Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine Winter 2014
Sister -in- Focus Betty Oten plus Celebrating a Miracle
Inside: Year Round Poinsettias Knit Mini Stockings Holiday 8 Gift Wrapping Turkey Ideas & Pumpkin Issue 5 Recipes! Let’s Celebrate page 62 Winter 2014 Home+Family What’s Inside Features
6 Give Thanks Thankfulness is a good thing.
19 Sister in Focus The joy God hath wrought in this sweet sister’s full life.
26 My Witnessing Story First she went to Sao Paulo and the Amazon, but now Belem is missionary home base for Samantha as she steps out to 9Mind Your Marriage 59 Out of the Box 60 Grace-Filled 74 Creativity witness in Brazil. How to make our marriages not just 8 fresh Ideas for presenting your Gardener Here’s a lesson in adding color patterns survive, but to shine. presents this year. Learn how to keep your poinsettia plants to your knitting ability and patterns for 8 year after year. small, adorable stockings. 42 Celebrating a Miracle God heals and when it happens in your life, it takes on miraculous 30 Reel Gems 54 Homemade for Health 62 Bond Appétit proportions. Don’t miss Mom’s Night Out as it will Need some easy ways to make your Turkey and Pumpkin — Yep, it’s time for have you laughing and praising the Lord metals shine this season? Could you the holidays. for your blessings. benefit from some Eco-friendly, Soul+Spirit Life+Work budget-loving, dish-washing aids? Index of Writers’ Work Podcasts Contact Writers through [email protected] If you haven’t found our podcasts, then we invite you to subscribe easily Alice L. Arakelian: The Patient Bird using iTunes, YouTube, or Stitcher. You Bethany Bond: Creativity, Layout, Design, Artwork, & Photography unless otherwise noted. can follow us directly from Blog- Jill Bond: Editor’s Welcome, Homemade for Health, Bond Appétit, & TalkRadio or download the mp3 files from our website. By using our Closing Thoughts “magazine-on-tape” feature, you can Samantha Carannante: My Witnessing Story rest your eyes and catch up on your Penny Cooke: Penny’s From Heaven, & Penny’s Two-Cents Worth, reading just by listening. Elizabeth Dolica: Give Thanks, & Highlighted Bio 46 For the Love of Hebrew 13 The Patient Bird 32 Her Master’s Business 51 Penny’s Two Cents riters anted bbey ayle ind our arriage A gentle introduction to Jewish holidays, W W B. A G : M Y M A life lesson from a broken wing. Our own local, Shady Rest, is the Worth Has God been doing a work in you Hana gives us some ideas for joining Seminole Inn in Indiantown, giving us a Susan Hopek: Sister in Focus Need a reason to celebrate? Penny gives that you want to give Him credit for? Jesus in celebrating the Festival of Lights. tangible Florida history lesson. In us a tried and true reason to celebrate Bitsy LaPortal: Techie Granny, & Plan of Salvation addition to a background article, Anne each and every day: God’s Grace. Ever have a nudge to put it into Marie tells us of her own joyous words? We are open to submissions, Jessica LeMaster: Highlighted Bio experience at the inn. especially for the Her Master’s 14 Penny’s From Heaven 77 Plan of Salvation Business and My Witnessing Story. Kerry Santucci: Celebrating a Miracle Wrapping up her study on P.R.A.Y.E.R., Ever need to witness to your tech-savvy 39 Techie Granny 78 Highlighted Bios Check with our web page for upcom- Staff: Her Master's Business, Out of the Box, & Grace-Filled Gardener Penny shows us how to Rest in the Lord. friends? Bitsy gives you a digital-friendly Technology allows us to have almost Learn more about writers Jessica She asks if you are a warrior or a worrier. way of presenting the gospel. ing themes, deadlines, and submis- Anne Marie Trense: Reel Gems, & Because Kindness Matters instant entertainment with a variety of LeMaster and Elizabeth Dolica. sion forms. We’d like to hear how God digital devices. is magnifying Himself in your life. Hana Whitefield: For the Love of Hebrew Front Cover photo taken by Bethany Bond | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 2 Back Cover photo taken by Sheila Daury 3 Mission Statement: To bless ladies by showing Jesus fleshed out in the lives Editor’s Welcome of other women by sharing articles of His Presence in their lives that agree with the Scriptures. Staff:
Coming Up in Our Next Issue: Editor & Publisher: Jill Bond [email protected] Publishing Date — If The Lord wills… Blessed Living Asst. Editor & Designer: Bethany Bond Women’s E-Magazine Mid-February, 2015 Jill Patrice Bond Associate Editors well. Our grace-filled gardener teaches us how to Theme: All Things New Penny Cooke save our poinsettia plants for next year. know that there are dozens of reasons No Longer Shy — Overcoming Shyness Susan Hopek to pout with ISIS, Fukushima, Ebola, Anne Marie invites us to enjoy the hilarious Moms Night Out in her Reel Gems column and to How the Passover Seder Displays Yeshua Inflation, droughts, earthquakes, Writers divorces, estrangements, national debt, visit the Seminole Inn in our Her Master’s Business Bonus Article — The "S" of P.R.A.Y.E.R.S. article. Bethany and I were so impressed with her Alice L. Arakelian healthcare,I idolatry, A New House in Penny's From Heaven experience we had lunch there one day, taking Bethany Bond ad infinitum. But God has never lost control. He still reigns. more pictures, learning the Inn's history, and Digitalizing Memories Samantha Carannante - So, let’s celebrate all the glories that He pours speaking with Jonni, the owner. Susan delights us Penny Cooke with her interview with Betty Oten, a living re into our lives. Let’s celebrate His mercy, His Grace, Elizabeth Dolica minder of God’s Grace in the Sister-in-Focus His Love. Visit Our Links for Updates: B. Abbey Gayle While we still have time. article. Bitsy gives you some entertainment options Susan Hopek Ah, Jill why did you have to say that? Because we have today and today we can and branches out to write the Plan of Salvation Blog — blwemag.wordpress.com Bitsy LaPortal from a not-so-common perspective. It might -help choose to love, to embrace, to rejoice. E-Magazine URL — www.blwemag.com Jessica LeMaster We choose to celebrate. We choose to find you as you witness to your tech-savvy grand Kerry Santucci daughter. Facebook Page — www.facebook.com/BlessedLiving- things to celebrate. We choose whom we will Anne Marie Trense One evening, Bethany showed me a charming celebrate with and for. WomensEMagazine Hana Whitefield So, with that in mind, I invite you to Issue 5 – miniature stocking, and I had to have her write about making it. She created several more designs Twitter — www.twitter.com/@blessedLivingWE Let’s Celebrate. I’m celebrating our new and guest and shares them with you in her Creativity writers this issue and our returning faithful Pinterest — Blessed Living Photography column. columnists. YouTube Channel — Blessed Living Alice L. Arakelian For all of you who are at all crafty, we have Kerry Santucci reminds us of how marvelous Bethany Bond given you three bookmarks that you could print our God is in Celebrating a Miracle. Samantha Paul Careccia out, laminate or decorate with ribbon or sparkles. Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine is published by a fel- Carannante just flew to Brazil for a year and shares With all the work about to take place in your lowship of women who attend a wonderful church of the Penny Cooke how her journey is beginning. Sheila Daury Alice L. Arakelian shares a life lesson from a kitchen over the holidays, I thought I’d rustle up Treasure Coast of Florida. This magazine is an independent some kitchen cleaning tips in Homemade for broken wing in her poem, The Patient Bird. Jessica LeMaster We are publishing words from Elizabeth Dolica Health and some Turkey and Pumpkin recipes in project and is not an official publication of that church. Kerry Santucci Bond Appétit. I’ve also added my own 2-cents journal that was shared at her memorial service. Kay Spitzbarth worth about all the superfluous words on the Hana Whitefield joins our staff as an aficionada of Blessed Living is a publication of The Bonding Place, LLC. Each writer Anne Marie Trense Internet in Closing Thoughts. the Biblical background studies of the Hebraic retains full copyright of her articles. They have given permission for May your holidays be filled with more and nature of Scripture passages. The Bonding Place, LLC to publish their articles in this e-magazine. Penny wraps up her encouraging study on more reasons to celebrate as you grow in your Art relationship with Jesus. For reprints of individual articles, please contact the writer directly for P.R.A.Y.E.R. and I couldn’t agree with her more Bethany Bond about celebrating His Grace. Abbey is back giving permission. This e-magazine is offered freely to the public and you may Lynn Marie Carlsen (Reel Gems Logo) us real helps with keeping our marriage alive and distribute freely. Please share the links to our magazine with anyone Jill and everyone. You are welcome to print copies – as long as it is an exact copy with the copyright clearly visible. No commercial reprinting allowed – you may not sell any of this e-magazine. Design and full mag- All errors are ours. azine copyright to The Bonding Place, LLC. All rights reserved. All Glory is God’s. 4 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 5 22 But the Holy Spirit And you know that Feature produces this kind of God anointed Jesus of 22 The faithful love of fruit in our lives: love, joy, Nazareth with the Holy the Lord never ends! 16 Always be joyful. peace, patience, kindness, Spirit and with power. His mercies never 17 Never stop praying. goodness, faithfulness, Then Jesus went around cease. 18 Be thankful in all 23 gentleness, and doing good and healing 23 Great is his faith- circumstances, for this Give Thanks self-control. There is no all who were oppressed fulness; is God’s will for you who law against these things! by the devil, for God was His mercies begin belong to Christ Jesus. Galatians 5:22-23 NLT with him. afresh each morning. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Acts 10:38 Lamentations 3:22-23
have? whether he had much or little. temptations we do and yet The Apostle Paul learned to It is so easy to complain he remained sinless. (Heb. be content in every situation about life and what we don’t 4:15) and circumstance of life. have instead of counting our King David’s praises (Phil 4:11) He learned blessings. At times like that we always focused on God’s how to get along must turn our eyes upon Jesus glorious acts. David’s list happily and look into the face of gives us many things to be hat does it salvation, cling to him, lean on thankful for: God’s forgive- mean to Him, and never stop trusting ness and healing – the give Him (Heb. 4:14). Gospel twins; God’s salva- thanks? Our Jesus understands tion and love; His kindness, W our weaknesses for mercy, and grace; His It is to acknowledge the He faced all the Justice; His patience with us; goodness of God. His words and actions same and His tenderness. (Ps 103) Jesus said, were always to move You can always count evildoers toward God. your blessings — past, … “Only God is truly Jesus displayed an present, and future — no good.” active goodness that matter how difficult life’s “does good” toward journey is. Luke 18:19b others. He went about We all go through tough times. The essence of God’s doing good, and we nature is the quality of should follow in His steps. being good. Goodness is a (Acts 10:38) The righteous person powerful virtue, but It is so good to say faces many troubles, thank you to the Lord and what happens to always goodness must be tem- but the lord comes to be thankful, for this is pered with kindness and to sing praises to the God God’s will for you who the rescue each time. Jesus alone is our example. who is above all gods. (Ps belong to Christ Jesus. Psalm 34:19 God’s goodness is listed 92:1-2) Thank Him for His (1 Thess 5:16-18) Only as part of the Fruit of the unconditional love, His unthinking people Jesus said, Holy Spirit and is a very faithfulness, and His tender mercies that are never give thanks. (Ps specific goodness. Gal( new every morning. ( 92:6) “…Here on Earth you 5:22-23) Lam Are you truly When Jesus was 3:22-23) will have many trials and thankful for what God confronted with evil He The Bible, God’s Word, sorrows. But take heart, has given you or are you responded with goodness. teaches us to always be because I have overcome always thinking about He always moved in joyful and keep on the world.” praying, and no matter what you would like to kindness towards people. (All Scripture NLT) John 16:33 6 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 7 express my gratitude to my Maker, my You are blessed. Father, my Savior, and my Redeemer for Mind Your Marriage Only a simpleton would You are alive. shedding His Holy Healing blood for me. not know, Today God breathed into your nostrils He is my Restorer, Rebuilder, and and only a fool would the Breath of Life. There is no more Rewarder. Recognize, Realign, Recommit, and Celebrate! not understand this: precious gift than life so enjoy “the He is the difference maker in my life. Psalm 92:6 present.” He alone is good. Today and every day let us bring the May all your lives overflow with Not that I was ever in sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving into thanksgiving in thanking God first and in hy is marriage under need, for I have learned attack today? the house of the Lord, around our dinner thanking those around who have blessed how to be content with Why is our culture tables, and into our prayer closets with your life. (Col 2:7) whatever I have. renewed hope in knowing and believing recklessly trying to Philippians 4:11 Wredefine marriage? that God is truly a good and gracious God ©2014 Elizabeth Dolica, All Rights Why at times is marriage viewed as (Ex 34:6). Reserved BLWE 14 So then, since we have The voices of a million angels cannot a ball and chain or just a legally a great High Priest who binding contract? 1 Let all that I am praise the Lord; 14 For he knows how weak we are; has entered heaven, Jesus Why are marriages ending at such with my whole heart, I will praise his he remembers we are only dust. the Son of God, let us hold an unimaginably high rate? holy name. 15 Our days on earth are like grass; firmly to what we believe. Why are people jumping from one 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. 15 This High Priest of marriage to another – frantically may I never forget the good things he 16 The wind blows, and we are ours understands our weak- fishing for that perfect spouse to does for me. gone—as though we had never been nesses, for he faced all of complete them? 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all here. the same testings we do, yet Why are so many people deciding my diseases. 17 But the love of the Lord remains he did not sin. to live as free spirits thereby scrapping 4 He redeems me from death and forever with those who fear him. His Hebrews 4:14-15 marriage altogether skipping from crowns me with love and tender mer- salvation extends to the children’s chil- one relationship to another and cies. dren The righteous person experimenting with all different kinds 5 He fills my life with good things. 