Mary Crisp Jameson - copyright material







Sunday, October 30, 2016

Believe

     Jesus said in John 3:16-18, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God send not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.  He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
     I love this scripture!  It is all about salvation through faith.  Even though we have not seen God in person, the Christian has felt His mighty presence and seen His works in their lives and in the lives of others. 
     Other synonyms we can use for "believe" is to rest assured, be convinced, to have confidence in, to affirm, to give credence to, and to accept.  We accept that Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins and to give us eternal life, and by accepting, we rejoice in the truth of the cross.  With our acceptance, we obtain the living presence of the Holy Spirit.  We obtain peace, joy, and love. 
     For those who have heard but not believed, and have chosen to use antonyms like; reject, dispute, discard, and ignore, rest assured there will be will be a future, either in heaven or in hell.  What will be your final decision?  Is it worth the chance?  Is it not time to let God enter your heart so that heaven can be your final destination? 
     Here in "A Friendly Shade", I rest assured that the Bible leaves no doubt there is a life after death, and for me, it will be heaven; my final home which will be filled with light, "for the glory of God will lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. "  (Revelation 21:23b)    

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Fear

     Fear seems to be a natural occurrence in the heart of anyone who anticipates danger, faces illness, or unknown circumstances.  I have to remind myself continually about releasing my fear to the One who is in control.   To do this I have to return to scripture:   

John 14:27   " Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Psalm 23:4 "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."

Psalm 34:4 "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Isaiah 41:13 "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you."

     I know that God alone can give me peace when I lift up my voice to Him in prayer.  I don't have to remind myself of God's peace through scriptures.  All I have to do is pray to find it; however, the following are some of my favorite scriptures of his promises.

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Philippians 4:7  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

     As I sit here in "A Friendly Shade" and face an unknown situation which recently cropped up in my life, I find myself relying more and more on my God who sent His only Son to die on the cross for me.  If He loved me that much, how much more will He do to keep me and my loved ones from harm?   My peace comes from Him.  He is the living presence in my heart; His peace truly "transcends all understanding." 

      If anyone does not know the God of peace, you can find Him through accepting Jesus as your Savior.  John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

 

   

Monday, October 17, 2016

Sweet Potato Pie

     Most all my friends around "A Friendly Shade" know one of my weaknesses is my 'sweet tooth.'     I did try to resist, for just a little while, before satisfying my craving, but nothing I did could steer me away from digging out my cookbook to make my annual sweet potato pie. 
     Most reading this blog will say, "It's October!  The rage is pumpkin pie.  Why not pumpkin?"  I have to admit I have never liked pumpkin pie.  Growing up, I didn't like sweet potato pie either.  Yet, when I tried the following recipe from an old family friend, I fell in love with sweet potato pie. 
     For that reason, I have decided to share the recipe.  I hope anyone who decides to make it enjoys it too. 
     The funny thing about all this is that when I started typing the recipe, I suddenly realized that I left the cornstarch out of the pie yesterday.  I did wonder why it was not as firm as it should have been.   Hey,  it was still good and did satisfy my craving.  By the way, if you do not have cornstarch, you can substitute 3 tablespoons of flour.

                                            Sweet Potato Pie
2 tablespoons cornstarch                      
2 teaspoons nutmeg
1 2/3 cups sugar                                     
2 eggs
1 cup cooked, mashed sweet potatoes                                         
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup evaporated milk                      
1/4 cup light corn syrup
pinch of salt
 
Mix together and pour into an unbaked pie shell and cook at 350 degrees for 55 minutes.
 
     Let the pie cool, then find yourself  "A Friendly Shade" surrounded by colorful fall leaves, and enjoy a big slice with a steaming cup of coffee.  Meditate on that first bite and give thanks to the God of Heavens for your abundant blessings. 
 



 

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Happiness - Day 3 continued...

     The pages of my book, The Be Happy Attitudes, written by Robert H. Schuller, are yellowed and fragile probably because I bought this book over 20 years ago.  I don't save a lot of books, but this is one I have not been able to discard or give away.  I purchased it at a time in my life when I was going through a bad situation and had lost my joy in life.  The book uses the Beautitudes to provide eight positive attitudes that can transform your life.
     I searched Amazon and found that The Be Happy Attitudes book is still available, and I do recommend it to anyone looking to maintain joy in their life.   I am not good with book reviews and could not do justice for all the valuable information provided.  However, I would like to share a few of his ideas.  First let me start out with the Beatitudes given by Jesus in His "Sermon on the Mount."

1. "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
2. "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."
3. "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."
4. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
5. "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy."
6. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
7. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God."
8. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Schuller tells us that "blessed literally means happy."  I particularly like one of his quotes, "What is the cross?  It is a minus turned into a plus!"  In his introduction, Schuller starts out by telling us that happiness is elusive.  "How often have you thought:  If only I had that car...then I'd be satisfied!  If only I could find someone truly to love me ...then I'd be happy!  If only I wasn't under so much financial stress...then I'd be content!  If only...If only..."  Then he states, "All the 'If only's' in the world- even if they all came true- still could not guarantee your happiness."  He quotes Karl Menninger, "Attitudes are more important than facts."

