Joyful Life

A Harvest Party and Pumpkin Cake to Match

 

The palette of God's painting is the splendid world of color where He crafts His beauty for our pleasure. Daily taking walks in places chosen with care, has filled my soul with worship, as I look for the amazing detail to which He goes to bring our souls pleasure through what He has designed.

The colors of fall and the billowing leaves blowing to His symphony give me great pleasure. I was sitting quietly the other morning and watched the leaves literally dancing as they fluttered in breezes onto a lake that shined and whipped about in the wind. It was a symphony and ballet of natural beauty and delight.

Yet, one must take the time to notice or the loveliness of the moment will be lost. Throughout our whole lives, I have taken my sweet ones with me to observe God's artistry.

I would ask them to:

"Name all the colors you can see in the sunset sky."

"How many different shapes of leaves have fallen to the ground? Look at each design--they are as beautiful and as different as snowflakes."

To not take notice is to ignore God.

And so, in His image, when we create beauty and order, we are co-artists with God--the color of our homes, the interesting ways we place books, pictures, paintings, objects of interest, all reflect His imprint on our lives and are a part of incarnating Him in our homes.

So, in celebration of His art of our lives, last Saturday, we invited a house full of friends to come over for a harvest evening. A potluck of wonderful food with white chicken chile at the center (Sarah made it) and all sorts of offerings, we ate to our fill.

Finally, we ended with Clay on guitar, Joel on piano, and my friend Terri, who plays the violin, with a rousing series of soul filled singing. A night to remember as we worshipped and celebrated His art within us.

Terri's Oh So Delectable Pumpkin Cake

(Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Apple-Date Filling) Ingredients 3/4 cup finely chopped pumpkin seeds 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1/2 cup finely chopped dried dates 1/2 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup butter, softened 4 large eggs 1 (15-oz.) can pumpkin 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1/2 teaspoon baking soda Sugared Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds Caramel Glaze Preparation . 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pumpkin seeds in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted, stirring halfway through. Cool 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. . 2. Toss diced apples in 2 Tbsp. melted butter to coat in a medium bowl; add chopped dates, next 2 ingredients, and toasted pumpkin seeds, and toss until well blended. . 3. Beat granulated sugar and 1 cup butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating just until blended after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla; beat just until blended. . 4. Stir together 3 cups flour and next 3 ingredients. Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating at low speed just until blended after each addition. Spoon half of batter into a greased and floured 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan. Spoon apple mixture over batter, leaving a 1/2-inch border around outer edge. Spoon remaining batter over apple mixture.

Enjoy each luscious bite and then go out and celebrate the artistry of fall!

Book Club: Dancing With My Father {Chapter Three} Giving up our Rights to Him

Myles Birkett

I have thought a lot lately about the nature of a child. A child, who is cared for and loved, generally trusts his father with all of the details of life. As a matter of fact, a secure child doesn't even ponder the issues of life, but just lives into the moment, because he has not ever had to carry the issues of life.

And Jesus says,  “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven."

Innocence, trust, pure in heart.

I think that as I look back over my own life, I can see that God has intervened, provided, taught, comforted and held me up even in the dark times.

Not all of the moments of my life in this world have been easy, many have been devastating. But I wish I had spent less time worrying, less time fretting or telling God my will. I know that He is good. I also understand that we live in a fallen place where evil abides and where Satan tempts and accuses and has stirred up people to turn away from God.

But now I see that nothing separates me from the love of God. Nothing.

How much easier it would have been if I had just released all of my own "carrying" of these burdens. It would have been so much better if I had understood that it was not for me to "figure out" all of the "whys," but I so wish,  I had just left it up to Him, His will, His ways, His wisdom. My life would have held more peace, and I would have heard more of His whispers of comfort and felt more joy in living and resting in His strength and abiding love.