18 of those who are faithful to his faces many troubles, of relationships? Where do My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! covenant, of those who obey his com- but the Lord comes to The sad truth is that this is the 6 The Lord gives righteousness and mandments! the rescue each time. world, and it is sick, and it is broken, you fit? justice to all who are treated unfairly. 19 The Lord has made the heavens Psalm 34:19 and it is dark, and it is lost. 7 He revealed his character to Moses his throne; from there he rules over Perhaps the saddest question, and his deeds to the people of Israel. everything. The Lord passed in front though, is: Why are so many Christian Could it be that we, individually and the expectations of the routine and 8 The Lord is compassionate and 20 Praise the Lord, you angels, you of Moses, calling out, couples ending or merely enduring collectively, have not been renewed in reality of everyday life when the merciful, slow to get angry and filled mighty ones who carry out his plans, “Yahweh! The Lord! their marriage when God expects us our minds to the likeness of Christ, but honeymoon is over… you know, that with unfailing love. listening for each of his commands. The God of compassion to shine for Him? that we have been conforming a little ever-elusive “happily ever after?” 9 He will not constantly accuse us, 21 Yes, praise the Lord, you armies and mercy! I am slow to an- Could the answer be simple… but bit too much (or a lot too much) to the Marriage, not just the ceremony nor remain angry forever. of angels who serve him and do his will! ger and filled with unfailing profound… and found in one verse in likeness of the world? and the reception following, is 10 He does not punish us for all our 22 Praise the Lord, everything he love and faithfulness. the New Testament? Let’s start with a simple example. intended to be celebrated. Yes, the sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as has created, everything in all his king- Exodus 34:6 When we put so much time, thought, routine, the reality, and even the we deserve. dom. Let all that I am praise the Lord. And do not be conformed to this energy, and expense into planning our occasional rut of married life are all 11 For his unfailing love toward Psalms 103 Let your roots grow wedding to the point where it be- meant to be celebrated. world, but be transformed by the those who fear him is as great as the down into him, and let comes all about the short-lived Marriage takes on a life of its own renewing of your mind, so that you height of the heavens above the earth. 1 It is good to give thanks to the lord, your lives be built on him. “celebration” and not the sacredness of and goes through stages and seasons 12 He has removed our sins as far to sing praises to the Most High. Then your faith will grow may prove what the will of God is, the event, are we conforming to the just as life does. Think about it – often from us as the east is from the west. 2 It is good to proclaim your unfail- strong in the truth you were that which is good and acceptable world? times when a loved one passes on we 13 The Lord is like a father to his ing love in the morning, taught, and you will over- and perfect. How does that compare with the have what we call “A Celebration of children, tender and compassionate to Psalm 92:1-2 flow with thankfulness. Romans 12:2 amount of preparation that goes into Life” service. When a marriage dies, those who fear him. Colossians 2:7 8 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | (All Scripture NASB) | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 9 Maybe we start with an “attitude adjustment” arriages were never intended to die M . when it comes to our own marriage and marriage arriages are intended to be celebrated M . in general. however, there is no such service. Just as in the death of a loved one, marriages that seem to be slowly dying and subsequently suffer a divorce are accompanied by great pain, loss, and grief—for one or both spouses, the children (no matter their ages), other family members, and friends. Since the Bible describes marriage as “two becoming one” there is a type of physical death. In fact, some have even described divorce to be worse than an actual death in some ways because it is an unofficial and unsanctioned finality.
2 Some Pharisees came up to Jesus, testing Him, and began to question Him whether it was lawful for a 7 “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory man to divorce a wife. to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Mo- His bride has made herself ready.” ses command you?” 8 It was given to her to clothe herself in fine linen, 4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a bright and clean; for the fine linen is the righteous acts of certificate of divorce and send her away.” the saints. 5 But Jesus said to them, “Because of your hardness of 9 Then he said to me, “Write, ‘Blessed are those who heart he wrote you this commandment.” are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he Mark 10:2-5 said to me, “These are true words of God.” Revelation 19:7-9 Jesus: “from the beginning Marriages were never intended to die. Marriages are 6 “But from the of creation.” Do we take intended to be celebrated. In the marriage ceremony, vows Do we fully compre- Not only that, marriage It is going to be a wonderful celebration and, yes, just like into account before, are taken usually in the physical presence of family and beginning of cre- hend what a holy, sancti- was the first institution a wedding reception, greatly anticipated. during, and after the friends. ation, God made them fied institution marriage is God created, and He had a Now we know that after this heavenly feast ends, the ceremony, reception and Are those vows taken with purpose and passion? male and female. and what a firm foundation dual purpose for creating celebration will not be ending with it. I believe it will be honeymoon that God is Are they taken with appreciation of their significance? that reality sets for us to it, too – to set apart the ongoing through all eternity as one continuous, never-gets- 7 For this reason the creator of marriage? Sadly, I have been to weddings that seemed to put so build our marriage on? unique physical, spiritual old celebration where we will live joyfully, blessedly and a man shall leave his The upper case lettering much emphasis on the reception that the ceremony, the and emotional relationship most assuredly happily ever after. father and mother, in the above scripture most sacred part, was treated as only a formality. between a husband and So why should our marriages be all that different if God 8 and the two shall indicates that it is a quote He is like a man build- Please, allow me to preach for just a minute or two… wife and to use that created it, ordained it, sanctified it and compares it to Christ from previous scripture. In ing a house, who dug and, like a real and good preacher, I will end with a real life become one flesh; so unique relationship to and His Church? this case, Jesus is quoting deep and laid a foun- application. they are no longer two, represent the relationship Back to the original “simple but profound” answer to the from His own Word in dation on the rock; and Before we get there though, I believe we must have a but one flesh. between Jesus Christ and question put forward at the beginning of this column… Genesis 2:24: proper perception of marriage in order to appropriately 9 What therefore God when a flood occurred, His Church. Could it be that we have melded with our culture, set apply it in real life. unrealistic expectations, or just don’t have that higher level has joined together, let the torrent burst against It is in the book of Do we realize that we are making those vows first and For this reason a man of perception that God intended for us to have? no man separate.” that house and could not Revelation that the foremost in the profound presence of holy God? shall leave his father and description of the Marriage This is where the real life application comes in. Maybe we Mark 10:6-9 shake it, because it had The marriage ceremony typically includes the pledge of his mother, and be joined start with an “attitude adjustment” when it comes to our been well built. Supper of the Lamb is remaining together “till death do us part” and may include to his wife; and they shall found: own marriage and marriage in general. Note those words of words from this passage in the Bible: Luke 6:48 We can begin by simply thanking God daily for the gift of become one flesh. 10 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 11 The Patient Bird
“So that you will prove yourselves to be blame- What if we made a conscious decision to less and innocent, children of God above reproach plan something daily, weekly, or at the very O little bird with broken wing, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, least monthly, to celebrate our spouse and How lovely that you still can sing. among whom you appear as lights in the world,” our marriage? You fly around from place to place, Philippians 2:15 Ignoring what you have to face.
When other birds push you aside, You wait your turn and still abide. If I like you could sit and wait, I would not fret about my fate.
God made us both, I’m told it’s true. If only I could be like you!
©2014 Alice L. Arakelian, All Rights Reserved Alice, age 87, lives in Key Largo, Florida with her 93 year-old husband Morris of almost 70 years. Recently while watching the birds at her feeder, she observed one that looked different than any she had ever seen. Upon closer observation, she realized it was because one of its wings was broken. Still, the little bird sang away in spite of its plight. This inspired her to write this poem as she pondered her own life’s circumstances. marriage and for praying consistently for his dual purpose itself that it detracts from the reason and meaning behind it. for the institution of marriage to be manifested in the life of Of course, compromise and balance will be necessary our marriage and in all Christian marriages. factors at times, but then you can consider yourself celebrat- This surely will bring blessings to our relationship and ing by sacrificing. Oh, that’s so biblical too, isn’t it? glory to Him—and imagine what it would scream to the world! Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; James 1:17 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. Let’s have the mindset of continually celebrating mar- 1 Timothy 4:4-5 riage, and let’s shine for God in and through our marriages in a dark and depraved world. What if we made a conscious decision to plan something daily, weekly, or at the very least monthly, to celebrate our ©2014 B. Abbey Gayle, All Rights Reserved spouse and our marriage? Something that clearly communi- cates we are not just enduring our relationship with them, Editor’s Note: Blessed Living Women’s E Magazine and B. but celebrating it. It doesn’t have to be extravagant at all, in Abbey Gayle do not promote or support physically remain- fact most of the time it would be better if it is not. ing in any type of an abusive marriage relationship. Remember we don’t want to be so focused on the event BLWE Photo provided by Alice L. Arakelian 12 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 13 Penny’s from Heaven
Instant is not
“But, someone, please give me— who is born again but still so much fast enough! in need of being born anew—give me the details of how to live in the waiting cocoon before the forever begins?” 18 So we fix our eyes — Ann Voskamp not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, R — Rest but what is unseen is Celebrate His Answers as You Rest In Prayer eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 After that, many just abandon the NIV process. Pursuing P.R.A.Y.E.R. It stated it’s difficult for us to Allow me to quote it overcome the urges for instant Have you ever just one more time from the ow are you at resting? gratification and be patient and wait stopped praying because it NLT: It’s apparent that today’s busy for things to come over time. was taking so long? Notice the, “I will,” lifestyles don’t include enough rest. But How do you think this influences Perhaps you interpreted “When they call,” and “As 16 That is why we I’m not talking about that kind of rest. our wait time with the Sovereign, His “wait” as “no.” H Omniscient God of the universe? soon as…” never give up.… I will answer them Sometimes His greater These verses tell us that The article said the demand for before they even call to purpose is, well, greater 17 For our present One of Webster’s definitions for rest instant results is seeping into every the moment we pray, God me. While they are still than ours. troubles are small and is “peace of mind or spirit.” So with that “The demand for instant results corner of our lives. I’m concerned that begins answering, which talking about their needs, won’t last very long. Yet in mind, I’ll ask the question again, is seeping into every corner of our also includes the spiritual corner. I includes strengthening us And let us not grow they produce for us a “How are you at resting?” lives, and not just virtually. Retailers think being impatient is making us I will go ahead and an- for the wait. weary of doing good, for glory that vastly out- In this article, we’ve come to the are jumping into same-day delivery less trusting in God’s Sovereignty as swer their prayers! The fact is, God is final letter of our acrostic for services. Smartphone apps elimi- well. Isaiah 65:24 patient, certainly abun- in due season we will weighs them and will last P.R.A.Y.E.R., R for… nate the wait for a cab, a date, or a How easy is it for you to wait for dantly more patient than reap, if we do not give up. forever! table at a hot restaurant. Movies God’s answers? When they call on me, we are. He knows exactly Galatians 6:9 18 So we don’t look esting and TV shows begin streaming in what has to take place and R How could your impatience be a I will answer. at the troubles we can Resting in the waiting (or, relax and seconds. But experts caution that lack of faith and trust? what needs to be in place Psalm 91:15 16 Therefore we do not see now; rather, we fix find relief in His refuge). instant gratification comes at a for that prayer to come to Can you think of a prayer you lose heart.… our gaze on things that As stated, we Americans don’t rest price: It’s making us less patient.” prayed that was answered quickly? fruition, and though He As soon as I pray, you 17 For our light and cannot be seen. For the well, and we don’t wait well either. How about one that took years, or sets it in motion right momentary troubles things we see now will A recent article in the Boston The article goes on to tell of a study perhaps you’re still waiting on one to answer me; you encour- away, sometimes those are achieving for us an Globe (Instant Gratification is Making done to determine how long Internet be answered? age me by giving me motions can take days or soon be gone, but the Us Perpetually Impatient, Feb. 2, 2103) users were willing to wait for a video Consider the following verses from strength. weeks or years to accom- eternal glory that far things we cannot see will stated, to load. Their findings? Two seconds! the NLT: Psalm 138:3 plish. outweighs them all. last forever. 