March 17, 2026

The Task of a PeaceMaker

April 25, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

I have a piece of art on the wall in my children’s bathroom with a verse which reads “Happy are those who seek peace, God will call them His children.”

I think as parents we have a peacemaking role ingrained in our hearts and minds. I know I’m constantly trying to patch up spats between our three children, or teaching them how to mend relationships at school. It seems that some nights I soak in the peace and quiet that bedtime brings. Peace is a word that is often used in life today. It seems every day that there is another opportunity to spread peace—in the workplace, at home, even at church. But do we confuse quiet and a lack of fighting with true peace?

I don’t think I fully understood the meaning of peacemaker. It’s more than mending fences and encouraging “getting along.” We are tasked with spreading the Word of God and spreading His love to others. Peacemaking is part of this. He is the ultimate Peacemaker, and true peace can only be found in a relationship with our Heavenly Father. So the part of peacemaking that I need to add is to spread His love through examples of His peace…to model His character. This morning I read this… “God’s children reflect His character as they carry Jesus’ peacemaking mission to the world”… and began to think about how many times I have been a peaceTaker as opposed to a peaceMaker…? And wondered about how many times have I actually spread the words of God’s power and His ability to repair any situation, as opposed to simply offering nice words. Thankfully, He has given us a set of instructions, a “how-to” in regards to peace, along with an example of our task to reflect His character for those around us.

Romans 12:17-21
Repay no one evil for evil.
Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath;
for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Let’s pray: Dear Heavenly Father, sometimes peace feels so far away, and the task of being a peacemaker seems difficult. But, You have shown us how. True peace can only come from You. Lord, please touch our hearts to model Your character, to be peacemakers and spread the word of Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

All This Time

April 25, 2014 by
psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv
I remember the moment, I remember the pain
I was only a girl, but I grew up that day
Tears were falling
I know You saw meHiding there in my bedroom, so alone
I was doing my best, trying to be strong
No one to turn to
That’s when I met You

All this time, from the first tear cried
‘Til today’s sunrise
And every single moment between
You were there, You were always there
It was You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time
Ooh, oh, oohh
Ooh, oh, oohh
You’ve been walking with me all this time

Ever since that day, it’s been clear to me
That no matter what comes, You will never leave
I know You’re for me
And You’re restoring

Every heartache and failure, every broken dream
You’re the God who sees, the God who rescued me
This is my story
This is my story

I hear these people asking me
How do I know what I believe
Well, I’m not the same me, and that’s all the proof I need
I felt love, I felt Your grace
You stole my heart that day

(Ooh, oh, oohh)
Oh,woah
(Ooh, oh, oohh)
You’ve been walking with me all this time

Ever since the first tear cried
It was You, You and I
You’ve been walking with me all this time

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

Songwriters: Britt Nicole, Benjamin Glover, David Garcia
Performed by Britt Nicole
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Britt Nicole wrote this song about the day she found Jesus. She was seven years old and her parents were going through a divorce and she felt hopeless.  At her darkest hour, she ran up to her room, tears streaming down and she sat on her bed and cried out to Jesus. Her grandfather, a pastor, had preached about Him, since she was a little girl and she knew He could save her. From that moment on, she felt His Presence with her and ever since that day, her life has been a testimony of the hope of Jesus. He had been with her since she was born…and He was with her during her parent’s divorce…and He is with her now.
This song brings such hope and comfort—knowing that Jesus has been with you through it all. From the first day you took your first breath until right where you are right now…He is walking with you, guiding you, loving you. Any tears you have cried, He has bottled them up. Whether you are up on that mountain top, loving life and full of gratitude, or you are down in the valley just trying to survive, He knows and He cares and He is there. I love the lyrics “…from the first tear cried to today’s sunrise and every single moment between…”. God is sovereign.  He has no beginning and no end.  And He loves you so very much.
If this is you today, and you are in the middle of a hurtful situation, listen to these words and claim them. Tell your Heavenly Father that you need Him. He meets you where you are and He never leaves. Joy comes in the morning!
Let us pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us. You are sovereign, You are precious and we love You. Thank You for always being with us, and for never leaving us. For the hope we have in You, and that nothing we go through is wasted. We get to do this life together with You, and we are forever grateful. And for anyone who is struggling today, please reveal Yourself to them and give them hope. And may You be glorified in all we do! In Jesus’ name, amen.
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Enter the Peacemakers