“God’s desire is for us to experience true joy and deep fulfillment. It must start, however, with the journey into the recesses of our heart. It is only as we release our hold on the things that we think we need to be truly happy, when we open our hands freely, that we experience true joy. We yield our demands and expectations to Him so that we may take His hand and let Him lead us into the dance of joy. He is the One who will teach us. But it requires a total relinquishment of self and a simple trust in a great God, simple faith to understand that He who created joy will lead us on the pathway that ends in the joy that will last forever.” ~ Sally Clarkson, Dancing With My Father

Here's a question each of us must answer:  Are you willing to give away all that you think is valuable in order to find all that truly has worth?

We're discussing chapter three of my book, Dancing With My Father, today at MomHeart Online! Join us?

The Balance Between Grace and Discipline When Training Children

My children are an indescribable gift.

Each one is different, crafted with particular traits and talents that make them unique. While we share traditions and memories, favorite books and foods, values and beliefs, I can see God's fingerprints on each one -- and His way of crafting each individual to reflect something different of His own heart.

This is why there will never be a formula for exactly how you should raise your children. Because each one is an individual, living in your home, with your circumstances and your values and your community of friends.

Discipline encompasses all we do to train and mold and encourage our children to grow in the grace of God, to shape their characters to be like His, to help them find those particular bents and talents that best magnify God in their lives.

Disciplining children well means first knowing them--what's going on in their lives, their strengths and weaknesses, their particular idiosyncrasies that perhaps no one else would know. And then it requires that I know and listen to the Lord, asking for His wisdom when I'm confused as to whether they need correction, encouragement, or more training. So often the whiny child is tired, the grouchy child is hungry, and what they really need is a fix to that problem rather than a stern correction--and that goes for adults, too!

"I have often met well-intentioned parents who think they must be harsh and demanding to their young children in order to secure their obedience and good behavior and to build their characters. Too often, I'm afraid, they fall into the trap of simply lording it over their children rather than truly reaching their hearts.

I'm not saying that obedience and behavior and character aren't important. In fact, I think that teaching our children these qualities is essential. I believe, however, that Jesus showed us plainly the most effective way to do this: by modeling obedience and right behavior and good character. And this requires us to do what Jesus did for the disciples--to lead our children not only by telling them what to do, but by showing them.

When we choose to graciously overlook our children's messes and accidents, we are teaching them to be patient and forgiving with the mistakes of others. When we react sensitively, thoughtfully, and patiently to them, we are helping to instill these qualities in their lives. As they benefit from our unconditional love, they learn to extend it to others as well. As they watch us extend hospitality, care for others, and pray for them, they learn to make service a part of life. And as they observe us searching Scripture, spending time with the Lord, and making faith-based decisions, they learn these things as well. Modeling loving service to our children gives them something to emulate in their own lives." The Mission of Motherhood

Aren't you glad He knows you and is patient with you? Do you ever feel pressure to discipline a certain way because someone else said so, rather than trusting your heart about what your child might really need? 

Book Club: Dancing With My Father Chapter Two!

From the first, Satan has desired to reign over God's kingdom. There is a battle for allegiance. This fallen place, we call the world, is the place Satan appears as an angel of light. He promises fulfillment through vanity, and materialism and power and extreme beauty and sex--but all of these, in the end, will disappoint and leave us longing for more.

But God created us to see the invisible fingertips of Him in our lives, the glory of His creation, the reality of His love manifested in countless ways and the generous and abounding love expressed throughout the story of His people.

But to see this glory and to experience the wild freedom He has provided, we have to look at our lives through the lens of eternity. We must develop ears to hear His true kingdom messages.

To be Holy means to be set apart--apart from the crowd--as David was. He saw the giant, Goliath, as an opportunity to show the glory of God and his reality and power. "Whereas David celebrated God as the One who created laughter, beauty, pleasure, music, food, and goodness, Satan would love for me to believe that God is a spoiler--one who looks for my faults, who delights in making my life difficult and in ruining my hopeful expectation fo what life could be. After all, didn't Satan start out by suggesting doubt in God's goodness to Adam and Eve? It seemed I had slowly forgotten that God was good. I had inadvertently bought into Satan's suggestion that God was only interested in my dry obedience.