14 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 15 P. taken the time to hear from rest in Him, to linger in His Him on the matter? Presence and take the time Proactive re you a warrior or a worrier In Isaiah 30, God tells his to listen and rely on Him and A ? children they carry out plans not ourselves. R. that are not His. In verse 15 Remember, God’s voice is He counsels, still and small, but oh, so Remember powerful – if only we would … “Only in returning to quiet ourselves and take the I love that! For all verse comes from the word casually stroll into battle, me and resting in me will time to listen. But as stated in A. our first prayer article, we eternity we will have a damam which means to you intentionally suit up Rely you be saved. In quietness “weight of glory” far cease, to hold peace, to be and march in fully armed Rely on His leading. often pray quick get-it-over- Acknowledge and confidence is your beyond any weight (or silent, to “rest.” and covered. She said, with prayers. We do not strength.…” linger long enough to hear “wait”) of affliction we’ve In addition, according “Sometimes you have to I will stand at my NLT Y. Him, so we think He’s not ever experienced here in to Wikepedia, a fortress is a put on your army boots watch and station myself this life. Isn’t that good place of safety from enemy and stomp on the serpent’s speaking. He is, we’re just not on the ramparts; I will We must be careful not to Yield news? attacks. (And there is little head.” tuned in to listen. look to see what He will jump ahead of God. When we difference between a Sometimes resting can Another R is for… don’t take the time to listen, “Sometimes God fortress and a castle. mean continuing to fight say to me… E. we lack discernment and can delays in answering our Hmmm, interesting. Take and being patient in the Habakkuk 2:1 NIV miss His promptings to His prayers to allow our heart, Princess.) battle knowing that the Receive Express greater plans. This can affect momentary affliction to Furthermore, fortresses God of the Universe is on Do you spend time “And whatever you ask not only ourselves, but our produce an eternal were not designed for our side. (By the way, regularly waiting in silence in prayer, you will receive, if loved ones. R. weight of glory.” comfort. (Hmmm, interest- Christine Caine is now to hear from God when I love what you have faith.” — LeighAnn McCoy ing again.) Waiting is never cancer free.) you pray? Isaiah 30:18 goes on to say. Matthew 21:22 ESV Rest comfortable, is it. But, Are you a warrior or a Perhaps we have to wait ESV so long to hear Him, not 5 For God alone, O my taking refuge in our worrier? Will you fight or asked will be received. Sometimes this may be immedi- because he’s taking too Therefore the Lord waits And whatever we ask we soul, wait in silence, for Fortress in order to be safe shrink back? ate, sometimes a wait may be required, but in either is much more comfortable long to speak, but because to be gracious to you, and receive from him, because case, it is still received when faith and trust is placed in my hope is from him. it takes a while for us to we keep his command- than the alternative, …no one has heard therefore he exalts him- Him. 6 He only is my rock quiet our minds enough to ments and do what pleases wouldn’t you say? or perceived by the ear, self to show mercy to you. The last R is for… and my salvation, my hear. I think we, like the Keep in mind, we For the Lord is a God of him. no eye has seen a God article said, just abandon fortress; I shall not be wouldn’t need a fortress if 1 John 3:22 ESV besides you, who acts for justice; blessed are all those shaken. we weren’t in a battle—a the process of praying or Repeat those who wait for him. waiting to hear His who wait for him. 7 …my refuge is God. spiritual battle. That’s why “For everyone who asks Repeat the process of prayer often. Isaiah 64:4 ESV response. Psalm 62:5-7 ESV the term “prayer warrior" Even Jesus needed to pray continually when He was And Exodus 14:14 NIV, receives, and the one who fits. Prayer is our weapon. Perhaps we end up on this earth, many times going off by Himself, away Are you willing to wait taking things into our own seeks finds, and to the According to this verse, God is our fortress. from the crowds and the noise. Why? So He could hear for Him? Will you be hands to get it done in our “The Lord will fight for one who knocks it will be what did David know In her recent blog, from God. So He could allow God to speak to Him, not patient enough to keep timing, and just give up confidently about God in Christine Caine stated (as you; you need only to be op e n e d .” just Him speak to God. How much more do we? fighting until the battle is praying for it all together. the midst of waiting? As a she waited out a cancer still.” Luke 11:10 ESV 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to pray continually or done? At least we can say we result, what was his diagnosis) that we are on a without ceasing. Another R is for… prayed about it (at first countenance? battlefield, not a play- We must learn to relax and In the above verses, we Ephesians 6:18 says to pray at all times and occasions anyway). But have we The word "wait" in this ground; that you don’t find relief in His refuge, to are promised that what is and be persistent. 16 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 17 God is not silent, and we Feature Sister in Focus are not deaf. Betty Oten We are just not listening. Joy, Joy, Joy
“When God asks How long? He invites us to place the weight of the wait on him. He does not want us to wait alone, but rather wait on him alone.” — Margaret Feinberg an one event ab- solutely affect the path of fu- ture generations? We end the Lord’s prayer with the doxology, “For Yours is In review, be… CImagine being a married the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory…” This has a way of bringing our prayer all back to Him. And so we rest in His RProactive about your prayer time, have a planned place mother of five young chil- Kingdom, His Power and His Glory. and time Remember Who God is, what He has done and rejoice in dren and walking into a 10 … “Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of Israel our Him church that you have never father, forever and ever. Acknowledge your sin to Him and forgive others Yearn for His Presence and bring your yearnings to Him 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and attended before and walking Express your heart using God’s Word the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in Rest in Him and repeat. out a changed person. That the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the king- dom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Celebrate His timing, His sovereignty, His wisdom, His is exactly what happened to 12 Both riches and honor come from you, and you best plan, His goodness, His grace, His rest. Celebrate His my dear sister in the Lord, rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in answers ahead of time. Worship in the waiting. your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. Betty Oten. She went home ©2014 Penny Cooke, All Rights Reserved 13 And now we thank you, our God, and praise your If you have read the P.R.A.Y.E.R. Acrostic in this and the glorious name.” and told her husband that previous prayer articles, Penny would love to hear from you 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 ESV about how they may have helped you in your prayer life. She she had finally found what can be reached at [email protected]. Keep This reminds us that, as Ken Hemphill states, “we are in praying! she had been looking for all the presence of complete provision.” BLWE Can you rest in that? her life. 18 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | Photos provided by Betty Oten | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 19 I have had the pleasure married for 61 years and mother was dutiful, tough, She was curious about wanted to be like her Dad. that no one could say that of sitting alongside Betty having raised five children and stubborn, although the crucifixion and could When Betty was in he didn’t give her a rock in church service, in together, I think there is a not especially loving and not understand why Jesus eighth grade, she met when they got married. Women’s Bible Study, in a good chance that the nurturing, remembering had to be nailed to a cross. Peter. Betty still has that rock in life group, and in prayer answer to the question that she would push Betty She also had an eager- Several years later they her jewelry box. ministry. I can say that would be “yes,” even away when she would just ness to know what the began dating and were Shortly after their Betty’s spirit is as gentle though it is hard to want to sit on her lap. inscription on the cross married before either one marriage, Betty and Peter and unobtrusive as her imagine. So Betty would drift to meant. It took her a while of them had turned 20. were living in a fifth floor soft-spoken voice, and it Born in the 1930’s and her father, even though he to get an answer –that it With the help of Betty’s walk-up in Manhattan was my great delight to sit raised in a small farming was an alcoholic and “not meant “Jesus is the King of sister and brother-in-law, when Betty became down and spend time with community in Connecticut, on the scene much.” He Jews”—and when she did who served as witnesses, pregnant with their first her to prepare for this Betty was the second would allow her to sit on get that answer, she was they arranged for a private child. article. youngest in a family of his lap and give him hugs. not familiar with the name ceremony in upstate New Betty spoke very fondly Betty is one of those seven children. Her parents There were frequent fights “Jew.” York. They did not go on a of the Jewish obstetrician ladies that you would want were hard-working, both in Betty’s home between Her religious curiosities honeymoon. who treated her. He to ask if she has ever raised holding down jobs outside her parents, during which led her to make altars in After the ceremony, seemed to have a genuine her voice. You would of the home, leaving her time the children would her home and seek out they stopped at a scenic (and appropriate) concern wonder the same about older sister in charge at just “scatter.” crucifixes, but her faith had location, and Peter picked for this new young mother. her husband, Peter as well. home. As a child, Betty states not yet sprouted. up a smooth rock with Peter’s occupation as a However, having been Betty related that her that she never even knew a In her adolescence, three points on it and said salesman mandated Christian, or anyone who Betty would earn money attended church or even babysitting for many spoke of the Lord. There different families and was no Bible present in would use the money their home. earned to buy clothes for Betty’s mother would herself, since her parents several moves over the changed person. It was sometimes encourage her could not afford to do so. years, and this career hard for her to get out with and her sisters to attend She even once used her meant that he was fre- five children, but Peter church, but did not attend babysitting earnings to get quently away from home, agreed to stay home with herself. The church they an evaluation for a vision sometimes up to five days them so that she could go. occasionally attended had problem she was experi- at a time. The family was Betty explained that this a pastor who was very loud encing. living in a duplex in church did not have a and actually intimidated Betty’s father had Charlotte when their fifth pastor, but a man dressed Betty, having no positive experience as a medic child was born. in a plain suit from the influence. serving in the military. Betty adapted well to congregation was up front However, during the During World War II he was Peter’s absences, enjoying and began to preach from season of Lent, Betty a first aid instructor and her role as wife, mother, the gospels. would be drawn to this allowed only Betty to and homemaker. As he preached the same church for a reason accompany him to his It was also in Charlotte “Gospel of Salvation,” she she cannot fully explain, classes. that Betty walked into a enjoyed it very much and except that she got This birthed in Betty a Plymouth Brethren church liked that they prayed out something out of the story desire to be a nurse. She with a neighbor who had loud. being told of the Passion of developed a hunger for all invited her, and it was When she got home, Christ. things medical. She there that she walked out a Peter asked her, “How did it 20 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 21 go?” Betty responded, “I continued to mentor and room to find Peter on his hood, but the pastor and didn’t understand it all, but instruct Betty asking her if knees praying to receive his wife befriended Peter I loved it. They talked she knew the Lord as Christ as Savior while and Betty, and their about Jesus.” Savior. Betty says that she watching a Billy Graham children all played togeth- She says that Peter always had a sense of who Crusade on television. er. Betty attended Women’s knew that she was hooked, God was and wanted to be It was a wonderful Bible studies and prayer and that is when she told close to Him, but was still occasion, but he had meetings in various ladies’ him, “I think I have found not grasping this concept. become a heavy drinker, homes. what I have been looking Her neighbor persisted, and this behavior did not She says that the for all my life.” Peter told and they had frequent immediately change. biggest gift she received her, “I am so happy for you, conversations about Their next move while living on Long Island Betty.” accepting Jesus Christ as brought Betty and her was meeting a friend at Betty continued to Lord and Savior, and she family to a suburb of this church who became attend the church, and the would unwearyingly Philadelphia where she “like the mother I never congregation assisted and explain what that meant to met a new friend who had. “ about being home with encouraged her, embrac- a still confused Betty. mentored her and took her Ironically, Betty met this their children and the fact ing her older children and One day, in her kitchen, under her wing. woman when her young- that it would mean she even providing a playpen Betty said, “Yes, I want to With Peter frequently est daughter ran out a would be out alone at in the sanctuary so that be a born again Christian,” out on the road for his job, door and fell down some