Glorifying God: Colossians 3:17

"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

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As followers of Christ, our main purpose should be to glorify God.  In Colossians 3:17, it says everything we do should be done in the name of our Lord Jesus so that we can give thanks to God our Father - giving HIM the glory.  Everything that comes out of our mouths.  Everything we do - work, marriage, finances, raising children, tithing, hobbies - EVERYTHING!

This Holy lifestyle that Paul speaks of here in Colossians isn't a mere single act performed during the day to fill a quota, rather, it is way of life that infects everything we do.  

And even though we as believers fall short of glorifying God so often we can still rejoice, because part of glorifying Him is continually repenting of our sin and resting in Jesus, the ONE who already lived a perfect life but gave himself up so that we might live.

Book Review - Heaven Hears by Lindy Boone Michaelis

I received a complimentary copy of “Heaven Hears” in exchange for this honest review by participating in the Tyndale Blog Network program.

A Story of Faith

“If it is my turn to grow and do something for the cause of Christ, then all I ask is, God, show me how. Don’t let this suffering be for no reason.” – Lindy Boone Michaelis

Lindy Boone Michaelis tells the story of how her life was turned upside-down when her son, Ryan Corbin, stepped through a skylight and fell three stories.  Throughout this tragedy, Lindy finds her strength in Christ and trusts in His miracles, even when doctors were telling her that her son would not survive.  Being the daughter of famous Pat Boone, she was able to appear on Larry King Live, along with her father, multiple times – the first, asking the world to pray for her son. 

Eighteen months after Ryan’s freak fall, viewers were able to see the result of their prayers when Ryan appeared alongside his mother, grandfather, and other family members on Larry King Live.  A survival against all odds – proof of God’s miracles.

Throughout this book, you are able to see God’s hand in this situation as Lindy shares of the hours, days, months, and years following Ryan’s accident.  She shares her journal entries of her crying out to God for healing, her drawing closer to God, and her praising for His unending mercies.

I enjoyed reading this book, even though after a brief introduction of Ryan’s accident, I found it took awhile to get back to the story of what was happening because Lindy tells more of her story growing up as a Boone.  Once she moved back into the story of Ryan’s accident, I found it much more compelling to read.  Although there were some viewpoints that I didn’t completely agree with, this is definitely an inspirational story to read.

All proceeds from the sale of “Heaven Hears” will go to Ryan’s Reach – an organization aiding brain-injured individuals and their families.

How To Dispense Honey

I would have to say that this was one of the best tips that we have received, and we use this trick all the time.  I never liked when recipes called for honey, because I felt that I never could get the correct measurement because the honey always stuck to the measuring spoon.  There is a solution though - and an easy one at that!  All you need is a little olive oil or canola oil.

The only thing you need to do is add a drop or two of your choice of oil and let it cover the entire inside of the measuring spoon.  After that, pour your honey into the oiled measuring spoon and pour! 

Not a drop of honey will stick to the measuring spoon!

Now I don't ever have to worry that I am not getting the full amount of honey in a recipe.  And the clean-up is so much easier because there is no honey remaining on the measuring spoon.

What are some great kitchen tips that you have received?

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Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop #22

Cajun Sausage Pasta

We love our pasta.  Meaning, we can't go a week without a good pasta dish.  And my husband found a good one this week!  A combination of a little sweet and a little spicy.  So this week's recipe.....Cajun Sausage Pasta. If you don't like a lot of spice, be sure to lessen up on the cayenne pepper.  Instead of 2 cups of dry white wine, we used 1 3/4 cups of Arbor Mist Pear Pinot Grigio - used up what we had left, and then added 1/4 cup of extra chicken broth.  This added a little bit more of a sweetness.  Be sure to read the ingredients below, because there is definitely some wiggle room with chicken broth versus wine.  But it is definitely delicious!

Prep/Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: 5 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlics clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups dry white wine or additional reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 pound Italian sausage links, sliced
• 1 medium green pepper, julienned
• 1 medium sweet red pepper, julienned
• 5 cups hot cooked penne pasta

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, saute the chopped onion and minced garlic cloves in olive oil until tender.
2. Add broth and wine; bring to a boil.  Cook, uncovered, until liquid is reduced to 1 cup.
3. Reduce heat.  Stir in the tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and pepper.
4. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, in a nonstick skillet, cook italian sausage, green pepper and red sweet pepper over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink and peppers are tender.  Drain.
6. Stir in the tomato mixture and serve over pasta.

Source: Taste of Home

I hope you enjoy this as much as we did!  And if you have leftovers, they are just as good!

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Comfort: Jeremiah 29:11-13

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."

Jeremiah 29:11-13 (ESV)

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This is one of my favorite verses.  It brings such comfort to me knowing that God has plans specifically for ME! Specifically for YOU!  And they aren't to bring harm on us, but they are good plans that we can hope for.  I also am reminded by this verse that God hears my prayers and wants me to seek Him and know Him.  And when I do seek Him, with all my heart, I will without a doubt find Him. 

There are times that I find myself feeling lost and forgotten by God.  When no matter which way I turn, it feels like I am not going to find my way back.  God never forgets us.  He never leaves us.  The problem is that we forget to call on Him, pray to Him, seek after Him with all our heart.  He doesn't want just a piece of us - he wants ALL of us!  And when you give Him everything - His plans are greater than anything we ever could have possibly imagined.

I'm definitely not perfect - trust me, I still struggle with this truth.  Lots.  But these verses always bring such comfort to me.  No matter what situation or circumstance, I can know that God's hand is in everything.  And that He will never leave me.

I hope this brings you as much comfort this week as it does for me!