April 24, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

Peacemakers:

a person, group, or nation that tries to make peace, especially by reconciling parties who disagree, quarrel, or fight

Do you know a peacemaker?  Are you a peacemaker?  All of my life it seems I have been a peacemaker.  I usually try to smooth ruffled egos, or try to sooth the person who feels that he/she is not respected enough.  Sometimes this is a tiring task.  It can take a toll on you and on how you help others if you are not careful.  Paul tell us in Galatians 6:9-10 (ASV) 

And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

Why do you suppose God wants to bless the peacemakers?  I like to think it is because of them that treaties are made, pacts are adhered to, and wars are stopped.  Some of these agreements may be for economic reasons but the peacemakers have a unique gift of diplomacy.  These people have a way of studying the opponent by learning the culture and other customs.   For instance…did you know that in Middle Eastern culture, when in negotiations, you are not to speak first?  It is a sign of weakness.  Silence is not the enemy and we should not be afraid to use it.

Today, look at your words and actions, do they glorify the Lord? Do your words honor God as well as lift up and exhort the person to whom you are speaking?  Growing up, did you hear the words, “If it isn’t nice, don’t say it.” How many times have I spoken and then replayed the scene in my mind of how I have failed to build someone up.  This is not meant to condemn but rather to reassure you that you, too, can become a peacemaker—a person who builds up.  To do this we need only to be silent, when we want to speak words that are not kind. Especially when  we use sarcasm to disguise words that would be intended to hurt and wound.

God wants to use us in all of our ways. We may not feel adequate but be assured that God will use you where you are and give you the tools you need to start fresh.  Begin you day with “God, help me to learn something about the person who tests me every day.  Show me his/her heart and give me the peace that You are in control. Let me look at him/her through Your eyes.”

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

In The Light

April 24, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I keep trying to find a life
On my own, apart from You
I am the king of excuses
I’ve got one for every selfish thing I do

What’s going on inside of me
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I’m still a man in need of a Savior

I wanna be in the Light
As You are in the Light
I wanna shine like the stars in the heavens
Oh, Lord be my Light and be my salvation
‘Cause all I want is to be in the Light
All I want is to be in the Light

The disease of self runs through my blood
It’s a cancer fatal to my soul
Every attempt on my behalf has failed
To bring this sickness under control

Tell me, what’s going on inside of me
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I’m still a man in need of a Savior

Honesty becomes me
(There’s nothing left to lose)
The secrets that did run me
(In Your presence are defused)
Pride has no position
(And riches have no worth)
The fame that once did cover me
(Has been sentenced to this Earth)
Has been sentenced to this Earth

Tell me, what’s going on inside of me
I despise my own behavior
This only serves to confirm my suspicions
That I’m still a man in need of a Savior

(There’s no other place that I want to be)
(No other place that I can see)
(A place to be that’s just right)
(Someday I’m gonna be in the Light)
(You are in the Light)
(That’s where I need to be)
(That’s right where I need to be)

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

~ Songwriter: Charlie Peacock / Performed by dc Talk ~

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This song is SO powerful! One of the things that struck me to the core is the part where it talks of “…the disease of self runs through my blood. It’s a cancer fatal to my soul….” I think this commentary beautifully sums up being consumed with self.

“People that are self-centered are absorbed in themselves. They have no room in their heart for God. Self-centered people have no room for the true love of another person. A self-centered person glories in him or herself and not in God. Self-centered people are outside of God’s plan. God desires for us to trust Him more than anything else in this world. Self-centered persons trust themselves more than God.”
(See more at: Access-Jesus.com)

I can tell you that when I have become consumed with myself, it has never been helpful to me or the people around me. It is also rooted in pride. Pride and selfishness always go together. A truly humble person cannot be selfish.

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,
but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Philippians 2:3-4 NKJ

Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil.
James 3:16 TEV

Selfishness causes all evil. All evil proceeds from selfish actions. Selfishness is the manifest problem, but pride feeds it. Dealing with the root cause of the problem is the only lasting solution.