night. she could bring her and it was then that her it was still hard for Betty to steps, and this woman Later, when their next youngest child to the neighbor lovingly led her get to church on her own picked her up in a protec- move took them to service. to the Lord. with the five children. tive, motherly fashion. Wheaton, Illinois, Betty did Her neighbor provided Not long thereafter, This new friend and As their friendship grew, attend nursing school with Betty with a Bible and Betty came into the living mentor organized a Bible Betty appreciated the fact the full support of Peter. study to meet at Betty’s that this woman would By this time he had home. The pastor of the reprimand her, with love. overcome his alcohol church would visit her as Betty and Peter stayed addiction through the help well. Betty continued to with this church for the and guidance of a wonder- grow in her faith. remainder of their time on ful man God had placed in After a relatively short Long Island. his life. Peter even ar- nursing school, Betty stay in Pennsylvania, the It was while living on ranged his work schedule worked briefly in a local next stop for the family Long Island that Betty’s so that he could chauffeur hospital and was eventual- was Long Island where dream of becoming a Betty and some of her years ago. She worked in ly recruited by an obstetri- they lived for the next nurse resurfaced, and she fellow nursing students this five-doctor practice cian/gynecologist that she twelve years. approached Peter about back and forth to hospitals until she retired. had known from her speak well because of the After briefly attending wanting to attend nursing in Chicago where they Betty regrets that her hospital training. stroke, and Betty states one church, she ended up school in the evenings. were doing their on-site father did not live long This position rendered that even though he was going to a local church she Unfortunately, at this training. enough to see her receive her the opportunity to not a religious man, he found listed in the Yellow point in their marriage After completing the her nursing degree. She minister to patients and kept pointing to the Pages. She chose it Peter was still into alcohol- LPN program, Betty went knows he would have display the same concern crucifix in the hospital because of the programs it ism and would not permit right into and completed been so proud of her. and compassion that she room. offered for her children. Betty to go. the RN program. Peter He was hospitalized had received from her It was in Wheaton There were no Chris- She understood, likes to joke that he put her after a massive stroke and obstetrician at the birth of (where they remained for tians that she knew of realizing that he was through college. eventually passed away in her first child all those twenty years) that Betty living in their neighbor- probably concerned both Upon graduation from the hospital. He could not 22 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 23 So that, just as it is written, “Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 21 This I recall to my mind, 1 Corinthians 1:31 (NASB) Therefore I have hope. 22 The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, 3 Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, For His compassions never fail. The fruit of the womb is a reward. 23 They are new every morning; 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, Great is Your faithfulness. So are the children of one’s youth. Lamentations 3:21-23 (NASB) 5 How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed When they speak with their enemies in the gate. Psalm 127:3-5 (NASB)
and Peter had the oppor- some time and tested After visiting several the soup kitchen. They also capacities including celebrated their 60th When I look at that grace and his faithfulness. tunity to attend Christian Betty and her husband’s times they decided to plan participate in the prayer short-term and college wedding anniversary. picture, I see more than a Betty loves the Lord. concerts, performances, faith. They were distraught to retire and move to ministry, and Peter is a mission trips. All of Betty All but two of their beautiful and blessed Betty serves the Lord. and other activities offered and feared losing their Florida – although Peter deacon. They serve tireless- and Peter’s children have family members were in family; I see the Hand of Betty honors the Lord. through Wheaton College. precious child, and had to went back and forth to Chi- ly, obediently, and sacrifi- successful, thriving families attendance, and they all God—His goodness and And if there’s any They attended a church in lean hard into God and cago for the first five years. cially. with both heart-warming had blue tee shirts with an His faithfulness. bragging to be done on Wheaton and continued trust Him. Many, many They attended several And those five children? and heart-wrenching insignia designed by one Thinking back over her Betty’s part, it is always on growing in the Lord people prayed for their different churches before They ALL know the Lord, stories, some the likes of of the family members to life since her childhood, the Lord and what He had through Bible studies and prodigal child, and finding the church where and their children’s which movies are made of. creatively show both an Betty understands now done in her life and in the adult Sunday School. eventually she came they have been very active spouses ALL know the The family remains “80” and a “60” intertwined. that God was with her all life of her family. Other than Peter’s around. in for many years--the Lord. ALL Betty and Peter’s close-knit and fun-loving, To take their creativity along and that He put her With two great-grand- alcoholism, this family has Today she is married, church where I met Betty grandchildren know the too. Every summer they to another level, the shirts in situations, and protect- children recently added to had their share of trials. the mother of three beauti- and where Betty met Lord. have a great family were all in various shades ed her. the family tree and more to Among them, one of their ful children, and serves in a Eileen Eiler (See our Fall And the great-grand- reunion. of blue, with Betty and She says, “He had His follow, the beautiful and daughters rebelled in her well-known ministry. 2013 issue Sister In Focus children? The summer of 2013 Peter’s shirts the lightest hands on me way back blessed Oten family legacy youth and became Eventually all of the article.) Those who don’t know was cause for an especially and each subsequent when… the way I ran all continues to grow. involved with drugs and children married and were Betty continues attend- the Lord because of their exceptional celebration, or generation a shade darker over the countryside as a alcohol, had run-ins with starting families of their ing Women’s Bible studies; young age surely will in should I say celebrations? than the previous. They child.” the law, and even went own. Betty and Peter she has attended Life time. That summer both Betty have a wonderful picture Betty faithfully prays for © 2014 Sue Hopek, All missing for several days. would visit Betty’s sister in Groups with her husband, Many in the family have and Peter celebrated their to commemorate the her family and is so Rights Reserved BLWE This went on for quite Florida. and they both volunteer in served the Lord in various 80th birthdays and also occasion. grateful to God for His 24 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 25 Venezuela Guyana Suriname My Witnessing Story French Guiana Colombia
Ecuador Manaus During this season, I knew that Belém God had me where I was for a Fortaleza reason and if that was the case I Brazil Natal would do my best to get the most Recife and ministering at local Peru out of it. MaceiÓ churches, stark contrast Although I always wanted to be Salvador from the villages in the a missionary, I also have a passion middle of the Amazon. for justice and to see the injustice Bolivia Both trips profoundly of human trafficking abolished Rio de Janeiro impacted my life though. (Copacabana Beach) once and for all. So, I got involved I remember vividly one Paraguay in the anti-trafficking initiative at São Paulo night in Sao Paulo during a Chile my church. Paranaguá time of prayer and worship I learned so much during my feeling such a burden for Itajai time in this ministry. It may sound Argentina the country. As I began to Porto Alegre odd as a teacher but I hated public cry out, God just broke my speaking and got so nervous even Rio Grande heart for Brazil and gave Uruguay just speaking in meetings at work. me a glimpse of His heart Teaching children is far different for the people there. than teaching or speaking to I knew then that adults, but I was presented with missionary calling I felt opportunities to overcome this would lead me back to fear and strengthen this skill Brazil at some point. through community presentations, Of course it was not that volunteer training classes, and simple, and I would have informational presentations. many things I needed to I know that this was a skill that go through in preparation God definitely had me working on before God would open because the following for a reason, although that reason the door to move there for conversation my mom and I had about In talking to a friend one day, she summer I went on my first is still unknown to me. I know My Journey a longer period of time. this in May; I am so blessed and thankful suggested applying to the Network of mission trip to the Amazon beyond a shadow of a doubt that Brazil or Bust Every year since I to have a mother who proceeded to pray International Christian Schools (NICS). It
in Brazil. Photos provided by Samantha Carannante God purposefully had me planted graduated from college, I with me very specifically that God would, seemed like a good option when I t’s amazing to look back and see how everything After spending two there during that season. looked for different in His timing, open a door to where He checked it out, so I took her advice and in in your life is so intricately woven together. weeks on a boat in the Even in just thinking about my organizations and options desired me to be. June applied to NICS. People keep asking how I decided to move to middle of the Amazon I first few years teaching, I can look to go to Brazil, but I never Now, I highly doubt when my mom NICS oversees schools around the Brazil, what I’ll be doing, etc. Some are surprised was ready to stay there. I back and see the growth in my life. had peace. I proceeded to prayed that she was expecting the door world, but I was only interested in their whenI they hear that this journey began when I was in 8th had the opportunity to go I loved all that I was involved in go to graduate school and to open only a few short months later, two schools in Brazil. I hoped that by grade. to Brazil again the summer at school and with the anti-traffick- even after that did not feel but God had other plans. putting only the Brazilian schools that I Honestly, the foundation started being laid from the age after I graduated high ing initiative. Still, as this past peace about going abroad. Summer approached and I began to didn’t limit my chances, however I knew I of six, but at fourteen I knew I wanted to be a missionary. I school, which was quite a school year was coming to a close, So, I began teaching, look at different international schools, really had no desire to go anywhere else. was so upset when my mom said I wasn’t allowed to go on a different experience than I was once again battling with the and school-year after ministries, and organizations in Brazil, yet A couple weeks later I received an mission trip to China with my youth group the summer after the first trip. fact that my heart longed to be in school-year I’d weigh the still none of them seemed to be where I email asking to set up a phone interview. 8th grade. We were in Sao Paulo Brazil. different options. felt called. So, in the first week of July, I had a phone Looking back, I’m actually thankful I did not go that year with Global Awakening I remember a very candid 26 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 27 type of visa I was receiving. Based on the information I provid- we decided to go up to New Jersey. provided peace and comfort. started to sink in. As I said bye to my ed, the Consulate determined that I My aunt passed away that week- I spent that weekend with my brother and grandmothers the reality needed a volunteer visa instead of a end, and God knew that I needed to family and then prepared for my hit. I didn’t know the next time I tourist visa. This required more be there. More than anything I upcoming adventure. It was a difficult would get to see or talk to them. Still I paperwork from the school and from needed to be with my family during transition from one to the other, but was in awe of the grace of God. The me. that time and I am so grateful for all time did not allow for hesitation. I had words of encouragement and love Originally I was going to pick up my the delays and mishaps. It just amazing friends and family help me shared with me in those goodbyes tourist visa August 19, however they reminded me once again of what it pack and move all my stuff in just two still brings me to tears. could not give a definite date of when says in Isaiah 55:8-9 ESV. short days. my volunteer visa would be ready. Two days before I was to leave I © 2014 Samantha Carannante, All Apparently, volunteer visas are a little 8 For my thoughts are not your received papers back from the State Rights Reserved BLWE more challenging than tourist visas, thoughts, neither are your ways my Department that yet again needed to but I was trusting there was a reason be corrected. I spent the following ways, declares the Lord. for all of this. days anxiously trying to ensure that 9 For as the heavens are higher God never ceases to amaze me the paperwork would be correct since though and through the ups and than the earth, so are my ways high- I would be out of the country by the downs He continued to show His er than your ways and my thoughts time it got back. grace and mercy to me. When frustra- than your thoughts. It got sent off, and I trusted that tion set in He sent reminders of His God, my rock and my strength, was in love and sovereignty. I thank God for that because in my control. minute vision I couldn’t see what was interview with NICS, and just over a I am so grateful for all those that During this time of waiting, my It was Tuesday night, the night to come, yet God knew and He week later I interviewed with the provided counsel, prayer, and aunt, my godmother, ended up in the before I was leaving, when it finally director of Amazon Valley Academy perspective as I prepared for this next hospital. She was not doing well and I (AVA). season in life. struggled with if I could even leave if After praying and seeking counsel I don’t know what this journey will my visa did come through. from pastors, mentors, and family, I bring, but with an array of emotions I At the end of August the Brazilian decided to join the staff at AVA only am stepping out. I can see God’s Consulate notified me that my visa five weeks from the start of school. Hand upon my life through every was ready and could be picked up I was simply amazed at the past season and I know it will be no after Labor Day. support and encouragement I different in the future. Of course I was beyond relieved received from those around me. People always say that internation- that I could finally go, even if it was a My previous school administration al travel and processes are a little volunteer visa that didn’t allow me to was so understanding as I deliberated more difficult, however I don’t think be paid. Still I had reservations about this decision. Even after notifying anyone could’ve really prepared me my aunt. them of my decision to resign from for this. As I gathered my documents I spoke with AVA and we worked my position to go teach abroad, it together and applied for my visa, I out a flight that was two weeks out. I was refreshing to hear such positive felt like God kept telling me to wait had two weeks to pack up my apart- responses from administration and and be patient. At the time, I had no ment, say my goodbyes, and be ready coworkers. idea what that meant, but I can say to go. My family and friends, although now though that I understand. There All the while, I was struggling with sad I was leaving, responded with so have been constant issues and if I should travel up to New Jersey to much love and support, I couldn’t changes with my visa and other see my aunt for possibly the last time. have asked for anything more. paperwork, including changing the A week and a half before I was leaving,
