The Wrong Way to Do Right

As I may have mentioned, last week I was a counselor at church camp on the campus of my college. I went there growing up, so it was really neat to be able to give back and be on the "other side".

Every day we went to two Bible classes in the mornings. They were on all sorts of topics, but all related to the theme of the weak which was "Lead Me". So we had classes about "Lead Me" to serve, to forgiveness, to humility, to partake, and to obey. One class in particular held my interest though. It was about doing right.

I think the main point the teacher wanted to make was that there is a wrong way to do right, and that is when we try to attain righteousness on our own. This was a class in which God revealed an area I ought to have more grace in my life.

To illustrate his point, he talked about the Pharisees' attempt to protect the Sabbath laws. Here's what went down:

God gave His people laws regarding Sabbath. The Pharisees wanted to protect those laws, and ultimately God's word. So they implemented "suggestions" for themselves and their people. These suggestions were crazy things including: you can't spit on the ground, because that makes mortar which is used for brick making which is work; or, my personal favorite, wearing jewelry is not a good idea because the earrings weigh down your earlobes and thus cause them to "work". Anyway, they Pharisees were imposing their suggestions onto the people and treating them as law.

That reminded me of certain things some Christians do nowadays in the name of being Biblical
.**Let me first interject by saying it is certainly noble to do all you can to protect God's word, but it takes special discernment. It is fine to implement practices for yourself but we must be careful about what is truly essential for others to practice as well. Is it a command of Christ or a personal safeguard?**
For instance, Christians who do not homeschool or attend a private Christian school are looked down upon sometimes by the ones who are. Or women are told that in order to be modest you must wear skirts only. Or even sometimes women are told that working outside the home is being feminist and rebellious to God's plan.
That is where the issue gets sticky. Are they the way to righteousness? By no means! We must tread extremely gracefully because even though these are excellent lifestyle choices, some Christians may not be convicted toward them as other Christians might be.

So the wrong way to do right in this instance would be to frown upon those Christian families who do not, for whatever reason, live the way we do. That does not make them wrong, nor does it make us right.

That is the beauty of grace through Christ. His love unites all sorts of different people, with diverse backgrounds and walks of life. This issue had been on my heart for a while so I was really thankful for that class which helped me tie all these thoughts together!

I hope this could be thought-provoking and encouraging!

True Woman | Single-Focused: Nine Tips for Singles

True Woman | Single-Focused: Nine Tips for Singles


This is an excellent list! Helps me remember that singleness does not lessen your value and purpose in God's kingdom!

That awkward moment when your grandmother's friends ask, "A pretty girl like you, I'm surprised you're running around by yourself! Have you met someone special yet?" To which you must reply, "Not yet...but hopefully soon!"

Naaah, it's not really that awkward. But I do pray that I can positively answer that question someday soon.

If I have learned anything to help me with that it is this: I can completely trust in God's timing.
I may have said that before but I feel the need to reiterate it (mainly to solidify it in my heart and mind).

The Lord places the right people in the right places at the right times. He is the master composer and conductor in the orchestra of our lives; and when we follow His Spirit's guidance, the result is a beautiful symphony of circumstances and people coming together for His glory.

That Fudge was Too Easy!

Hey everyone! It's Emmy. 

I found the easiest recipe for fudge & I want to share it with you all.

It's so simple, and hardly takes much time at all.

Wanna give it a whirl? 

Okay, here's what you'll need:

• 1 pound of confectioners' sugar (this is equivalent to 2 cups)
• 1/2 cup of baking cocoa
• 1/4 cup of milk
• 1 stick of margarine (or butter; whichever one you have one hand)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (these can be optional. the first time i tried this recipe, i didn't use nuts.)

Directions:

• Combine the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and milk in a large glass bowl.
• Cut margarine into 4 portions & add into bowl.
• Microwave on HIgh for about 2 minutes or until margarine is melted. Mix until smooth.
• Add vanilla (and nuts); mix well.
• Pour into greased dish; spread evenly.
• Let stand for 20 to 30 minutes or until cool & firm.
• Cut into squares.

Yields 1 1/2 pounds. 

Happy baking!! 

Aaaaand We're Gone

I took this from our house on Tuesday evening. Not much later the sheriff came by and told us to get ready!

Can I please solicit your prayers for the area of Black Forest and the city of Colorado Springs?

These are some tough fires and the weather is making it hard to get them under control. We really need the intervention of God's mighty arm.

Like many families, we were evacuated from our home on Tuesday night. However we realize that many people are in a harder situation than us, and our hearts go out to them. Our house has been listed as "appears unaffected" and we have many friends and church family reaching out to help us. For that we praise God. But like I said, while our home was spared around 379 homes were not.

We also praise God for good news this morning that they had a good night, and no structures were lost.

Our prayers are with the firefighters and law enforcement for working tirelessly.

http://mapsengine.google.com/map/view?mid=zynfDqx-iJig.k3otgkqnCm-A

This map shows the evacuation areas.

http://rsg.epcsheriff.com/

This is a good website of information.

http://www.koaa.com/home/

One of our local news channels to get up to date information and learn more about the fire.

Thank you for you prayers!

How to make (or copy) McDonalds' Filet-O-Fish Sandwich

Howdy friends! It's Emmy.

Have you ever tried the Filet-O-Fish sandwich from McDonald's? If you haven't, I would recommend it! It's so yummy!
I really like that sandwich, and wanted to make my own. When I thought of all the ingredients required for it, I thought "These are easy ingredients & we have all of them! I could just make this myself!"

 Here's what you'll need:

• A hamburger bun (or hot dog bun; whichever one you prefer)
•  One frozen fish fillet (can be found at wal-mart in frozen food area; great value brand)
• Slice (or two) of cheddar or colby jack/monterey cheese (again, whichever one you prefer)
• Squirt of tartar sauce on both top & bottom bun

The assembly is pretty self explanatory, but if you need further instructions:

1. Microwave the fish fillet, 2 minutes, low power level
2. Prepare the bun by spreading tartar on and placing slice of cheese on bun
3. Take the fish fillet out and put it on the bun & place top bun over it (do this quickly b/c the fillet will be hot, and the cheese will need to melt)

There you go! You've got your very own, home-made version of the Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's!
Bon appetit!

 My Filet-O-Fish Sandwich

 

McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Sandwich

God surely spoils His children! These do not even begin to capture the majestic beauty I encountered on my walk, but they are a small taste. I am always dumbfounded at the measure the Lord lavishes loveliness in His nature. He gave us the colors of the flowers, the towering mountains, the smell of pine trees, the warm sun, and gentle breeze. Praises be to the Almighty!!