Psalm 25:9 and a few thoughts on humility...

Humility is often seen as a weak and wimpy character trait.

But in my opinion, it's one of the most powerful, godly traits we can have.

Humility is, at its root, truly understanding our utter need and dependence on God.

When we do, we realize we never have a reason to think of ourselves as better than someone else.

We know that all that we have and all that we are is due to God's grace in our lives,

not because of some worthiness on our part.

Humility is something we choose, not something we ask God for.

His Word instructs us to humble ourselves under His mighty hand,

and He will exalt us in due time.

So humility is the opposite of self-promotion,

it's trusting God to promote you if and when it's His time.

Wow, that's convicting me even as I type the words,

because the world tells us we must promote ourselves and build our platform if we want to succeed.

Yet, in God's upside down kingdom, we go lower to get higher.

I sure want to God to lead me in the right way, in His way.

Yet too often,  I choose the way of pride and refuse to be easily led.

Like a toddler I say, "I'll do it myself", in essence wanting to go my own way instead of His.

Humility lets God lead.

I don't think we can just make a one time lifetime decision and declare, "I choose to be humble!",

and think that's all there is to it.

I think humility is a moment by moment choice in various situations and circumstances in life.

-I chose to focus on this person instead of drawing attention to myself.

-I chose to congratulate someone when they are getting the promotion I wish I had.

-I chose to serve when I'd rather be served.

-I chose to listen when I'd rather give my opinion.

-I chose to give when I'd rather spend on myself.

-I choose God's way even when it's not convenient or isn't popular with others.

I have so much to learn and so much room to grow when it comes to choosing humility in my own life,

but it's never too late to start, right in this moment, and the next, and the next, and the next.

still following,

Also happily linking up with the lovely Lisha Epperson.

Friday Faves...September changes at my house

Whenever we get home from a trip, I start puttering around the house.

I guess the way I ease back into real life is by nesting.

When we got home from vacation last Friday, 

I made these September changes to my mantel before I even unpacked my suitcase!

Joy is my "one word" for 2014, 

so these metal letters have been displayed in different ways in my home all year long.

I'm still in love with this little Goodwill oil painting I picked up last year.

Old mustard crocks are also Goodwill finds, 

and make great vases for some dried flower and feather arrangements on my mantel.

The set of old books by Charles Dickens is also a Goodwill find.

Goodwill should pay me for advertising!

The mirror on my mantel shows you a peek of my bread board gallery wall.

I was so proud of myself that on our entire vacation I only spent $18 antiquing,

but I did spend $24.99 on this deer head at TJMaxx.

I had a gift card that paid for it though, so that made it free, right?

Well, it's almost Friday, friends.

Have a 

HAPPY, HAPPY Friday

and 

a BLESSED weekend!

         

Jennifer Rizzo's Fabulously Creative Friday

One True God...

Our politically correct society doesn’t want us to think, much less speak out,

that there is only one true God.

The God of the Bible, the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth, is the only God.

All other gods and religions of this world are the creation of man’s imagination, idols, idolatry.

It isn’t cruel or unkind to speak this Truth.

In fact it’s the cruelest of cruelties to know this Truth and not to speak it!

We know the One True God.

We know that there is only One Way to be saved and to have eternal life,

and that is through believing in God’s Son Jesus Christ and in what He did for our salvation

and in receiving Him as our Lord and Savior.

SHOUT IT OUT!

The God Who Created the Heavens and the Earth,

the God of the Bible,

is the One True God.

He loves You with an immeasurable love beyond compare.

He sacrificed His Son so He could have you in His forever family.

This is Truth worth sharing unashamedly.

(This is a repost that I originally posted here in January of 2012. 

 I'm reading Hosea with She Reads Truth, and I am again reminded how seriously God takes it when we seek after other gods, or even idolize other people.  Israel worshiped other gods as well as looked to other nations for help instead of to the Lord.  Like an adulterous bride she broke God's heart, and yet He continued to plea with Israel to turn back to Him.  When she did He readily forgave her.  Our nation is in dire straits because we have left the foundational truths of the Bible.  We, as individuals, must make sure we haven't done the same,

 and we must pray for our nation and her leaders.)

still following,

   

Also joining THOUGHT PROVOKING THURSDAYS 

at 3-D Lessons for Life

and 

Kelli at CHRONICLES OF GRACE

Delicious Healthy Oat Nut Pancakes...

These pancakes are packed with nutritious ingredients,

but they are still delicious!

Even my husband thinks so, and he usually turns up his nose at anything labeled healthy!

(Although, I must admit he's gotten a lot better at healthy eating lately!)

The batter for these pancakes sits overnight in the refrigerator,

and will stay good for a few days if kept refrigerated.

When you first make the batter it appears to be way too thin.

Then after sitting in the refrigerator overnight it thickens up.

These pancakes are very hearty, so two small pancakes made with 1/4 cup batter each is plenty of breakfast for me.

I especially like them drizzled with honey, but maple syrup is great as well.

The hubs eats his with some peanut butter and sugar free syrup on top.

Here's the recipe!

Oat Nut Pancakes

Whisk together dry ingredients:

1 cup oat bran

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

2 Tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teapoon salt

Add:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)

1/2 cup raisins (or if you prefer dried cranberries or chopped up dried apricots would be good)

2 cups lowfat buttermilk

1 cup lowfat or skim milk

Stir together.

Cover and let batter sit in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

Spoon about 1/4 cup onto heated, greased griddle.

Flip when bubbles appear.

Enjoy!

still following,

http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com

                  

Jennifer Rizzo's Fabulously Creative Friday

Nature's treasures...

(Kim's just a touch texture, lighten, 15% opacity)

When we were on vacation last week, I gathered some of nature's treasures on our walks.

(Kim's derek texture, lighten, 20% opacity)

(Kim's play texture, multiply, 50% opacity)

 (Kim's elevate texture, lighten, 15% opacity)

Then when we get home, I put the juniper in a glass bottle, 

and added the dried flowers to an arrangement on the mantel.

It's a beautiful way to remember a wonderful time in a lovely place.

(The smell of the juniper is what the air smells like in central Oregon.  Heavenly.)

 (Kim's everyday texture, hardlight, 40% opacity)

(Kim's achieve texture, overlay, 25% opacity)

still following,

texture-twist