28 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 29 This is another gem created by the Erwin brothers, the same Christian men who answered God’s calling to make Facing the Giants, Fireproof, and Courageous. With each movie they do, they get better and better and God has used each one to powerfully witness to nonbelievers as well as challenging Christians to a deeper relationship with Christ in order to live authentically for Him. Mom’s Night Out differs from their earlier flicks, because it is purely a comedic farce, but amaz- ingly it is truly funny throughout and still succeeds in faithfully continuing their goal of ministering to others through the medium of Mom’s Night movies. In it, three moms in various stages of parent- Out hood go to great lengths to enjoy the too rare How a Movie Saved My Life treat of a mom’s only night out. By the end of the movie everything the ladies had envisioned to re-watch it, I popped my “movie friend” into never materializes but you, the viewer, will have the DVD player once again. laughed throughout their escapades. Throughout the picture, whenever some So, what are you waiting for? Have your own person or animal died, Temple would always ladies night and invite your girlfriends over to ask “Where did they go?” God used this enjoy the hilarious comedy Mom’s Night Out. question to lead me to my next choice. Go ahead. You deserve it. And then treat I thought it would be neat to answer the yourself to another great night as you gather question repeatedly raised in one movie with your family around to watch it a second time. searching for and my review was the Heaven is for Real DVD. The ad another movie: Heaven is for Real. Your husband and son will appreciate the Godly now way past its submission for Mom’s Night Out was hilari- role models played by Sean Astin and Trace od’s timing does not This HBO feature beautifully I had enjoyed reading the book awhile deadline. ous, but after the disappoint- Adkins and all of you will laugh your way always match our gives a glimpse into the world of back and was thrilled to see that it had been Embarrassed and confused, I ment of the feature film, I had through the movie. expectations, but one woman’s autistic mind in a made into a movie. I missed its run in the continued to ask God what I was my doubts. His timing is always way that is both entertaining and theaters, and was glad for the excuse to to write about. Not only was this a great flick, This article is dedicated to God and to my Gperfect. respectful. review it now that it had come out on DVD. Another week passed and, but it was exactly the night out Mom’s Night Out friends Erin, Nanette, and The process that He took me I first saw the film in one of my Sadly, I was greatly disappointed. quite honestly, it was a very that this mama needed. I have Barbara. through to do this movie review college classes where the profes- Although the film did a great job sharing difficult week that I was only not laughed so much and so perfectly illustrates this point. sor showed it to us over several what little Colton Burpo saw, its watered able to get through by God’s hard in a long time. ©2014 Anne Marie Trense, All Rights Reserved. Before every review, I always class periods, and all of us were down portrayal of Christianity was often help. God used this delightful Anne Marie Trense’s last Mom’s Night out was ask God to show me what film I captivated by the delightful story unbiblical and resulted in an extremely By Friday, I was truly thanking Christian comedy to lift me out in July. She treasured that evening with her should share with you. In answer based on Dr. Grandin’s own books frustrating viewing experience. God it was Friday. of depression by restoring my girlfriends as well as each day she is blessed with to my prayers, He brought to and could not wait to see the Even more frustrating was the fact that I Throughout the week He kept joy, and in that sense it literally knew that God had led me to both movies, in between to celebrate her family. mind Temple Grandin. conclusion. Happy for an excuse bringing to mind a preview on saved my life. but neither of them was the “reel gem” I was BLWE 30 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 31 Her Master’s Business The Seminole Inn
Baltimore banker and ter of Baltimore and then that put his brother, Albert, tions later, the Inn is now railroad magnate S. Davies president of the Continen- on the throne as George VI. charming and comfortable. Warfield built a guest- tal Trust Company and the George VI’s daughter is Yet, Iris and Homer sold house so his friends and Seaboard Air Line Railway. Elizabeth II, current queen. the Inn twice and bought it associates would have You might recognize her A very interesting pivotal back three times. luxury accommodations name as the woman who point in history. One reason for the first during their visits: the won over an empire. King All that regal history sale was the cook not t’s like being trans- of the fertile land and building luxury hotels and been converted for Seminole Inn in Indian- Edward VIII abdicated his adds to the charm and coming to work on Sunday ported back to a made cattle-raising a very resorts for their friends as shopping, office space, and town. throne to marry her. ambiance of the Seminole morning, leaving Iris to simpler time in Florida, profitable industry. well as potential custom- one is even a college. Supposedly the future It was quite the scandal Inn. abandon her faithful relaxing and comfort- Soon the Eastern ers. Some have been Duchess of Windsor, Wallis in 1936 and 1937. There Now-a-days Jonni Wall church attendance to feed Iing. Seaboard wealthy discov- Many old Florida towns over-modernized with only Warfield, served her uncle have been movies and Flewelling runs the inn the hundreds of guests The Seminole Inn ered our tropical paradise have landmark hotels from their shell beckoning to as hostess at the gala books written about the with a grace that reminds that expected a nice located in tranquil Indian- and began building the boom time era. There’s the past. opening. love that propelled David you of service long gone in brunch. town, exudes Southern retreats down here. the Dixie Walesbilt Hotel in One thing that was As a young girl when of Great Britain to choose the modern era. Jonnie convinced her charm and reminds us of When the railroad came Lake Wales, the old Palm common was the Spanish/ her father died, Wallis (then Wallis over his duty as Her parents Iris and father to buy it the last our lush history. down, so did those fleeing Crest in Haines City, the Art Deco mixture of called Bessie) was depen- monarch. Homer bought the Inn time in 1991 and took Florida was “settled” just the icy winters of Park Hotel Scott/Cordova in St. architecture also called dent on Uncle Davies’s That love affair had an back in 1976 after it had charge of the business like the West was, but Avenue, Beacon Hill, and Pete, and several others “Mediterranean Revival” or charity and she and her impact felt throughout War been neglected. herself. It has remained without all the PR. Ocean Avenue. scattered across the state. “Mission Revival.” mother lived with him. World II and the allies, as it Decades of ups and open to this day. The early Florida Florida benefited. Few still carry the flavor Let’s travel back to 1926 Warfield was postmas- was his stepping down downs and major renova- The 22 rooms each have cowboys took advantage Developers came in, of the 1920s as they have and an idyllic location. 32 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 33 1860 1870 1858 1880 Seminoles flee to Indiantown and 1890 1900 settled.
1924 1923 Betty Mae Jumper is Born in Indian- 1925 town, later elected chief of the Seminoles 1926 The Seminole Inn is Built. 1927 Betty Mae Jumper’s family, “The Tiger Family,” are the last Seminoles to leave Indiantown for the Dania Reservation. She was four years old. 1928 Opening of the Tamiami Trail, which 1929 cuts through the Everglades. Once hidden Seminole villages become accessible to tourists and developers. 1931 1930 First state reservation, consisting of 1932 99,200 acres of forbidding wilder- ness in the ten thousand islands 1933 regions of Florida is established. their own style, not the cookie Take a Sunday drive out to the 1935 1934 cutter rooms that you find in chain country and see Florida the way it The Windsor room serves as a time 1940 Big Cypress Reservation — 104,800 hotels. It is a joyful blend of tradition used to be. Come join us for our portal to a gentler time in Florida. To 1945 acres of swamp and marsh is set with modern comforts like flat Famous Sunday Brunch served for 80 A portrait of Betty Mae Jumper, the quote again from their brochure: 1950 aside. More than half was taken back screen televisions and en suite years. Served in four seatings: 9:00 first female elected Seminole chief, 1955 by the government for a drainage bathrooms. They also have a lovely am, 10:30 am, 12:00 pm, 1:30 pm. painted in one of the inn’s hallways. The Palladium windows sweeping 1956 project. garden and swimming pool. CALL FOR RESERVATIONS Highly from hardwood floor to the 12-foot 1958 One hallway is blessed with recommended. Sunday Brunch: pecky cypress ceiling create an 1959 1957 murals of Seminole and Florida grapes, honey dew, watermelon, Seminole Tribe of Florida Incorporat- 1960 history. The upper guest salon feels strawberries, cantaloupe, fruit salad, atmosphere of unique beauty ed. 1961 like visiting grandma’s parlor and it homemade cinnamon rolls, assorted returning from the past. The massive 1963 1962 has that slow-down, relax, you’re muffins, our very own homemade 20-inch thick walls remind visitors 1964 welcome feeling. bread (white and multi Grain), Fried that over 70 years have passed since 1965 Miccosukee Tribe of Florida Incorpo- The Inn also has two charming chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, people first enjoyed elegant dining in 1966 rated. dining areas. sweet potato casserole, green beans, this room. With service and quality as 1968 1967 The Foxgrape Café is open Honey glazed carrots, biscuits and the primary focus of the Seminole 1969 Betty Mae Jumper, born in Indian- Country Inn staff, it is no wonder the 1970 weekdays and Saturdays from 11:00 sausage gravy, bacon, made to order town, elected 1st woman Seminole Restaurant has been acclaimed 1975 am to 2:00 pm with salads, foods Belgium waffles and omelets, Roast statewide. 1980 Chief. from the grill, sandwiches, appetiz- beef and smoked turkey breast, full Dinner is served Friday and 1990 ers, and desserts. country salad bar, and top it off with Saturday nights from 5:00-8:30pm. 1995 1985 As to Sunday, their brochure our famous peach cobbler. And if you Tampa Seminole Reservation 2000 gives the lowdown: leave here hungry, it's your own fault. 2005 founded. 34 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 35 Because Kindness Matters A Staff Member Recounts Her Experience At the Seminole Inn 15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacri- fice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His Name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV)
packed a bag I secretly revealed that we were bedecked our minivan with going to stay overnight at shoe polish to write “Just the Seminole Inn. He was married…twenty five years! ecstatic. “What a great idea! Praise God!” and other such What a great place to pick!” phrases. he kept saying over and My Prince Charming over again. climbed in behind the Indeed the choice was driver’s seat inscribed with wonderful, but God used the words “Handsome Jonnie, the lady who runs Hunk” and I sat on the the Inn, to bless us beyond ast year when I actually stayed there. I “Blushing Bride” side as we measure by exuding Godly wanted to whisk thought it was time to go, headed down the road. hospitality to us as well as my husband away and God even confirmed Although he was driving to all her patrons. The sign on a surprise trip to the decision by supplying a he had no idea of where we in her office reads, “Because Lcelebrate our 25 wonderful Groupon discount. were going. kindness matters”, and she years of marriage together, Finally the big day “Is it north?” he asked. lives this out through the the destination choice was arrived, and nestled “No.” loving way that she runs her There’s Williamsburg, Plimoth Plantation, Old Sturbridge Website: http://www.seminoleinn.com obvious. amongst my gifts to my “Is it south?” business for Christ. Village, Jamestown, and even Wild West ghost towns, all too Email: [email protected] It had to be the Semi- husband was a small child’s “No,” I said with a smile. After checking us in
far from us for a quick visit. Phone: 772-597-3777 nole Inn in Indiantown, toy of TweetyTM sitting on a Victor was completely Jonnie told us to put our Here we have St. Augustine, and a few day-visit living Blog: http://floridathewayitusedtobe.wordpress.com Florida. We had enjoyed at suitcase. befuddled, because most bags in our room and then history museums, but it’s rare to find an authentic location Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/seminoleinn/ least one Thanksgiving When my Sweetie saw it, places in our skinny state of come down for some tea in so near to us that honors the unique history of Florida Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Semi- dinner there and had gone he smiled, thanked me for Florida fall into these two the sitting area. where you can immerse yourself as a guest, being part of nole-Inn-Hotel/404091319628876 to their Open House in it, and asked, ”What’s this?” options as the ocean is to After we were comfort-