What if, in truth, our God is the party Planner? (Didn't He say He was preparing a wedding feast for us and building mansions in heaven?) What if the same God who created a breathtaking garden, planned purpose and the love of family and friendship and the fulfillment of productive work, who delighted in children, who touched the sick and rejected, and who gave grace to the prostitutes and tax collectors is the God whose companionship we can enjoy each day?

As I thought on this, I realized that duty, forced obedience, and works never satisfied my soul or fooled my mind into thinking that dry acquiescence to spiritual dogma was equivalent to being a Christian who really knew and loved God. Knowing God deeply, intimately, personally within the borders of my own personality was what I hungered and thirsted for. I wanted to dance as David danced!" ~from Dancing With My Father, chapter two

May your heart, today, be filled with the invisible reality of His presence, His wisdom and His ways even in this day and this place in your life.

Scones to Die for!

So many times, when I travel, I come across precious women who touch my heart, even though I never get to log in enough time with them. Janelle Nehrenz is one such friend. Her gentle spirit, sweet heart, captured my attention when I was at the Relevant Blogging conference a couple of years ago. I am so very honored that she agreed to share one of her favorite recipes with us today.  She also shares her wonderful hospitality with so many, loves to reach out to other moms to tell them about Jesus and has the most beautiful blog with wonderful recipes. Janelle also writes for so mamy other people, so it is a privilege to have her with us today. Be sure to visit her blog at:http://comfyinthekitchen.com/  Here she is!

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There is nothing that says "welcome" like freshly baked goods- warm out of the oven. These cinnamon chip scones are no exception. They are buttery, dense, simple , and ready in 20 mins to dip in a cup of piping hot coffee .  This recipe was shared on Comfy in the Kitchen and I have kept it a staple for gatherings, bible studies, and meal ministries. You're going to love it, I just know it....

Sift together dry ingredients, then cut in shortening and butter. I simply take two knives and literally do "just that", I cut it in. {You will get a crumbly texture during this step}.

In a small bowl beat egg with heavy cream {You  may use half and half or milk- your texture will change slightly}.

Stir.

You will have a thicker cookie -dough- batter- like consistency.

You can add whatever you wish at this point....My choice? Cinnamon chips. Other options are blueberries, raisins, chocolate chips, cranberries, or even savory ingredients such as ham and grated cheese. For a sweet scone you may wish to use an egg wash with a coarse sugar topping. This recipe is so versatile!

Mmmmm...

Sprinkle flour on a flat surface and coat your hands. Take scone dough and shape into a ball, then flatten into a disk.

Cut into 8 slices. Make a cross, then another cross in the other direction...pizza cutters work great doing this.

Place on a baking sheet {I use foil for easy clean-up}.

Bake in a 375 oven for 15 mins until golden in color. Oooo...I wish you could smell these right now!

So rich and buttery...the cinnamon chips melt leaving bursts of flavor throughout the scones.

A wonderful morning or afternoon treat...serve with coffee, tea or homemade lemonade.

They are even sweeter, enjoyed with friends.....

  Cinnamon Chip SconesServes 8. Prep time 5 mins. Bake time 15 mins. Total time 20 mins. Ingredients:2 cups flour4 tsp baking powder¼ tsp salt1/3 cup sugar4 T butter2 T shortening¾ cup heavy cream1 eggHandful of cinnamon chips.  Sift together dry ingredients.  Cut in the butter and shortening.  In a separate bowl, beat cream and egg.  Add to the dry ingredients.  Stir in cinnamon chips.  With floured hands, shape dough into a ball and lay out onto a floured surface. Flatten into a disk.  Cut into 8 even wedges using a pizza cutter. Place individual scones onto a baking sheet covered in foil {for easy cleanup}.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Sweet Janelle at: http://comfyinthekitchen.com/

AND YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS MOMHEART.ORG TODAY AS MY ANGEL FRIEND, AND CO-HORT IN MINISTRY HAS SUCH AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO YOU ABOUT PRAYER. THANKS, DEB WEAKLY FOR ALL THE WAYS YOU INVEST IN MY LIFE AND SO MANY!

