Tip of the Day 6/18/12

99 Days of Summer: How would you like to help bring back some great childhood memories, save some money, and be green all with one simple action? Consider putting up a clothes line and hanging your sheets outside to dry. As a child I loved it when Mom hung the laundry on the line, but especially the sheets. On a hot day it was so nice to stand between them and cool off. The smell of line dried sheets is heavenly.

Word for Today, Huge: Just over ten years ago the Lord directed Richard and I to move to the St. Joe area and plant a new church which became Calvary Chapel Sunset Coast. As we talk to people we are often asked, "how big is your church" or "is your church growing?" The answer to those questions are not what people see with their eyes, you have to look at the heart of the people of CCSC to know we are huge and have grown so much we can't contain it. We have about 35 people when everyone is there on a Sunday, that includes the children. You see we haven't measured our growth by a head count, we have looked at the hearts and actions of the people that call CCSC their church. We are a body of servers, reaching out to others because we have learned that God's word tells us to be His hands and feet. We came here with the vision of "being the church" to this community and by God's grace we are huge. "You have a little strength, have kept my word, and have not denied my Name." "Who has despised the day of small things?" "Your faith grows exceedingly." What you are doing for the Lord may look small in the eyes of some, but it is HUGE in the light of eternity.

 

Tip of the Day 6/16/12

99 Days of Summer: We are experiencing a very dry summer here in southwest Michigan. Our yards have already reached the "crunchy" feel that normally doesn't come until August. A lot of people are already watering their lawns. As the temperature has gone up and I have observed the sprinklers going I have wanted to jump into them like we did as kids. Today would be a great day to head to a water fountain park. We are blessed with an awesome one here in St. Joe and I know many towns have them in all shapes and sizes. Of course you could just resort to a sprinkler in the yard and water that dry grass at the same time. Let's do some splashing today.

Word for Today, Walk: Throughout time walking has been a consistent form of exercise. In the past people did not have to work walking into their busy schedule, it was the main way to get anywhere. As fewer people walked our body weights went up. Several years ago a book was written about why French girls could eat the way they do and still be skinny. The secret, they walk everywhere. No wonder the Bible tells us over and over to, "walk by faith," "walk in the spirit," "walk in truth," etc. It is the way to live a healthy Christian life. One of my favorite people in the Bible is Enoch. You may not be familiar with him because there are only 7 verses in the Bible about him in Genesis chapter 5. We are told he was the father Methuselah, the longest living man ever, but that is not why he is a man we should know of. Genesis 5: 24 tells us, "Enoch walked with God, and he was no more, because God took him." Enoch never died, he was "raptured" by God. From what we are told in the verse the most important aspect of his life was that he "walked with God." We do not know why God took him, but this is an example to me and I want to have it said of me, "she walked with God." Are you walking with God? It is the key to your eternal health.

 

Tip of the Day 6/15/12

99 Days of Summer: Ice Cream is one of the greatest food groups. Yes, some of us consider it a food group. I personally believe all ice cream should contain nuts. Every one has their personal favorites. Ice cream parlors are always coming up with new flavor combinations. Last summer we took a couple of our grandchildren to a yogurt shop where you pay by the ounce. You start out by putting in the flavors of yogurt you want then add all the toppings you want to try from huge dispensers. When the kids were finished building their bowls they had almost $20 worth of yogurt and toppings. Ice cream sundae bars are the perfect summer dinner, in my opinion. It can be healthy, sort of, and still be a blast. Set up a table filled with as many toppings as you can come up with. Be creative, not just the usual sprinkles, syrups, and nuts. Try some fresh herbs and fruits, cereal, pretzels, etc. Healthy cookies and cakes make a great base and stick with just Real vanilla ice cream to build on. Your kids will love you for this "dinner." This is a also a fun "dinner" party for adults.

Word for Today, Secrets: One of my favorite childhood books is, "The Secret Language." It is the story of two young girls in a boarding school who come up with their own language to communicate with each other because they feel left out. My friend, Sharlene, and I tried to come up with our own because it was like a special bond between us. We all have friends that we can communicate with in special ways. As parents we can understand the babbling of our children and spouses can communicate without even speaking. Often I have heard people say, "I have tried to read the Bible, but can't understand it." We are told that God spoke to us "in Son." This is like a secret language if you don't know His Son. "The secret of the Lord is with those who fear (know) Him." Jesus said, "I call you friends." If we acknowledge Jesus as our Savior we are His friend and will understand all He says to us. It will no longer be a "Secret Language."