the atmosphere. 2001, to celebrate “75 years Using my best TweetyTM the east and the west is ably seated, she disap- To tap into that atmosphere, it has been used as a Seminole Inn of hospitality.” impression I replied, “Pack predominantly cattle land peared for a while and location for several movies including three by Burt Reynolds. P. O. Box 1818 Every time we went your suitcase, Tweetie until you arrive on the other returned with a tray of iced We join Jonni and Iris Wall and their sweet staff in inviting 15885 SW Warfield Blvd. there we marveled over ‘cause you’re going on a coast. teas, and it was the good you to Martin County’s own slice of the past for lunch, for Indiantown, FL 34956 this little gem less than twip!” Actually we were headed stuff – home brewed in true brunch, for dinner, or for a pleasant overnight stay at the twenty miles down the We finished our celebra- west and after a few southern style, sweetened Seminole Inn. ©2014 Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine, All road from us and lamented tion with our precious minutes of open country- perfectly, made with love, BLWE Rights Reserved. the fact that we had never children, and then as he side had rolled by us, I and gladly shared without 36 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | Photos provided by Anne Marie Trense | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 37 charge. additionally blessed with She cheerful served us of space to enjoy an Then we talked, not just the camaraderie that after a full day of running intimate meal worthy of a Techie Granny for a few minutes but closer follows when brothers and the Inn, and was not twenty fifth anniversary. to an hour. Never for a sisters in Christ discover bothered by the great As we cheerfully floated moment did we feel like one another and rejoice distance she had to go to down the stars the next conversational captives. over our Lord together. get to our table at the day, Jonnie happily called Instead as Jonnie shared We even discovered that absolute furthest corner of out “Good morning, Music and Movies with us how she came to we both had served at the the room. Newlyweds!” Digital Entertainment run the Inn her words same Christian school but This servant of the Lord Those exact words were transported us back to at different times. even joyfully presented us what I wanted to give my simpler times when life was That evening I had with a loving note and a gift husband for our silver We matured somewhat when a volunteer less hectic and people planned to dine at the Inn, bag. anniversary. would lug a three-foot stack of albums to a honestly cared for one but was disappointed to With pride she explained God had used Jonnie’s party to spin on an automatic turntable in a another. learn that during the that the honey inside of it relationship with Christ to couch-sized wooden cabinet stereo system. Her fascinating past summer months the was made from her family’s worship Him by the way We blinked and audiophiles were mesmer- exuded her love for the Inn restaurant was not open ranch and shared the she ran her inn and in the ized with the 8-Track that could play your own and for each of its guests. during week days. unique properties of such a process had blessed us with music in the car or at the beach. As she talked and the Jonnie, realizing how special food. (Honey is the the best anniversary gift of Okay, enough already with the nostalgia (and other boarders returned for special the evening was to only food that does not all. you can thank me for not going on about big the evening, she greeted us, asked the cook to come spoil, and it can be applied bands and sock hops). each by name and spoke to all the way from another to heal cuts.) ©2014 Anne Marie All that was eclipsed by walkmans, portable each one as if they were town on his day off to Everything this lady did Trense, All Rights Reserved. cassette, and CD players that made us mobile family. Jonnie’s tea and prepare an exquisite meal reflected who she was and Anne Marie Trense was and we could make our own mixtapes. conversation completely that even included dessert. how God was using her. not billed for the amazing Those amazing early iPods gave us about any revived one tired guest Of course having the And her gift could not have dinner at the inn, but she song we wanted at any time we wanted it for after a long day of road entire place to ourselves, been more perfect as Victor and her husband happily what a 45 rpm record would have cost back in construction work, and he we lovebirds picked the loved honey and went left a handsome tip for the ’69. he holidays are fast approaching and that can mean guests. headed up the stairs visibly table farthest away from through jars of it regularly. chef that evening and But, as Christians, we want to do this honest- One thing that has always been a “get the people out of the recharged. the kitchen to enjoy all the Despite her long day, she insisted upon paying for ly and without reproach. The listening and kitchen for while” ploy is to send them to see a movie. As for us “newlyweds,” ambiance of the restaurant. allowed us to enjoy dinner their special meal when downloading, that is. How many of you think of Jimmy Stewart’s and Clarence’s we were anticipating a And who was our server, unhurriedly and wisely they checked out. BLWE Enter services like Pandora Radio, iTunes Tadventures in Pottersville (when George Bailey was “alive” it was Bedford private weekend, but were but Jonnie, herself. gave us the perfect amount Radio, Google play, Spotify, and Podcasts. Falls) in Frank Capra’s delightful, though doctrinally suspect: It’s a I’m not going to give you a play-by-play Wonderful Life? comparison of the different services, but help Or do you know little Ralphie’s story by heart? There used to be a you fine tune the one you have via work channel that played A Christmas Story back-to-back for a 24-hour arounds. marathon each year. Generally you’ll have to pay a small fee (a few Or even more indicative of the holidays is the music. O Come All Ye dollars a month or an annual fee) to get the Faithful, Away in the Manger, or Joy to the World fill our hearts with hope ad-free version or to upgrade to the “access and fond memories. anywhere” version. It seems that I absorb more “entertainment” during the holidays than Some claim to have a larger library of music any other time of the year. With that in mind I thought I’d give you some while others get a new song first. Some make digital assistance in those two arenas. playlists or channels easy to share with friends usic or you can benefit from the “liking or disliking” M of others to get a station that matches your Once upon a time in the wee hours of our country, when someone unique musical tastes. wanted to party they had to hire musicians to play a minuet in their When I say "work arounds," I’m not doing any parlor with the harpsichord, pianoforte, or flute. thing illegal or immoral. I’m just using the 38 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 39 constraints of the system to 000 – Gospel ordering from each slot. So coming panopticon. suit me. 001 – Classic Gospel be sure to use exactly the For example, I have used 009 – Messianic same type dashes and Movies Pandora Radio for years Praise space combination. Stories have a way of and have stations that suit 010 – Classical You don’t have to keep a drawing us into emotion- my different moods. 010 – Franz station that someone else al word pictures that But I didn’t like the way Schubert has designed. Just save it non-fiction doesn’t offer. it sorted the stations (by 011 – Gustav Holst and rename it as your very It’s that suspension of date created or A-Z) so I 019 – Academy own. You’ll have to like and disbelief that enables us renamed them using Chamber Music dislike for a few iterations to mesh into a world of numeric prefixes. By the 020 – Big Band-ish for the computer algorithm three-walled rooms, way, this system works . to pick up on your idiosyn- plastic props, and special great for many digital . crasies of choices. effects. any room because I had recorded all Do you remember those TV that give me access to various organizing algorithms that . And be patient, I’m This can be a good the shows I wanted to “have watched”, cabinets that you could buy that sermons, Bible studies, and best-of-all: don’t allow sub-folders (like 110 – International constantly perplexed by thing when it manifests a but didn’t want to sit down and watch matched the style of your furniture, streaming Scripture. There are some email services). (Dinner music for some of the systems’ ideas right then. be it country oak, early American channels for many hobbies and In a document I listed all international meals) that because I like Karen Gone. And good riddance. maple, Queen Anne cherry, or interests –even a channel for your my stations and any other Carpenter’s music, I’d like Now, when we do want to watch ultra-modern laminate? You had to dogs to watch. possible genre I thought I’d I only listed a few of the Madonna or other such something, we can access exactly turn them on ten minutes before you With Roku (and other smart apps) ever listen to. I dragged sub-genres because I think what we want via services like wanted to watch something so they you can connect to your social media each station to form you can get the idea. If you Huluplus Plus, CBS Full Access, Netflix, could heat up. and set it as your screen saver. I have groups that made sense to really have a lot of stations Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, and Be wise before you buy. Each one TV that I’ve done this to and it me. Then I could make you might need a 4-digit hundreds of other channels/providers. option has system requirements. works as a prayer list for me. As my subgroups. Then I num- prefix to make sub-sub- You can free yourself from the Know what connections you have on friends photos float by, I pray for them bered them using a 3-digit satellite dish or the cable by employ- your TV before you buy. Know that and their families. prefix. ing a smart TV or media streaming yes, there are conversion kits, but Smart TVs have apps, similar to Here’s an example: devices like Roku, Chromecast, Apple each time you split or reparse a signal those for a smart phone, that can TV, or Amazon Fire TV – with probably you’ll lose some definition, and you open a whole new venue for you. truth. It can be devastat- new ones in design as I type. are adding to the price. I like my “Florida Fireplace” – no ing if it drags people to One other option is to use a For example, you might choose a heat, no carrying wood, no smoke, nonsense. the abyss. And it seems converter like a Blu-ray player that cheaper system to save $20, but then just the crackle and pop and beauty The more you add in more and more of the turns any old TV into a good facsimile have to buy a splitter and cable that of a roaring fire from my fireplace app. your own likes and fare is of the latter type. of a smart TV. Or just combine it all costs $75 to make it work with your There are apps or channels for dislikes, even adding the But for those movies genres. with a game console that plays TV. Not the best choice. gorgeous scenery (waterfalls, beach- artists by name, the more that do uplift and give us The key is to include the Blu-ray discs, games, and gives you We have several of the options es, mountains, etc.) that soothe the your stations will play for those wonderful family zeros before the early access to many of the streaming working around our house and each craziest of domestic conditions. hours with music times together, may I numbers – that way when media features. one has benefits and services. And best of all, there is no pressure compatible to your spirit. suggest that you cancel you click the “A-Z” sorting What will vary on each of the For example, we have an old flat to watch something right now. No It can be wonderful to cable. It was one of the code your stations will all options is the cost, counter space, and screen that still has a great picture, concern about something untoward just let it go and play best things I’ve done in come out in order, your features. but it didn’t have an HDMI slot. I had coming across the airways – I pay for soothing music as I my life. Not only do we order. For instance, with a massive old TV to downgrade my choice in a Roku only the channels and shows I want. I exercise or write or craft. save the $120 a month Use the same format, be from a thrift store for ($65) and a device (couldn’t get the really nifty get to miss all that dribble and goo But all that “figuring me (Multiple rooms, DVRs, it number, space, dash, Blu-ray player for ($89) I have access one that has earbud jacks in the that fills today’s television selections. out” is also kind of tiers, etc.), but I don’t feel space, station name or to all my streaming accounts and a remote) to the donut box size one. Relax and enjoy the Holidays on creepy. How much do we tied to the sets. number space, double picture that’s remarkably clear (33”). It Yet, I still get all the channels I want. your own terms. Happy surfing. want “The Machine” to My husband would dash, station name. has a huge footprint, but then it’s And while I’m talking Roku – there know about us? Ah, but want to DVR a soccer The sorting program is sleeker than the piece of furniture my are hundreds of channels (many are ©2014 Bitsy LaPortal, All that’s for another time: match, but there wasn’t looking left to right and mother had. free). I love all the Christian channels Rights Reserved BLWE the anxiety of the 40 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 41 Feature
Celebrating and I never got angry at peeling off the petals one tired of carrying the door. Him. I knew that in all by one, except instead of burden. So, I decided to The physician said that things God works for the saying, “He loves me, he take things into my own she would not perform the good of those who love loves me not,” it was more hands and have my tubes procedure because of my a Miracle him, as Romans 8:28 like, “Should I or should I tied. age (I was 24 years old at promises. not?” The nurse practitioner the time). There were many times I had not been allowed that I normally saw at the When the nurse when I was lying on the to be on birth control since gynecologist’s office told practitioner came back couch – because I could 2005 and while we were me that she didn’t perform into the room I admitted not get comfortable using another method of those procedures and she that I had heard the entire enough to sleep in my bed protection there was still would need to talk with conversation and asked to – where I literally would the ever daunting thought one of the physicians in see another physician.