Does God Believe in Girlfriends?

Phyllis Stanley, My wonderful friend, speaking at one of my seminars.

Today, when this comes out, I will be in Rome, God willing, with my dear friend, Phyllis Stanley. God has a sense of humor and He also believes in girlfriends and the need to celebrate life together, even in the midst of fires.  Sooo, here is the some of the story of my last 24 hours.....

Last night as I was coming back from Joy's Summit Ministries Graduation, where over 200 kids had celebrated their adventuresome week here in Colorado Springs amidst the fires and evacuating and lectures about faith, I was struck with how amazingly powerful God is every day, all the time, even when we do not know what He is doing because as C. S. Lewis says, "He is not a tame lion."

(I would not want a God that I could manipulate or control or who was as finite as me. But hearing how excited all of the students were to follow hard after God, to become speakers and leaders and witnesses for His glory, was such an inspiration. To see faith being even more catalyzed because of the send of eternity the fires brought, was such an encouragement.)

98 girls sleeping on one large conference room at Mountain Springs Church, because they had to evacuate the conference center. (the church provided pillows and sleeping bags and mattresses)

God surprises us by showing up in the most interesting places.

"Mom, I think we are all closer because we had to sleep together, 3 bathroom stalls, 2 showers. We are all partners in arms in an event in history that will catalyze our faith for years to come."

Then there is Phyllis, my 72 year old, Godly friend. Though evacuated from her home because of the fires being within less than a mile (347 houses have been destroyed.), she is not daunted in the least, having spent 17 years on the mission field and having worked in Communist countries where her husband was always traveling and ministering for the Navigators.

But a year ago, Phyllis and I dreamed of going to the wedding of a dear friend of ours' daughter on the Amalfi coast in Italy. We love this family and we wanted to celebrate her daughter's marriage, one that we have prayed for for years.  While working in London, our friend faithfully atended Hill Song where she works with young girls and seeks to disciple them. In ministry at this church, she met her fiance, who is also passionate about the Lord and happens to be an Italian banker. So excited to celebrate with them, the wonderful answer to prayers, we both bought our tickets with our points on airlines last October, made our plans and have been looking forward to this trip for almost a year.

I would go to Italy,  just to have 6 days of cappuccino with Phyllis and to share our friendship, because she always makes me want to love God more and she inspires me in my ideals.  Our shared fellowship is revolutionary to both of us as we draw each other to faithfulness, faith and boldness in ministry.

But, with a family of 5 staying in our home and Phyllis out of her home and many more dear friends still in limbo, I finally got a hold of Phyllis.

"So what do you think about our trip on Saturday?"

"Sally, my bag was already packed, I have my passport and I just need to trust God with my home until He shows me otherwise, and we have a friend waiting for us in Italy who wants us to be with her to celebrate one of the great legacies of life--marriage. So I will pick you up at 1:30."

This was the real finish line I was looking for! After a very challenging year, I was so longing for time with a dear, spiritual mentor to celebrate life together. Throwing t-shirts and dresses into my one carry on suitcase, I am off today and finally, so very excited!

And here, God, who is good, opened the doors in the midst of a very difficult time, and because of my sweet friend's faith, for us to go and celebrate friendship and joy and to restore for some of the other adventures that will be ahead in both of our lives.

So, yes, I think God believes in girl-friends and fun and beauty and joy and He has surprised me at the end of this week with the possibility of something I just didn't think would come to pass.

Arrivederci!

May you see His hand and joy in your own life in surprising ways this week!

God had a different finish line for me and it moved forward a bit!

