Praying for Those in Path of Florence

I'm praying for all of you who will be impacted by Hurricane Florence. Please stay safe and don't take any unnecessary chances with your lives. If you need to evacuate the please do and don't forget to take any important information with you.

When Foundations are Shaken by Dr. Charles Stanley

I would like today's devotion written by Dr. Charles Stanley. May it encourage your hearts as we remember 9/11

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Bible reading-  Hebrews 12:25-29

Seventeen years ago, the United States of America experienced a massive surprise attack by terrorists. Our people were shaken by the realization that the country is not as safe as we once thought.
Of course it grieved us to learn of the events that occurred and the lives that were tragically lost. But at the same time, the horrible situation led to some positive outcomes. For example, our nation unified and people served with courage and selflessness.

One of the biggests benefits I believe, was that many of us realized our great dependence upon God. Safety in this world is an illusion . Sadly, the peace and blessings we experienced in America have led to much complacency and self-dependency. Sometimes we need to be shaken out of our forgetfulness and into reliance upon Jesus Christ.

Just listening to the news these days can rattle our sense of well being. There is always something unsettling taking place. But as believers, we should look at life from a resurrection perspective.  We are children of the living God, not people who seek security only in the natural,secular world.
Our hope and refuge is firm: Through Jesus Christ, our relationship with the Lord is eternal.  Everything else we possess could be destroyed in a moment.

Worldly circumstances--- natural disasters, wars and assorted turmoil ---- may have an effect on everyone, but they can't control the believer's heart .
Let your hope rest in Christ alone. Only by finding security in the arms of the almighty God can you endure times of uncertainty.

Remembering September 11th 2001

Photo by Aidan Bartos on Unsplash

Happy Labor Day and a Giveaway

Hi ladies! I hope your Labor Day is going well. We were going to BBQ but it looks like we are in for a thunderstorm so it out comes the cast iron griddle pan.

I'm  doing a giveaway. It's for the CSB Worldview Study Bible. Here is the link to my review  https://coveredwifeoftim.blogspot.com/2018/05/book-reviewworldview-study-bible.html

I would like to give away my review copy which is still in brand new shape.
These are the complete features of this navy leathertouch study Bible from the back of the gift box:

• Extensive worldview study notes and over 130 articles written by more than 120 notable  Christian authors
• Center columns references 
• Two ribbon markers
• Presentation page
• Full color maps
• Two piece gift box
• Black letter text

The CSB (Christian Standard Bible) is described as staying as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing  clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's  life-transforming message and share it with others. (From the back of the box)

So I will announce the winner of the Bible on September 15th. All you have to do to enter is share your favorite verse or book from the Bible.

A Note About the Blueberry Crumble Bars

The recipe calls for quick cooking oats but I didn't have any so I used old fashioned oats instead.  I think it probably won't really matter. Old-fashioned oats makes the topping more crunchy probably the crust would hold better than quick oats.

Monday and Blueberry Crumble Bars

I can't believe that summer is flying by so quickly. Some schools have started already (August 6th here). Not me! My homeschool is starting the day after Labor Day. Who wants to start the fall semester in summer?
At Bible study last week we talked about making visitors at our church feel welcome. One thing that our family pastor said that really struck a cord with me is to avoid being a Pharisee and not act "holier than thou ". And not not look down our noses at people who are different.

I don't usually have that problem but I'm going to confess something that frankly I'm rather ashamed to admit.
Just before Aretha Franklin passed away, (I miss that magnificent voice already!) the media was reporting how various celebs were visting her and some were tweeting they were praying for her.
Well, after reading all that I was like " Do these ungodly people think God is going to listen to them?" Then there was  " When was the last time you even stepped into a church?"  attitude.

Ouch! I honestly felt like the two men who went to pray, where one was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.( Luke 18:10-13)
You know the story. The Pharisee thought he " was all that and a bag of chips" because he did things he thought pleased God and he was glad he wasn't like "like other people" including the tax collector.   The tax collector was humble and didn't even feel worthy enough to come before God. He asked God for mercy for he was a sinner. Scripture doesn't say what the tax collector did that that made him feel so unworthy he wouldn't even look up to heaven.

I told Tim about my not so Christlike thoughts about some of the celebrities that claimed they were praying for Aretha. He explained that God does hear their prayers and it's possible that perhaps this is a step towards getting right with Him. I knew I needed to ask the Lord for forgiveness and I admit, it's hard to not judge some of these celebrities because of their immoral bevaviors. Oh but I'm trying.

Anyway, I mentioned blueberry crumble bars. I made this today and it was so delicious!

You can find the recipe here Blueberry Crumble Bars

Toddler Book Review: All the Colors That I See

This cute little board book is written by Pamela Kennedy and illustrated by Holli Conger

This board book teaches children their colors and there is a chameleon that is hidden on each page. The book  short and the illustrations are very eye catching.  At the end, it reminds the child that God made all the colors we see. Since it's a board book it is very sturdy and will stand up to lots of love.
I think it's perfect to read to babies too.

I received this book free from B&H/Lifeway in exchange for my  honest review