Jesus

Focus

/ Gail Johnson / 1 Comment

And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34 KJV

dictionary-1149723_1280In today’s world, we can easily become distracted. However, when our hearts are out of focus, we often miss the opportunity to fulfill our purpose.

In the above scripture, Jesus recognized the spiritual need and moved with purpose. He saw the people as sheep needing a shepherd. They needed guidance, protection, and sustenance.

The disciples, on the other hand, focused on the people temporal needs and their own inabilities.

And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. Mark 6:35-36

Isn’t it remarkable how we state the obvious when focused on the wrong thing? The disciples focused on place and time and shared their insights with the very One who had created both!

“All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:3 KJV

Lord, I’m not in a good place. This land is so dry! This isn’t a good time! How can I minister to others when I’m in need myself?

Have you ever been there?

When Jesus asked Philip where they could buy bread, Philip fixated on the disciple’s insufficient funds.

“Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” John 6:7 KJV

Am I guilty of such observations? Yes. Yes. And yes, again. Over and over I state the obvious while the spiritual purpose of my present circumstances stares at me.

Thankfully, the Lord doesn’t leave me in my bleary-eyed state but commands me to take inventory of what I have, what I know, and what I can do. Then I am to place it all in His hands and allow him to bless and multiply it.

He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. Mark 6:38 KJV

And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. Mark 6:41 KJV

I’m learning that faith isn’t ignoring the circumstances around me. Faith is seeing every difficulty but remaining focused on the One standing in the midst Who is Faithful to supply every need.

And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men. Mark 6:42-44

Where is your focus?

 

 

The Best Yes – Lysa TerKeurst

/ Gail Johnson / 3 Comments

The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

Book blurb

The Best Yes Lysa TerKeurst

Are you living with the stress of an overwhelmed schedule and aching with the sadness of an underwhelmed soul?

Lysa TerKeurst is learning that there is a big difference between saying yes to everyone and saying yes to God. In The Best Yes she will help you:

  • Cure the disease to please with a biblical understanding of the command to love.
  • Escape the guilt of disappointing others by learning the secret of the small no.
  • Overcome the agony of hard choices by embracing a wisdom based decision-making process.
  • Rise above the rush of endless demands and discover your best yes today

My Thoughts

Have you ever had problems with saying no?  I have. Do you often find yourself grumpy and stretched thin after saying yes? Yep, me too. Do you say yes knowing you don’t have the time or the energy to give the project 100%? I’m guilty.

And a stressed yes is like snow on a tree that refuses to release its leaves. It causes cracks and breaks at our core. – Lysa TerKeurst

In this world, we are often a blur of action until we drop in exhaustion.  But thankfully, there is a better way. In her book, The Best Yes, Lysa TerKeurst tells her readers how to decide when to say yes, how to implement the soft no, and when and how to give an answer.

I know the weight of carrying more than I should. And usually it’s because I’ve refused to release something before taking on something else. – Lysa TerKeurst

Using Biblical insights and personal stories, TerKeurst helps the reader to understand there are times when a no answer is better for everyone involved. She explains not making a decision is actually a decision and releasing the “good” things allow us to commit to our “best” things.

I can’t expect to have room for my Best Yes opportunities if I refuse to release the clutter. – Lysa TerKeurst

The Best Yes will give you an idea how to organize your time, evaluate your situation, and implement your God-given gifts in a way that pleases God, protects your relationships, and stops the insanity of chaotic decision making.

I thought The Best Yes to be informative and filled with practical advice. If you struggle with saying no, I recommend reading The Best Yes, Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands.

I own a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Letters From Home

/ Gail Johnson / 4 Comments

 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Psalms 25:25

Rather than waste time talking about food on the phone when we could be talking about your day, I thought I would send you this via the website, instead.

Monkey Bread

Levi’s Monkey Bread

I’m glad to hear you conquered the Monkey bread recipe. The picture looked good enough to eat. I’m still waiting for my piece to arrive in the mail. You are aware eating the whole thing in two days is not good for you, right?

 And now, you tell me you have a hankering for Chicken and Spaghetti?

Unfortunately, we have a problem. Unlike the Magic Cookie Bars, I can’t mail the chicken. So, I’m sending you the list of ingredients and the instructions. Send me a picture.

You will need:

  • 1 whole boneless chicken breast
  • ½ cup Progresso Italian Bread Crumbs
  • 1 jar Paul Newman’s Marinara Sauce minus ¼ cup
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ to ¾ cup oil (Crisco or olive) Use just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan
  • Salt
  • Sargento’s Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Sargento’s sliced Provolone Cheese
  • Spaghetti

Directions:

Add two quarts of water to a 4-quart pot. Bring to boil. Add enough spaghetti for two servings.

Slice chicken breast horizontally as evenly as possible. (Four thin slices)

Salt

*(For you) Eliminate the egg and milk wash for obvious reasons and coat lightly with Olive oil or Crisco

Dredge in bread crumbs

Heat oil on medium-high heat

Fry chicken 3-4 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, drain pasta.

Remove two chicken slices for tomorrow.

Add marinara to the remaining slices and let simmer until bubbling.

Add shredded mozzarella to the marinara and a slice of provolone atop the chicken. Turn off heat. Cover. When the cheese has melted, serve over pasta. Plate the other for your lunch.

 Next day:

  • 2 buns or 4 slices of bread
  • Butter
  • ¼ cup marinara
  • Sargento’s Provolone cheese
  • Leftover chicken breast
  • Mezzetta pepperoncini

 Warm one slice of chicken in oven or microwave. It’s your choice.

Spread butter on your favorite Italian bread, Hamburger bun, Kaiser Roll, etc. Place under the broiler. Remove when toasted. Spread marinara sauce over warm bread. Add provolone, chicken, and pepperoncini.

Bag the second sandwich for lunch.

I hope you enjoy it. I miss you bunches. But I’m excited about this new adventure. Remember every promise God has given will come to pass. Until then, be content with what He has done thus far, knowing He is faithful to perform His Word. Talk with you this afternoon.

Hugs and kisses,

Mama

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