Submitting to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and realizing we are not the center of the Universe, is the answer.  Without Jesus, you can do nothing. Apart from His grace, you would not be able to take that next breath of air!

We are called to be humble people who are consumed only with God.  I know I needed this word today and I am guessing I am not alone….

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Heavenly Father, I pray for each of my sisters and myself as we battle our own selfishness.  Instead may we choose to humble ourselves before You and to be the humble women you have called us to be.  Thank You for this much needed word today.  In Jesus’ name AMEN!!!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Truly Matters

April 23, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.  That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.
Matthew 5:9 MSG

This verse immediately made me think of the peace I experience internally. To have the ability to spread the Prince of Peace’s peace sounds awesome! But first we need to make sure we are showing what peace looks like in the Church.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts.
For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.
And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Formal clothes…jeans.  Tie…no tie.  Saturday…Sunday.  Three hour service…one hour service.  Bible study…no bible study.  Some things which we allow to come between us as a Church are… trivial.  God called us to be One Body.  One.  Yes, we all have different functions, but we are still one Church.

So then, let us aim for harmony in the Church and try to build each other up. Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat! Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble.

Romans 14:19-20

I’ve been told before, by non-believers, that they don’t believe in God because of the inconsistencies in churches. This, along with “not living right enough,” and religion (vs. relationship) are common reasons I’ve heard.

To me this is saying that we as the Church need be mindful of how we represent our God. It irks me when Christians teach/preach the Bible and it’s incorrect. If someone came to me with a list of things I couldn’t do, I’d be turned off by it, too. Tell me about a Maker who cares about the hurts and heartache of this world AND wants to have a relationship with me and you’ve got a better chance!

Yes, sadly there are going to be those people/organizations that claim to do things in the name of the Lord that are off-balance, but our representation of the One, True, Living, Loving God can outshine anything. God’s character is so fantastic and we have got to portray it right!

As long as the true Gospel, from the Bible is being preached (nothing more, nothing less), we the Church, should be able to link together and represent a united and whole God to the world.  One God.  One Christ.  One Church.

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Lord, help us not let our differences hinder people from seeing You.  Instead let the Church’s light shine bright on the path leading to You because You care more about people than traditions and appearances.  Thank You that we do not have to shine Your light on our own, but have brothers and sisters to help us! Help us to be kind to one another and stay focused on who truly matters—You!  Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Our Hearts Still Burn

April 23, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Faded hope and grim despair on the day of the murdered king
Foolish minds and unbelief could not grasp what the prophets sing:

Did not Jesus have to suffer, enter glory through agony
When the King unpacked his Word their hearts leapt and their eyes could see

Everything the Scriptures say in the Prophets, the Law, the Psalms
Touching Jesus, called the Christ, is fulfilled in this gospel song

The Messiah had to suffer had to rise on the first Lord’s Day
We proclaim to every land true forgiveness in Jesus’ name

We were deaf but now we hear Scripture’s voice both in type and word
Unbelief that had us chained has become in our eyes absurd

Did our hearts not burn within us as He spoke with us on the way
And our hearts still burn with fire as His Word speaks to us today

~  Words and Music by Matt Boswell and D. A. Carson  ~
~ Sung by Jeremy Casella ~

