some of these puffy tacos. 

All you have to do is, place your tortillas (I prefer Mission because they are less chewy.) in a pan of hot canola oil, bend with a spoon, and allow to fry quickly on both sides.  (Don’t you wish you had a bowl of that hot chili to serve along side, or stuff with the same?  A fried Chili-to, no less.)  Since were all out on that end, why not go for some of Jen’s Taco Soup.

For these and more great recipes click the pic and visit Jen @ Balancing Beauty and Bedlam or Lisa @ Blessed with Grace.

I have officially hi-jacked your mom’s blog for this post.  So Ginger, feel free to leave your comments.  *Grinning sheepishly.

Gordon, I just can’t believe you’re 15 already!  FIFTEEN! I mean, I knew it would happen since fifteen comes after fourteen.  Just didn’t expect it to happen so soon.

Just don’t expect a Quinceanera.  You know, because a Quinceanera is for a Latina girl and you’re neither of those.

So what should you expect?  God’s blessings on you, of course.  That is my prayer.  Gordon, from an infant you have been called the Man with the Word.  God has truly gifted you.

I love your ability to make others laugh.  But in the midst of all of that humor is God-given wisdom.  Use it!

As for your parents, I’ve been thinking of what they might expect now that you are fifteen and Jordon is thirteen.  I really wanted to prepare them at length for things like extensive damage to their garage due to teenage drivers.  I thought of including pictures and dramatic details about how each incident occurred.  I planned on using words like insurance deductibles and sheet-rock damage.  But that would be overwhelming for them.   So I’ll save it for my upcoming blog post.

I pray your day is blessed.  And Jordon, yours, too!  I love you both! I am so proud to be your Nanny.

SUPERNanny

Nanny,

I am so happy you decided to post this.  It just couldn’t have been better timing!  Gordon, I just want to echo her words by reminding you to use the wisdom He’s imparted and stay close to the Lord as you grow.  You have been such a blessing to Daddy and me.  There are no words to describe how much we love you and how much you mean to us, even Jordon… ha!

We hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Love,

Mom, Dad, and Jordon (Noticed I used big words here…reluctantly.)

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Behold, the bridegroom is coming; go out to meet him! -Matthew 25:6b

Jeni,

As your wedding day quickly approaches, I’ve been thinking about what advice to share with you.  The truth is, marriage is an ongoing  journey.  You will learn and grow along the way.  Glean from the wisdom of those who have walked this road.  Hold fast to the Scriptures.  And expect that much of what you will learn will come from your own experiences.

Before the journey begins, the bride-to-be must prepare herself for the bridegroom.

Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house; so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty: for he is thy Lord. -Psalm 45:10-11

There are two main things that a bride does in preparing for her wedding.

Just as a man is to leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, Mark 10:7, Ephesians 5:31), the bride also prepares to leave home and become one with her bridegroom.  (forget also thine own people, and thy father’s house)

Photos and blog posts tell the stories of your preparation as you plan this life-long commitment to Jeremy.  You will start a new family as his bride.  Not forsaking your loved ones, but, rather, embracing your new families as extended support.

The bride also adorns herself with a wedding gown.  (so shall the king greatly desire thy beauty) The details of which, I am certain you have completely covered.  No doubt these details have come together slowly over time much like the fruit of the Spirit which we are to adorn as the Bride of Christ.

With your final weeks approaching for your big day, I am reminded of the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25).  You know the story.  Five virgins were wise and carried oil in their vessels; five were foolish and did not.  The wise were received and the foolish turned away.  Most will not argue that the oil represents the Holy Spirit.  The wise virgins were prepared.  They were ready.  Their desire for the bridegroom would not burn out.

As you prepare these final weeks for that upcoming day, it is my prayer for you that first, your fire for the Savior would burn brightly. And also as the blushing bride, you will glow with your love for Jeremy.  That your joy would be full, strengthening you for your journey. And with gladness and rejoicing you would enter into your marriage. (Psalm 45:15)

Much love to you,

If you would like to  join us this month in sharing your advice for the bride-to-be, please add your link in the comment section.

October 23, 2006: My great desire is that you will rise up from the weariness of soul and from the heartache of the past and come forth into the brightness of this new season. I will be your guiding light and the power that carries you into the fullness of your destiny. It is time to arise and enjoy the moving of My Spirit. You will both go out and come in with the presence of My Spirit. It is time for you to understand that we are one. I have not forgotten you, nor will I, but I will cause the winds of heaven to blow upon you, and you shall find yourself riding on the horse (power) of My Spirit into the fullness of this Day. It is true that what is written cannot be broken, and every word that is found in the Holy scriptures will manifest in the end of the age, from the very beginning of time when I said, “Let there be light,” to the very end of time when the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” You will come into completion and perfection of who you are in Me. Mount up, and come into the fullness of your purpose, says the Lord.

• Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns

I had a vision of fire burning in the sky or heavenlies. They were flames of fire that were on the move, not staying in once place, and I could see no fuel for these flames to consume. And, I asked the Lord, “What does this mean?” And, He said: These are not natural fires that need natural fuel to burn. No, these are supernatural fires that have not yet reached the realm of the earth, for they are still above in the realm of the Spirit. When these fires touch down, they will not consume you; they will purify you as you yield to the Holy flame. Do not resist this fire of purification, for certainly I am with you even in this fire, says the Lord.

Luke 12:49 “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”

• Just a simple reminder… (Natalie Cole/TBN w/my notes)
  When God is testing you:
  1.) No talking.
  2.) No cheating!  Keep your eyes on your own work.
  3.) It’s an open book test.
  4.) The answers are written in red.
  5.) Should you fail this test, you can always retake it tomorrow.

“Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord”. John 21:12

Click here to visit Susan @ Forever His for this weeks posts.

Thanks to Amydeanne of The 160 Acre Woods for creating this meme.  It’s one of my faves.