     Just sharing the first of this book has made me want to find a cozy, comfortable  corner in "A Friendly Shade" and read the book one more time.  I hope the pages do not fall apart from age.  If so, I will be forced to order a new one. 
     Below is an easy link to assess the book if you want some good solid advise on learning to be happy using 8 positive attitudes.  Trust me! the book is not boring.

https://www.amazon.com/Be-Happy-Attitudes-Positive-Transform/dp/0553264583/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475481086&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Be+Happy+Attitudes

Monday, October 3, 2016

Happiness...continued

     Yesterday I talked about the "Ten Things To Let Go Of To Be Happy" which I had found on a Facebook posting.  Today, I would like to share ten more things which I believe will help people find happiness, with number one taking priority.

1.  Accept Jesus as your Savior:  John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

2.  Pray daily:  1 Thessalonians 5:17-18  "Pray without ceasing.  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

3.  Read the Bible daily:  Psalms 18:30 "As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.

4.  Show love to God and to one another: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 "If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   Love never fails."

5. Watch your words and also do not gossip:  Let your speech be kind:  Proverbs 15:23 "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"  Proverbs 18:8 "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts." Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much."

6.  Seek righteous behavior above worldly actions:  Romans 14:17 "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

7.  Avoid the ways of unbelievers: Psalms 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.  But his delight is in the law of the Lord.

8.  Let go of fear and worry:   Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."   Matthew 6:24-35 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

9.  Trust God with all things:  Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

10. Let your treasure be found in your heart, in God, not in earthly possessions:  Matthew 6:23 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal."

There is so much that can be found in the Bible regarding ways to be happy and joyful.  My next blog will continue with The Be Happy Attitudes ....
 
 




  


 








 
 
 
 
 




















  


 

 
















































































































 

 
 








  
 


Sunday, October 2, 2016

Happiness!

     I don't know who wrote this, but I read a post on Facebook about "Ten Things To Let Go Of To Be Happy."  They were:
1.  Let go of toxic people in your life.
2.  Let go of regretting past mistakes.
3.  Let go of the need to be right.
4.  Let go of feeling sorry for yourself.
5.  Let go of negative self talk.
6.  Let go of the need to impress others.
7.  Let go of limiting beliefs.
8.  Let go of the need to please everyone.
9.  Let go of gossip and complaining.
10.Let go worrying about the future.

     Developing these above listed habits sound like a good plan on the road to being happy, and if we research them further they are probably derived from biblical instructions.  Below are just a few of the scriptures I found that might go along with each one. 

1.  Toxic people:  Proverbs 18:1-2  "An unfriendly person pursues selfish ends and against all sound judgment starts quarrels.  Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions."  Proverbs 18:24 "One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."   Psalm 26:9  "Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men."

2.  Past mistakes:  Hebrews 8:12 "For I will be merciful to their righteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.  Romans 3:25 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."  Roman 4:7 "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

3. Need to be right: 2 Corinthians 13:11 "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."  Matthew 6:15 " But if  ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

4.  Feeling sorry for self: James 1:2-3  "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."

5.  Negative self talk:  Philippians 4:8-9 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you."


6.  Need to impress: Psalms 1:1-2 "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.  But his delight is in the law of  the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night."  1 Timothy 2:9-10  " In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;  But with good works."

7. Limiting beliefs:  Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

8.  Need to please:  Isaiah 51:7 "Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings."  Colossians 3:23 "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;"

9.  Gossip and complaining:  Proverbs 20:19 "A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much."  Romans 1:29 "They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips,"   Proverbs 26:22 "The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts."

10. Worrying about the future:  Matthew 6:34 "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."

Although difficult at times, being happy is a part of the Christian life.  We are given a hope, a promise, and the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us even in our darkest moments.  We should rejoice in God. 

Happiness to be continued in my next blog.... 

























 









 

 

 

  







    

 
 
 


Saturday, October 1, 2016

Who is the Son of Man?

     In Matthew 16:13-18 Jesus asked:  “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  
They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 
"But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.  And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
     As I sat in "A Friendly Shade" and read these verses I asked myself who Jesus was.  My answer from A to Z is the following:

Alpha
Bread of Life
Christ
Deliverer
Everlasting Father
Father of All
God of the Universe
Holy Ghost
Immanuel
Jehovah
King of Kings
Lamb of God
Messiah
Nazarene
Only Begotten Son
Prince of Peace
Quiet Voice of Truth 
Redeemer
Savior
Teacher
Unchanging God
Vine of Strength
Word of Life
Yahweh

Most of all, Jesus is alive! He is always available.