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Luke 24:13-33
And behold, that very day two of [the disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, [which is] about seven miles from Jerusalem.
And they were talking with each other about all these things that had occurred.
And while they were conversing and discussing together, Jesus Himself caught up with them and was already accompanying them.
But their eyes were held, so that they did not recognize Him.
And He said to them, What is this discussion that you are exchanging between yourselves as you walk along? And they stood still, looking sad and downcast.
Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered Him, Do you alone dwell as a stranger in Jerusalem and not know the things that have occurred there in these days?
And He said to them, What [kind of] things? And they said to Him, About Jesus of Nazareth, Who was a Prophet mighty in work and word before God and all the people—
And how our chief priests and rulers gave Him up to be sentenced to death, and crucified Him.
But we were hoping that it was He Who would redeem and set Israel free. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things occurred.
And moreover, some women of our company astounded us and [drove us out of our senses. They were at the tomb early [in the morning]
But did not find His body; and they returned saying that they had [even] seen a vision of angels, who said that He was alive!
So some of those [who were] with us went to the tomb and they found it just as the women had said, but Him they did not see.
And [Jesus] said to them, O foolish ones [sluggish in mind, dull of perception] and slow of heart to believe (adhere to and trust in and rely on) everything that the prophets have spoken!
Was it not necessary and [essentially fitting that the Christ (the Messiah) should suffer all these things before entering into His glory (His majesty and splendor)?
Then beginning with Moses and [throughout] all the Prophets, He went on explaining and interpreting to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning and referring to Himself.
Then they drew near the village to which they were going, and He acted as if He would go further.
But they urged and insisted, saying to Him, Remain with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is now far spent. So He went in to stay with them.
And it occurred that as He reclined at table with them, He took [a loaf of] bread and praised [God] and gave thanks and asked a blessing, and then broke it and was giving it to them
When their eyes were [instantly] opened and they [clearly] recognized Him, and He vanished (departed invisibly).
And they said to one another, Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened and explained to us [the sense of] the Scriptures?
And rising up that very hour, they went back to Jerusalem….

What a glorious account!  Can you even imagine???  Try…put yourself in the sandals of Cleopas and his friend as they trudged along saddened to their very core.

Three days earlier Jesus had been crucified by death on the Cross before the entire city.  And His disciples had clearly been expecting that He would be alive (not that they understood HOW that would happen!).  But after the women came back from the now empty tomb…and Jesus’ body was missing…and told them a “tale” about angels…and Jesus being alive…well, it was just TOO much!  Perhaps these two disciples just needed a break from all the emotion and drama and weariness and desperate sadness, and set out for this short journey.

Obviously all that had transpired was pressing on their minds and hearts…it was the center of their conversation as they meandered along.  Then, the very One Whom they spoke of was suddenly walking alongside them.  (Note that they recognize Him as the Lord…their eyes were “held.”)  And Jesus (so kind! Is our Lord not the most compassionate?!?) spoke with them, drawing them out…and finally, our Lord begins to explain “…and interpreting to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning and referring to Himself….” as He continued walking along them.  All the while, teaching and reminding and explaining and expounding to them about Himself…to no avail…UNTIL He was sharing a meal with them, and had taken the bread, broken it, and was giving it to them.  Then their ‘eyes were instantly opened and they clearly recognized Him’...they got it!  The next words they spoke always thrill and amaze my heart: “Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us on the road and as He opened and explained to us the Scriptures?”

(Ok, you can put your own sandals back on.)  This—dullness of heart and mind, failure to hold the Word in our hearts, inability to put the truth of the Scriptures together—is our quandary, at times, too.  But we DO also have those times when our hearts are ‘greatly moved’ and are ‘burning within us,’ don’t we?  And so we should praise and thank the Lord for those times…and ask for more!  This Jesus, who strolled along the road to Emmaus with Cleopas and his friend, also walks and talks with us…me and you!  In fact, He now lives within us; He is always available to us; He is interceding for us at the Father’s right hand!

My prayer for all of us is that we would seek our Lord, asking His wisdom, seeking His truth, receiving discernment and guidance and knowledge…and that we would voice our thankful praise saying, “Were not our hearts greatly moved and burning within us while He was talking with us….”

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

A PeaceMaker is Meek

April 22, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

The “peacemaker” in this Beatitude, quite literally is, “one who makes peace.” It seems fairly obvious what this means: one whose life is characterized by creating harmony and not stirring up contention and strife. However, we know that if the Christian is faithful in his or her proclamation of the gospel, and living out that gospel message, peace and harmony will not always follow in his or her wake.

It isn’t those who seek to bring about the Kingdom of God by war and rebellion that are the sons of God. Rather, it is those who try to be peaceable, who balance an attitude of uncompromising loyalty to God with a desire to live at peace within the situation God has placed them. This attitude is clear if you read the New Testament. Nowhere are Christians ever called to take up arms against their persecutors. Christians are never told to advance the Kingdom of God no matter what physical damage they might do along the way. On the contrary, Christians are told to pray for their persecutors, live at peace in the world, and submit to the God-established authorities!