Andy Braner--photo

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1

Do you even have mental deadlines that you hold to and know that if you can just make it through that date or that final stress point or major life-event--then you will be able to take a breath, then you will get some sleep, then you will be able to reorganize life and get it back together again......?

Well, I had been holding to a finish line and it was 9 days ago on Wednesday. Holding fast to this deadline since last January  after mom dying and dealing with all of those issues, Clay surgery and --I knew that I had 3 moms conferences for Whole Heart, 7 national speech and debate tournaments and trips with Joy, a book deadline, a speaking trip to Canada, Texas, ministry commitments, a two week international trip with Sarah coming from Oxford, blogs, article deadlines, kids coming in and out, Clay medical stuff ongoing, more medical issues with kids, over 100 people in and out of my home in May, National Speech and Debate Week and a sweet family staying with us, and then all the kids home with friends for 5 days--and that was my finish line--

If I can just make it through that date--last Wednesday when I put Nathan back on the plane--I will have run my course, finished my tasks, have at least a few days off to sleep, spend time with the Lord, begin to get my home and desk and emails and life back to order.

Then was up with migraine and throwing up for two hours in the night on Thursday early a.m. (food poisoning?); had an asthma attack in the middle of the night the next night as the smoke started coming in and new unexpected deadlines, calls, book final edited coming in on Friday, and finally a visit to the emergency room for breathing. Sent me home with emergency equipment as so many were coming in with asthma and breathing problems they could not treat them all.

Then, finally, Clay set me up with a fan, a wonderful place to sleep and then at 1:30 Joy called--being evacuated, family with 3 sweet babies moving in with us and a ten day old babe at that and then

this week of constant evacuating friends, running to evacuated students, more and more and more and then ending speaking at a youth conference yesterday in the midst of it all. And more friends taking in more families and all of us working together.

Not going to lie--this old lady is tuckered out and weariness has set in.

The heart is willing but the flesh is weak or exhausted or something.

I was having a short quiet time the other morning trying to walk with God in the midst--

He gently said,

"Sally, that may have been your deadline, but it wasn't my deadline. I am with you. I knew your days before you were even born and planned to be with you. I knew about the fires, the house guests, the major ministry issues that would arise, the new requests and deadlines, and I knew that if you walked in faith and let me have the burdens, that you would have sufficient strength to walk this road with joy and peace. I trusted you with this week. My grace is sufficient for you--now you just rest every day each minute that you can and don't waste one moment on anxiety. Give my peace to those around you and trust that as your days, your strength will be in measure."

And so, in the midst, strength has been there one day at a time, one friend who needed love at a time, one midnight conversation with a child at a time, and precious memories made in the midst.

When I gave my expectations and needs to my sweet Father, He took me into the secret place of His tent and assured me that He was with me and He would care for me.

Your prayers have made my weak one to walk through with joy, peace and strength for each moment. I so appreciate all of you who have walked with us through this and who are with us now.

The fires have been somewhat contained in some areas, but have moved northward toward our little town--but the firefighters are making lines of protection and contingency lines at the edge of our little twon, as it is moving north towards us. We should be safe because we are east of the freeway which it would have to cross, but we are so hopeful for our many friends, that God will help stop the fires from spreading more havoc. But, he knows,  His angels are giving charge concerning all of us and we are all at peace.

One person suggested that we were all under God's judgment. I think not. God is so very gracious and I would think even more, there are 135 national headquarters for Christian ministries in our town--why not consider this could be spiritual warfare and the wonderful Christians in our town have been abundantly generous, amazingly loving, peace giving, comforting and it is amazing seeing the body of Christ coming together.

Indeed I will never forget seeing the spirit of God working so powerfully as He has this week.

We all are on an obstacle course in this life that will require godly endurance, but God is the source of our strength, joy and comfort and this becomes more real to me every day. Sending love to all. So sorry I can't answer the many phone calls and emails, but your love has been felt and received into our very grateful hearts. May He also bless you indeed.