Tip of the Day 6/14/12

99 Days of Summer: Today we celebrate Flag Day. Most people don't even know that this day exists and just like D-Day don't know what it stands for. June 14 is the anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States of America in 1777. This would be a great day to re-learn the proper care of our flag. This used to be taught in school, but is no longer. We see the flag hung at half mast for all kinds of people, torn flags, and on and on. Let's teach our children the proper respect for this symbol of our freedom and demonstrate our pride in our country once again. You can find information at www.usflag.org/flagetiquette.html

Word for Today, Content: It is so easy to get caught up in chasing after what we think we need to bring us the elusive feeling of contentment. If I only made more money, if I only had a bigger house, if I only had a different spouse, if I only ... Maybe there are unfulfilled dreams that you are pursuing because you believe that will bring the contentment you feel you are missing. Sometimes these things are good and sometimes they are bad for us. How can we know the difference? If what we are pursuing in seeking personal satisfaction is at the expense of relationships with our family, friends, and most of all God, it is wrong. The "thing" itself may not be wrong, but we may need to examine our method of pursuit. Is it all consuming? Many people misquote the verse in the Bible regarding money. It does not say, "money is the root of evil," but rather, "the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." What are you pursuing in this life that has drawn you away from seeking the Lord and His righteousness first? "The cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful." " Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you."

Tip of the Day 6/13/12

99 Days of Summer: Today is the perfect time to create Wacky Wednesdays. If you have children have them help you think of some silly/fun things to do all summer. Place all the ideas in a jar and draw one out each week. Be creative with this. The sillier the better for the kids. As an adult you could use the day to cheer up your co-workers. Take little bottles of bubbles to everyone at work, or a cookie jar on your desk for everyone to help themselves to. Laughter is good medicine and Wednesday is a good day to bring it.

Word for Today, Guilty: If you were brought before a judge and jury to be tried on the charge of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? "I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day." I want to hear said of me, "guilty as charged."

Tip of the Day 6/12/12

99 Days of Summer: Remember as a child begging your Mom to let you have a lemonade stand. You would sell those little cups for a dime and this was your first taste of big business. In reality it probably cost more than you made, but it is a great pursuit for children. If you have never made fresh homemade lemonade, try doing it today. Or try adding fresh limes or lemons to water for a refreshing summer drink. Determine to drink healthy this summer and set aside the sugary drinks that will weigh you down literally and financially. It is a great season to start a new habit of health.

Word for Today, Best: It has been said that "the greatest enemy of the best is second best." It is so easy to settle for second best, it looks so good and is so much cheaper. When we settle for second best we will pay for it in the end, it will always end up costing us more. Cheap imitations are everywhere, but they are all flawed. What are you sacrificing in order to pursue a relationship that you believe will bring fulfillment? Are you pouring yourself into a job to the detriment of your family? Second best always looks good initially, but in end will fall apart. In the book of Revelation we are told that the church in the city of Ephesus started out strong, serving the Lord, but went back to their old ways. They were called to "return to their first love." The church in Galatia was chastised and called fools because they had turned from trusting in the Lord to trying to accomplish things on their own. Have you chased after things that have drawn you away from the Lord? Relationships and providing for your family are good things if the Lord is directing them and He remains the best. Don't settle for second best. In the end it will fall apart.

 

Tip of the Day 6/11/12

99 Days of Summer: Now that summer is in full swing this is a great time to learn a new skill. Several years ago Richard and I decided that instead of a vacation we would do a "staycation" and take cooking lessons. It was so much fun and we have really benefited from all we learned. What have you always wanted to learn how to do and just never pursued? I have always wanted to learn how to weave on a loom and saw a store this weekend that I am going to check with for lessons. Remember the movie from a couple of years ago "Julie and Julia" about the woman that cooked her way through Julia Child's cookbook? Checkout a book or videos from the library and learn from them. PBS Create channel offers great teaching programs for everything from painting to knitting. Craft stores and home improvement stores offer classes and free workshops on a variety of topics for kids and adults. Let's get up and learn something this summer, stop dreaming and start doing.

Word for Today, Continue: Richard tells a story of a farmer whose neighbors questioned his odd behavior. Everyday they saw him out in his field walking around holding an open book over his head pointing to the words and talking to the sky. When questioned about this he said he was reminding God of his promises in the Bible and asking for them to be fulfilled. He trusted God to do all He had said He would do. Since the farmer had children that were struggling he was reminding God of the promise that said, he and all his household would be saved. Never give up, if God has promised He will do it. Continue in prayer and love and wait to see God work. "When he was still a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran and kissed him."