So, how can we be peacemakers? By exhibiting the love of God to all our brothers in Adam–those who are non-Christians, and perhaps even living lifestyles we find Biblically objectionable. Our goal should never be to upset people, or get people angry; the gospel should be the “rock of offense,” not us! That’s not to say we ignore sin and rebellion against God; but our attitude should be to see the non-Christian come to Christ and have peace with God, not to relish in their condemnation.

And within the church, we should be a community of peace, where we love even those with whom we disagree, learning how to discuss our disagreement–yes, to argue–but with love and respect. We need to recognize our common bond in Christ and in the gospel, and let that be what brings us together in peace.

As we have studied previously, the Beatitudes build upon one another. Therefore, a man who seeks to be a peacemaker humbly seeks God’s grace for his salvation, mourns the destructive power of sin in his life and the lives of others, casts aside his selfish desires in meekness, pursues righteousness passionately, shows mercy to others in light of the infinite mercy God has given him, and seeks a purity of heart that overshadows his entire life. He cannot fathom attaining a level of true peace without living out the first five Beatitudes. They provide support to his peacemaking and enable him to seek and promote peace at the expense of himself because he has been made holy and righteous through humble repentance unto God and living out the Gospel through his own life. Specifically, a man who is a peacemaker is one who is meek, for he has only one concern—which is the glory of God amongst men.

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Dear heavenly Father, make us to be peacemakers at all times to everyone in Jesus’ name. Amen!!!

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Under The Shadow

April 22, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He who dwelleth in the secret place
Of the Most High shall abide
Under the shadow
Under the shadow of the Almighty
Though a thousand fall before me
From the evil that’s around me
They shall not
They shall not come nigh my dwelling

And I will say of the Lord He is my Refuge and my Fortress
My God in Him will I trust
And I will not be afraid of the snare of the fowler
My God in Him will I trust

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

~  Written by Nicole C. Mullen and Bahini Johnson/ Sung by Nicole C. Mullen  ~

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This song is from my favorite promise of God’s protection in the Word.  And my favorite version of it is from The Message Bible.

You who sit down in the High God’s presence,
spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow,
Say this: “GOD, You’re my Refuge.
I trust in You and I’m safe!”
That’s right—He rescues you from hidden traps,
shields you from deadly hazards.
His huge outstretched arms protect you—
under them you’re perfectly safe;
His arms fend off all harm.
Fear nothing—not wild wolves in the night,
not flying arrows in the day,
Not disease that prowls through the darkness,
not disaster that erupts at high noon.
Even though others succumb all around,
drop like flies right and left,
no harm will even graze you.
You’ll stand untouched, watch it all from a distance,
watch the wicked turn into corpses.
Yes, because GOD’s your Refuge,
the High God your very own home,
Evil can’t get close to you,
harm can’t get through the door.
He ordered His angels
to guard you wherever you go.
If you stumble, they’ll catch you;
their job is to keep you from falling.
You’ll walk unharmed among lions and snakes,
and kick young lions and serpents from the path.
Psalm 91 MSG

When my youngest son was in the process of healing from a sleep-induced seizure disorder this is the psalm we would pray every night before he went to sleep. Immediately we both could feel God’s peace and we knew He was safe in the arms of his heavenly Father.

What an awesome promise to hold on to! When we are intentionally seeking God and abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, we are protected and we have nothing to fear. It reminds me of the image of a mother hen with all of her chicks safe and protected under her wing. We are safe in the shadow of our Father.

God wants us to be abiding under the shadow of the Almighty not just in the shade. He wants a day-to-day relationship with us not just a Sunday morning visit. God wants to be a part of our everyday lives.

Jesus said:
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them,
will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NLT

This is so very true! I know there have been MANY times in my life where I have tried to do things in my own strength and all I did was ending up depleting myself and rendering myself ineffective for the Kingdom.

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Heavenly Father, I pray for each woman reading this that we would be intentional about seeking first the kingdom of God and not let the distractions of life get in the way of our day-to-day relationship with You.  That we would put You in your rightful place—first in ALL things. and I thank You for the promise of protection under the shadow of the Almighty. In Jesus name, AMEN!!!