The Beauty of Grace

If it were possible to take all that Christ was and is--His mercy and love, His righteousness and holiness, His power and intelligence, His creativity and wisdom--and focus all of it for the benefit of an undeserving person, we would begin to have a sense of what God's grace is all about. We would also have to consider the world He has made for us--the beautiful and colorful sights of nature; the sounds we hear and hum; food to taste and smell; the sensation of touch on our skin; and ideas expressed through words such as love, freedom, self-sacrifice, and purpose. The multifaceted expression of Gods' greatness through what He made was a gift of grace to us at the beginning of time to show us His love and favor. Then, after we humans rebelled and fell away from God, He sent His Son to redeem a fallen world back to Himself that we might personally still know Him in His fullness. This was the fullness of His grace--God's undeserved favor toward us. His serving us in generous love through a loving, humble relationship introduces us to the essence of His personality. His grace changes our lives and is the foundation for our learning to give grace to others in our relationships."

(The Ministry of Motherhood)

 

It is remarkable to me, sometimes, to consider the sheer enormity of the grace of God. Looking around at the lovely home He's given me, photographs of my children who are so precious to my heart, and even a sideward glance at my overflowing inbox with notes of love from my dear friends and so many of you whom I don't know or get to see very often can overwhelm me as I consider that all of those things come my way because of His goodness.

Romans 2:4  says, "Do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?" And indeed it does. God's kindness--His great love and the blessings He has sent my way--remind me on a daily basis of His grace. And His grace leads me to repentance as I know He is eager to forgive and receive me as His child.

Keeping this in mind helps me as I discipline and train my own children. It also helps me know how to deal with people, who are likely to be sinful and in need of forgiveness, just like me! If there's anything our world could use more of, it's grace. Let us purpose to look around for reminders of the grace He has already given to us, so we can offer it to those around us today.

 

Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal.....

Robie Blair--photography Colorado Springs--our view outside.

"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;"

This, from Peter, who was taken by surprise when Satan tempted him to despair and confusion at the cross.

Perhaps, as  mature, old-man, sweet hearted, humbled and compassionate believer, He wanted to extend His wisdom to save us unnecessary adrenalin and fretting. How kind of him.

And Peter says to us, to help us be prepared,

"Do not be surprised, as though some strange thing were happening to you."

I was realizing the other day, that at my age, I have been through so many difficulties and challenges and hard times, that one of my first reactions is, "This is familiar. Just take a deep breath and trust God and it will eventually pass and you will see His faithfulness."

Pray for firefighters

My heart is willing and is learning. But my flesh is weak. My heart wants to trust, but my heart has been saddened and I am a little weary and have been in tears, just a little. Not just from the fires, but always there are other issues, aren't there?

But, when God brought this verse to mind today, it heartened me--Peter went through so many trials and yet he said it is the testing of our faith. My hope is that in this confused time, the beauty of God's creation, our beloved city being destroyed, the fire tripling in size in the night to over 15,000 acres,

this is my place where I have the choice in the testing of my faith, to believe, to worship and to rest, as a child, in the secret places of his tent.

Prayers are so very appreciated.

I am so very sorry I have piles of emails and correspondence from the last couple of weeks that I have not answered and may never get to, as the daily life has many demands. Please, forgive me for my delinquency.

I am so very blessed by your many prayers, notes on face book, emails. The kids at Summit are all seeing Biblical messages in light of eternity and this makes it the best Christian conference they have ever been to--and their faith is soaring.

Moving prayer meetings are touching our hearts.

Seeing generosity being poured out and spending time sleeping in my dear friend's home, and the sharing of food and lives has been sweeter fellowship and deepening of friendship in ways that have deeply touched my heart.

Churches are stepping up to the bat and they are serving in the way God meant for them to.

And so, in the fiery tests, Jesus is with us and pouring grace and filling hearts and bringing all of us to worship and thanks.