Love to celebrate. I mean, who doesn’t cry out to God to take this of, “What if something the office. Eventually another love to celebrate a birthday, the “thorn” from my flesh 2( happens?” I could hear every word physician in the practice holidays, the arrival of a new baby? Corinthians 12:7). At times thinking about she and the physician took my case and agreed Currently, I have found my passion in Those were dark days having children was almost spoke as they stood to perform the procedure. Ihelping others celebrate special occasions in and at times I felt like I was too much to bear and I was outside the exam room When the nurse called their lives. Celebrations are a time to remem- all alone, despite knowing ber the past and look towards the future. That that God was in control. is how I feel about my relationship with God. During one of my visits I love to remember and celebrate what He to the specialist I was has done and will continue to do in my life. currently seeing, he This past July my husband and I celebrated informed me that I would our ten-year anniversary. We were recounting never be able to have all the things we had been through in the past children and that if I did ten years. decide to have them it To begin, the year we were married was would be a huge risk with when the Treasure Coast got hit with Hurri- multiple complications canes Frances and Jeanne. Our little house (mostly on my part) and of Miami Hospital and clinics for was no cure for this type of tumor. ended up with a hole in the roof and some that I would have to make further testing. While it was not cancerous it flooding. a choice on whether or not After seeing two separate could become life threatening While we were still in the middle of those to give up my life or the specialists, having a surgical depending on how quickly it grew repairs, I went to my doctor in May of 2005 for baby’s life. biopsy, and an eight-hour surgery and what it attached itself to. an annual visit and told my doctor that I had And so began yet performed on my neck, it was I was referred to yet another noticed a bump on my neck the night before. another struggle. confirmed that I had a Desmoid specialist and for the next year He didn’t seem alarmed and told me to return It was at this point that I Tumor. and a half I was put on two in two weeks if it hadn’t gone away. began to convince myself This type of tumor only occurs different chemotherapy treat- Two weeks later I was back in his office and that maybe I wasn’t meant in women that are pregnant or ments. And yet the tumor still the testing process began. to have children. have been pregnant and I was in continued to grow and my neck While scans definitely confirmed that I had I contemplated the neither one of those categories. became disfigured. a lump, needle biopsies could not confirm “baby issue” almost daily. My case was taken before While I wasn’t doing much what the lump was made of. After one visit to Some days it felt like I was numerous panels of doctors celebrating during this time of my a specialist in town I was sent to the University picking up a daisy and
because, up until this point, there life, I always knew God had a plan Kerry by provided Santucci Photos 42 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 43 and mean- they ing of the prayed for name Josiah. me. They prayed that Josiah is a Biblical I would be healed of my name and I knew it had to tumor and that I would be have a meaning. I then able to have children read the following: Healed without complication. by Jehovah. Second, I had the I almost fell out of the second surgery on my chair. tumor. That was a turning point Kerry has been Josiah Steven Santucci, Before the surgery, the for me. I realized in that tumor free for six born November 23, 2011 head and neck surgeon moment that God was still years. questioned why I didn’t in control and that He had have any children. I told known all along the plans to confirm the date for the procedure I found that it coincid- him what the oncologist that He had for me, plans tumor could grow back. On Mother’s Day of testimony included me. miracle that He had done ed with the Women of Faith conference that I had agreed to had said and he proceeded to prosper me and not to I have no doubt that 2011 we found out that we She said that even in mine. go to with my co-workers. to tell me that once we got harm me, plans to give me God performed this were pregnant and on though she did not know I always said that if one When I informed the nurse of the conflict she told me the tumor under control hope and a future (Jeremi- miracle in my life so that November 23, 2011, we me at all in 2008, she was person were to come to that this was the only date the doctor had because he was that there was no reason ah 29:11 NIV). others may come to know got to meet Josiah Steven at the service the night Christ or renew their leaving the practice. At this point I realized that maybe I why I shouldn’t be able to The second surgery was Him. Santucci. they were praying over me commitment to Christ shouldn’t be going through with tying my tubes because have children. a grueling 14½ hours and In John 2:11 NIV, when And although he came before I went in for because of my trials, then this had to be a direct sign from God that He had different Experiences from the consisted of an intense Jesus performs his first 6½ weeks early, he was a surgery. it would make my suffering plans for me. past one and a half years three month recovery, but miracle of changing water healthy 4-pound-and-10- Being in the medical worth it. In July of 2007, my husband, Jon, was on a mission trip had taught me to suppress the results were well worth into wine, it says that he ounce little boy. field she knew that my So as we enter the with the youth of our church. As they were worshiping one any type of emotion it: I have been tumor free performed this miracle The physician that chances were slim in season of celebrating let’s evening, Jon saw a vision from God: a picture of a family… a because it was just easier for six years. and… delivered our son was the coming out alive, let alone take a moment to remem- picture of our family. to deal with life when you What God did was a same one who initially being completely healed ber the past (what God has He was given the promise that we would have a baby are constantly getting bad miracle! refused to tie my tubes from the tumor. done in our lives) and look boy and we were to name him, ”Josiah. “ … he revealed his news. Numerous doctors said – now that is something to When she heard that I towards the future (what When Jon told me this I did not celebrate – I was mad. glory; and his disciples But in that moment I the tumor was inoperable celebrate. not only survived the He is going to accomplish Why would God tell my husband and not me? believed in him. felt something different – and positive margins could In closing, I would like grueling surgery, but that through us). This vision could not possibly be true. hope. not be obtained (meaning to share with you why I the reports kept coming Later, when recounting these events, I realized that God Jesus performed and A short time after this that a very small amount wrote this article. A back that I was 100% © 2014 Kerry Santucci, did not tell me because I would not have listened. still performs miracles so visit I was sitting at the of tumor was left in my woman, that I now disciple, tumor free, she completely All Rights Reserved In March of 2008 two amazing things happened. that people will put their computer and felt com- neck). That means there told me not too long ago surrendered her life to First, I went to a women’s conference at a local church trust in Him. BLWE pelled to look up the was a great chance the that part of her salvation Jesus Christ because of the 44 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 45 For the Love of Hebrew Great Math Lesson The formula is [Nx(N+1)/2] -1. Karl Friedrich Gauss, as the Jesus Celebrated Hanukkah story goes, wowed his teacher when he came up with the Festival of Lights — Festival of the Light solution to a problem his teacher gave out every year – how many presents would there be if the twelve days of Christmas lasted 100 days. Since most students added 1 or some Messianic congrega- to 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 . . . it took Christians, it is tions for a couple of them quite a while to do. Yet, lends itself to family lasted for eight days until candle called the shamash almost star- decades. Karl came up with the correct adaptations – each family new oil was sanctified. or servant. It is lit first tling to hear Messianic Jews are answer within minutes. had their own way of It became an annual each night then the other Fthat Jesus was Jewish. those who were are He pictured a triangle with observing the miracle of celebration for the 25th candles are lit by the On the surface we often reared in the one item, then two items, the lights. Though there day of Kislev. Usually shamash, adding one know that, but we have traditions of Judaism, then three items. If he just are many common falling in December, it can each night of the eight- seen him portrayed by but have come to learn doubled it and inverted it – elements that are shared be as early as November. night celebration. blond, blue-eyed actors that Jesus really is their he’d have a rectangle. So, he by many Hebrew families. There are hundreds of always with that white messiah. They have figured taking that rectangle styles and price ranges for robe and blue sash so become Christians but and halving it would give him a hanukiah. We even have often in movies, retain their Jewish Candelabrum or the correct amount. For the History an electric one. If you go posters, and even those roots. anukiah hanu 100 days of Christmas, you In the years between H ( - the candle route, there old flannel-graphs that There are levels of get 100 (rows) with 101 items Malachi and Matthew, kiyot, hanukki- are sets available in His Hebrew-ness this Hebrew-ness (1 +100) = 10,100. Divide by 2 there was a revolt in yah dozens of stores. Even sometimes gets education ranging from ) and you get 5050. Judah with the Macca- One of the common grocery stores carry a set blurred. a cursory understand- Back to Hanukkah: You bees. elements of this celebra- of Hanukah candles. I was reared in a ing and filling in the take the Gauss formula After the Syrian king tion is an eight-branch If you are crafty, you traditional Southern gaps of our knowledge Nx(N+1) = 9x10 = 90. Divide Antiochus IV Epiphanes (a candlestick or Menorah, can make your own. I Protestant church and with added back- by half = 45. But since we use prototype of the an- unlike the Holy one in the found dozens and dozens didn’t see my first Jew ground of traditions 2 the first night, we subtract 1 ti-Christ) defiled the Temple which had seven of ideas on the web. until I was at a student and customs of Bible and the answer is 44 candles. temple by offering a pig branches. Though I don’t If you use candles, the government conven- Times, to those who them, or prideful on our part. Hebrew-ness of Biblical The Gauss formula works on the altar and placing a care if you call it a meno- tradition is to let them tion in high school. Yet, almost convert to With this article I don’t want backgrounds is because it isn’t for any triangle number statue of Zeus in the rah, it is really a chanukiah burn out each night. That I knew I was missing Judaism and adopt the to get into a debate about the one of the prescribed feasts (examples: bowling or sanctuary, a group of the (pronounced: haun-ah- gives you about an hour something by picturing full garb of kippah Jewish Roots Movements and (Leviticus 23). It is a celebra- billiards). faithful, led by Mattathias key-ah). to have family time. You’ll my cultural heritage (yamaka), tzitzit the legalism that can ensue or tion, but not a God-directed It also makes for a great Maccabee, revolted. His Obviously this is a need 44 candles. For into the Biblical scenes. (tassles), and tefillin set free depending on the level Feast. history lesson – the kids son, Yehuda, reclaimed modern adaptation, as those of you who are There had to be a (phylacteries). of one’s involvement, but to One of the main reasons we writing their work on slates, the temple. the real Menorah was not teachers, check the layer of nuance I was I’ve often heard introduce you to a very easy to added it to our holidays is that etc. As they worked to a candlestick – but a lamp sidebar. missing. gentiles refer to understand Jewish Holiday – Jesus celebrated Channukah Now if you want to get to reclaim and purify the that used oil, not wax. They last longer and I found it when I Messianics as “Complet- easy to understand and very (John 10:25-38). And the way I more complicated math temple, they found The neat teaching drip less if you freeze started studying under ed Jews.” I’ve also easy to observe. try to run my life is that if Jesus problems, have your students enough sanctified oil to point about it is the them first and take them some Messianic Rabbis learned that can be The reason it is so easy and did it, it has to have merit. figure out the probabilities of last one day. But the center candle – the helper out just before lighting. and worked with some very hurtful to some of a gentle introduction to the It is also a celebration that the dreidel game. miracle was that that oil 46 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 47 Some say add candles left to right, while others go Graceful Lights outside in. I don’t lose sleep over it. Dreidel There are various traditions, so you can’t go “wrong.” I have to insert here that there are rabbinical “laws” about Speaking of games. At least one of the nights, we would Make up your own. when to light the candles and about not blowing them out. play Dreidel. For example, the School of Shammai says you light all But we’re not under the law, so I only mention them for I’m reminded of a lovely Jewish friend who came over to eight candles the first night and reduce each night, while those of you who want to delve deeper into the rules (like speak about Hannukah to a group of young shiksas (gentile the School of Hillel says you increase each night. Both have starting 18 minutes before sunset, letting them burn at least girls) who met in our home. She laughed when I pulled out valid arguments, but perhaps deeper than we should go for 30 minutes after sunset, et al.) dreidels for the girls to play. She hadn’t seen a dreidel since now. We know we are schlepping through it all, so we get she was a little girl. Some families (Sephardi) have a family-menorah, shared “right” whatever we get right. Though it is completely a contrived tradition, you can use by them all. Other families (Ashkenazi) insist that each it to teach some Biblical concepts. A dreidel is a four-sided member has his own hanukiah and lights his own candles top. The children start with a stack of 10-15 favors (pennies, each night. pieces of candy, game pieces of some sort). At the beginning of each round, each player puts a favor in the pot (center area). Each player takes turn spinning the top and the spinner reacts according to what side lands up.