Filed Under: Psalms Hymns and Spiritual Songs Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Ambrosia Salad – Remix

April 21, 2014 by

2014-04-20 09.54.41

Our extended family gets together (as many as can make the trip, that is!) each year at my Dad and step-mom’s to celebrate Easter together. There are a few things that are constants: the egg hunt including the gold glitter egg with the $5 bill inside, the Polish kielbasa and Easter cheese “ citic “platter, and the array of side dishes to accompany the ham my Dad bakes. This year’s buffet lineup included: Kassia’s gluten-free mac and cheese, Betsy’s coleslaw, Kelly’s apple&spinach salad, Brigit’s layered salad, scalloped potatoes, my broccoli craisin salad, a pickle&olive plate, applesauce, gluten free brioche, croissants, and ambrosia salad. It looked colorful and was so very delicious…made with love!

So, when it fell to me to prepare the ambrosia salad, I decided to do a remix and make it in my p.o.v.—healthy but oh-so-yummy! Here’s how:

  • no canned fruit
  • no Cool-whip
  • no maraschino cherries

This recipe is full of fresh fruit.  Each time you prepare this dish, you could include a different combination of fruit ingredients!  This fruit salad doesn’t need much sugar added to the whipped cream component because of all the yummy sweetness of the fresh fruit.
Adjust the quantity of the ingredients based on the number of servings you are aiming for!  We had 30 hungry eaters (not including the babies) so I went BIG on the amounts.  Also, ‘some’ people don’t enjoy the shredded coconut component of this salad (crazy, right?)…so I’ve included it as an optional ingredient.  Enjoy!

Ingredients:2014-04-20 09.44.01
Whipped Cream:
1/2 quart heavy cream
2 teaspoons almond (or vanilla) extract
4 tablespoons powdered sugar

Fruit Salad:
1 pineapple
1 cantaloupe (or other melon)
1 pint blueberries
1 pint blackberries (or raspberries)
1 pound strawberries
3 or 4 apples (I used Granny Smith)
5 or 6 clementines
3-4 bananas
2 pounds grapes
2 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup broken pecan (or walnuts)
1 cup Greek yogurt, I used vanilla
whipped cream (recipe above)
1 cup + / – shredded coconut (optional)

Directions:

  • Once the cream is whipped and sweetened, fold in the yogurt, blending together very well. Keep in the refrigerator ‘til ready to use.
  • Prepare the fruit…wash and dry the berries and grapes; peel and core the pineapple; wash, core the apples; peel and section the tangerines; peel and scoop out the seeds in the melon.
  • Cut and chop the prepared fruit remembering to keep all pieces bite-size! I always use a melon baller for any melon; the rounded shapes are so much more fun and interesting!  Prep the bananas last, sprinkling w/a little lemon juice or pineapple juice, to prevent browning.
  • Place into a very large mixing bowl (or just use your largest stockpot).
  • Scatter the mini-marshmallows and the nuts across the top.
  • Pour the whipped cream mixture over top and fold together, gently but thoroughly. Done!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Peace of Jesus

April 21, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Matthew 5:9

Ever been in the middle of an argument?  Ever been in the middle of chaos?  When you have kids, it seems like you are there every day.  Our children are now five and three, and the arguments, though low in frequency, have started.  As a mother, I sometimes feel like I am at my wits’ end.   Yet, they are a blessing from God that I would never give back.  As their mother, it is my job to be the peacemaker when they fight or do something to each other.  For my role in that, I get the blessing of being their mother, and they get the joy (and thrill) of being my children.

Peacemaking is just not about settling the petty arguments of our children.  It is about bringing peace to world.  It is about bringing the peace that Jesus brings to the world.  For those of us who bring that peace or know the peace of Jesus, we are the children of God.   Jesus lives in us, and He is with us at our most troubled and stressed times.  He comforts us and brings us the peace that we ourselves cannot give to ourselves.

As the children of God, we know peace, love, joy, healing, hope, and we receive the blessings of God every waking moment.   God loves us and, through this love, He brings peace to our hearts.  It is up to use to feel the peace that God brings. If we do not feel the peace, then how can we survive this world.  This world has gotten chaotic, and it is getting harder to live in.  Let God bring you the peace that He wants you to have at this moment.  Then share this peace with the world by living as God has intended us to live in this world.

 *  ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that You bring to us as Your children.  That peace brings us through each day in this troubled world.  For it is in Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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