gift-giving a different way. pass out the gifts she had (and receiving) over a Shin or (pei) — the player adds one Gifts and Stories We spread out the giving gotten. week-plus and it was a piece to the pot Did you ever experience over the days of Chanuk- It made it special as the calm, loving process. It’s the after-opening let- kah. gifts were tied into the just an idea. Perhaps you down? It seems for some The first day we gave a relationship each person could give a small gift each Nun — the player does nothing families, Christmas morn- game to the whole family had to the other, rather night as many Jewish Melech HaOlam, ing is a too-quickly over, to add to our “game-night” than a general gift. We families do. The Blessing she’asah nisim l’avo- frenzy of tearing open collection. Then the found that we liked our As each child had their There are a variety of teinu, b’yamim haheim packages and ripping second day was for Dad to day of giving far more than night, they got to light the prayers and blessings that Hei — the player gets half of the bazman hazeh. through gifts. give gifts to everyone. The any of the other days. shamash and the other are said depending on the pieces in the pot, rounding up if it's an For years we did third day was for Mom to The fourth day was for candles. They got to pick family’s traditions. odd number. Blessed are You, O the oldest child until we the songs we’d sing and Here is a fairly common Lord our God, Ruler of the came to the last few days which story we’d read set of blessings: Universe, Who made imel — the player gets everything and those were filled with aloud. And sometimes G miracles for our forefa- in the pot and the round ends. what we were giving to what movie or show we Baruch Atah thers in those days at this others and our big family might watch, or game we’d Adonai Eloheinu time. gift. play together. Melech HaOlam, asher It spread the gift giving There are many books Here’s a little mnemonic my daughter made up so she’d kidshanu b’mitzvotav Baruch Atah available with Hannukah remember what the letters meant: v’tzivanu l’hadlik ner Adonai Eloheinu stories. Some of them have shel Hanukkah. Melech HaOlam, such lovely turns of phrase Shin, put one in shehekheyanu, v’kiya- with the wording. I’m sure Nun, no fun Blessed are You, O manu vehegianu there are many online if Hei, yeah Lord Our God, Ruler of lazman hazeh. you spend a few minutes Gimel, Giv’a me all the Universe, Who has surfing. sanctified us with Your Blessed are You, O There are enough Bible There is a song, Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel, that you can find commandments and Lord Our God, Ruler of verses about “Light” to on the Internet plus all kinds of lesson plans and peripheral commanded us to kindle the Universe, Who has keep you duly supplied information. the lights of Hanukkah. kept us alive, sustained with devotional fodder for The letters in Hebrew stand for Nes Gadol Hayah Poh or “A us, and brought us to this all eight days. great miracle happened here” – those are the ones from Isra- Baruch Atah season. el that use the Pei instead of Shin for the fourth side. Adonai Eloheinu 48 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 49 Penny’s Two-Cents Worth
as the Feast of Dedication. If you like the bit about no vain repetition, or memorized No matter how you spell it, it could add a freshness to prayers, then use the above as a template to write your own. your holidays that helps you drop the commercialism that we all disdain, but find so hard to avoid. This story convicts me. Am I, are “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the Don’t see it as one more thing you have to do, but as a you, as lavish with my love and heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for way to experience a celebration that we know Christ Himself appreciation for Jesus’ forgiveness embraced. their much speaking." and redemption? (It is notable that I love that the verses that follow the mention of Christ Matthew 6:7 KJV this was done even before He celebrating the Festival of Light He teaches that we hear His suffered and gave His life on the voice and no one can pluck you out of His Hand. It makes for I’m giving you these blessings because one major aspect cross for our sins.) a very interesting Bible study. of Judaism that we came across in our 20-plus years were Or do we not see ourselves “as the staid blessings and prayers – repeated every festival, sinful” as her and therefore think we Sabbath, or meeting. 22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at need not be as lavish? Jesus said He Jerusalem. It was winter, who has been forgiven much, loves 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colon- much (v.47). But we are all sinners Food nade of Solomon. – just as sinful as that woman – and if we have accepted Jesus’ forgive- Yes, of course there will be food. Though I find no 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, ness and grace, we should love Biblically-justified admonitions, the tradition suggests fried “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the food like latkes (Potato pancakes fried in oil) or sufganiyot every bit as much as she did. I don’t Christ, tell us plainly.” – small powdered sugar donuts sometimes filled with jelly think she was more of a sinner than 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not or custard. The idea is to cook in oil because of the oil that us, I think she just grasped grace lasted. believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name bear more than some of us. Another food that could equally blow your diet is dairy. witness about me, So what about you, how much do They tend to eat dairy foods to celebrate Hanukkah to 26 but you do not believe because you are not among you think you grasp the concept of Grace? Have you accepted God’s remember the story of Judith who saved her village by my sheep. Grace? plying the Syrian general with salty cheese. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and So, let’s see — you can have fried pancakes, sugary they follow me. donuts, cheese, and cheese blintzes. Yum. He does not treat us as our sins 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, deserve or repay us according to and no one will snatch them out of my hand. Celebrate His Grace our iniquities. 29 My Father, who has given them to me,is greater elebrate. That’s what we’re doing in this issue. Chanukah or Chanukkah or Hanu- Psalm 103:10 NIV kah than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the When was the last time you had a celebration? What was it for? ? Father’s hand. How did you celebrate? How did you feel? Have I confused you with the different ways I spelled Do you “feel” forgiven or do you Grace. How does that make you feel? When have you experienced Chanukkah? 30 I and the Father are one.” still feel guilty even after you ask theC Grace of God, not just at salvation, but in daily, grace-filled moments? It’s because it is a transliteration. You hear the Hebrew of John 10:22-30 ESV forgiveness? Do you feel you need to What do you think about when you think of God’s grace? Beth Moore says most Hanukkah and try to make it have the same sounds with pay penance? Do you feel that God of us can easily define grace, but we don’t grasp its concept as easily. (I suspect if English letters. Wouldn’t be interesting if Jesus, the Light of the World, is disappointed with you? we did, we’d all be celebrating and joy-filled a lot more.) It is a hard “H” almost as if you are coughing out the H – was conceived during the Festival of Lights? Just an added Or have you accepted His Perhaps we’d be more like the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50, who washed Jesus’ so some use “Ch” to mimic that sound. thought. all-encompassing forgiveness and ©2014 Hana Whitefield, feet with her tears and poured expensive ointment on them, lavishing her love It means, “Dedication.” In fact, the holiday is also known grace? All Rights Reserved BLWE back to Jesus.
50 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 51 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. guilt, shame, insecurities, pity, How do you see your cup of Grace Jesus for His lavish gift of Grace? How 1 John 1:9 NIV (emphasis depression, anger, resentment, and — half empty or half full? In other can you begin to show your grateful- added) defeat, (and I’m sure you could add to words, is your focus more on things ness for His Grace? How can you this list) instead of thinking about you need forgiveness for or all God begin to show more grace to others? Have you experienced how He loves us. has forgiven you for (past, present and How will you celebrate His Grace? the freedom of His forgive- Maybe one reason we have trouble future)? ness and grace? grasping grace is because we have Lord, “Tune my heart to sing trouble granting grace. “Eucharisteo is how Jesus shows us thy grace.” Now the Lord is the how to fully live — take all as grace, Come Thou Fount of Every Spirit, and where the I give grace because I so give thanks for all, and all transforms Blessing, Robert Robinson, 1757. Spirit of the Lord is, there desperately need it. into joy. Eucharisteo!” is freedom. — Lysa Terkeurst —Ann VosKamp © 2014 Penny Cooke, All Rights 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV Reserved Is that any way to lavish your love What does living in Grace look like Penny’s continual prayer is, “Lord, How real is God’s Grace Photo provided by Penny Cooke back on Him? to you? help me to ‘get’ Your Grace. I know I’ve to you? In asking if we After lavishing His Grace on us, The women in Luke’s gospel got it, but help me to ‘get it.’ BLWE grasp the concept of grace, blessing that Christ has, we we receive His gift of Grace how do you think this makes God lavished her love back to Jesus. How Then help me to ‘give it.’” we must first decide what 3 Praise be to the God are loved, chosen, holy, – each morning as He feel? have you lavished your love back to we believe about grace, and Father of our Lord blameless, adopted as His extends new mercies to us child, and it was His plan (Lamentations 3:22-23)? and if we trust in it. We Jesus Christ, who has 36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have 43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the may need to change what and pleasure to do so He must. He lavishes it. blessed us in the heavenly dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus we believe and understand because of His glorious realms with every spiritu- reclined at the table. said. about grace before it will grace, which is free. If you, then, though al blessing in Christ. affect how we feel and I’d call that lavish, just as you are evil, know how 37A woman in that town who lived a sinful life 44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to 4 For he chose us in Paul did. how we act--toward to give good gifts to your learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. him before the creation I love the word lavish. It ourselves and others. children, how much she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet has become my excuse for Listen to these words of the world to be holy 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. over-buying for my more will your Father in from Ephesians 1:7-8 NIV: and blameless in his began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from grandkids at Christmas. As heaven give good gifts to sight. In love much as I don’t want those who ask him! with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 7 In Him we have 5 he predestined us Christmas to be so com- Matthew 7:11 NIV 39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured redemption through His for adoption to sonship mercialized, I just can’t he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would perfume on my feet. blood, the forgiveness of through Jesus Christ, help myself. I love them so I love the line in the know who is touching him and what kind of woman she 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been sins, in accordance with in accordance with his much and I just love to see song by Jesus Culture, is—that she is a sinner.” forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has their sweet little faces the riches of God’s Grace pleasure and will— How He Loves Us, that says, 40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to been forgiven little loves little.” when they open each “I don’t have time to 8 that He lavished 6 to the praise of his tell you.” “Tell me, teacher,” he said. 48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” present. So I told my kids maintain these regrets upon us. glorious grace, which he 41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylend- 49 The other guests began to say among themselves, last year that God lavished when I think about how He has freely given us in the er. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other “Who is this who even forgives sins?” …the riches of His His love on us, so I’m loves us.” One he loves. Grace lavished on us… symbolically lavishing my I think too many of us fifty. 50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV Riches. love on my grandkids. women do just that, 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, go in peace.” What are these riches? Do you think God can’t maintain the old flesh after so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will Luke 7:36-50 NIV We have every spiritual The previous verses say, wait to see our face when salvation with regrets, love him more?” 52 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 53 Homemade for Health Silver Science his is the time of year where we seem to spend more hours in our I find the science of this whole thing Kitchen kitchens than any other. amazing. Isn’t God wonderful? So, here are some ways to help you keep that kitchen cleaner and The “tarnish” on silver is a combination of Helps Thealthier by using homemade concoctions. silver and sulfur called silver or black sulfide. Ways to Make It Sparkle The old method I had to do before any holiday was to polish the silver using a thick commercial paste, a special cloth, and hours of elbow grease. It was not my favorite holiday activity. Come to find out that each time I did that I was actually removing thin layers of the silver. By doing water-bath method ,you are charging the atoms and converting the sulfide back to silver. Silver Cleaning Yes. We’re humid in Florida that’s why our This next method seems too silver tarnishes so quickly – the moisture. To good to be true. So try it. If it works keep down tarnish, store your silver in for you, you have saved hours airtight containers (airtight bags work great) being the lowly kitchen serf from with a few pieces of chalk (the chalk absorbs Downton Abby. If only they had the moisture) or if you like to display your known this process back then to silver, just plan to “zap” it with foil more polish those pounds of silver often. service. If you’re in a time jam (like in-laws As wistful as that sounds, it suddenly showing up) and can’t do all that, would have costs a king's ransom grab an old toothbrush and a ketchup back then. Aluminum (they would bottle. It only takes a few seconds of pronounce it Al-you-min-ee-umm) scrubbing. But only do this in a pinch – that was so rare and expensive that it was acid and silver don’t make long-term valued even more than gold. One of friends. (The acid will eat away the silver the giant mansions down in Palm – that’s why grandma never left her silver Beach, Whitehall, has a drawing room ladle in the spaghetti sauce during the gilded in aluminum to show off how buffet.) 3. Grab your tarnished silver a minute, but definitely not rich the owners were. That room was 1. Or make a quick paste with cream-of– And to — even works on silver plate. more than 30 minutes. It may by far the most expensive room in the Line your tarter (or cornstarch), water, and buff off think we just 4. Place the silver on the smell ghastly. That’s the whole house. From the flaglermuse- sink, pan, or tarnish with cloth. use sheets of it today, aluminum foil. It has to touch sulfuric gases (think rotten um.us site: washing bin with alumi- Or if you must – soak the item in lem- wad it up, and throw it away. If real the foil for the electrochemical eggs). When it was completed in 1902, num foil – deep enough to submerge on-lime soda overnight – it should buff all estate is about location, location, reaction to work. 6. Remove the silver pieces the New York Herald proclaimed that your silver pieces with room for nice and shiny afterwards. location, then investment is all about 5. Sprinkle over the silver with tongs (because the water Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age frothing (or place in a sink for any One more note about silver – avoid it timing, timing, timing. — per gallon of water (approx- is HOT). Rinse with tap water. If estate in Palm Beach, was “more overflow). OR reuse those aluminum touching rubber. Don’t use rubber gloves or Okay, now that I’ve given you imately): you’re doing small pieces of wonderful than any palace in pans from takeout or the cheap ones containers as the rubber will actually enough superfluous information, 1 cup Baking Soda jewelry be sure to stop up the Europe, grander and more magnifi- for roasting turkeys. corrode the silver. 1 cup Salt (optional) drain. cent than any other private dwelling here’s an easy way to do it that also 2. Get your water boiling – enough ½ cup vinegar (optional) 7. Immediately buff in the world. teaches some basics of chemistry. to cover all silver objects. It should only take less than completely dry. 54 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 55 Vent Cleaning You do know you have to clean the vents in your above-the-stove exhaust system, right? It gets gunked up and can be a fire hazard. You can do a lot of manual labor or just do it the easy way with non-evasive cleaners.
1. Get some water boiling. 2. Place the vents in a shallow dish/bin/ pan. 3. Sprinkle with baking soda. Copper and Brass 3. Soak method 4. Sprinkle with just a little Borax (a Don’t you just love the look of Make a slurry of 2/3 ketchup to detergent booster). copper? I really like the way it cooks 1/3 water. And submerge the item 5. Pour a cup of vinegar over the vent. It and looks. Ah, if I had only known into it. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. will sizzle. these tricks when my husband Alan Check. Repeat if needed. Wash with 6. Pour boiling water over it. had to have his military uniforms soapy water and DRY. This needs to be 7. Let it sit. perfect. I worked with tins of BrassoR used only with very durable pieces. the 8. Come back several hours later and use to make his buttons sparkle. Otherwise, just use a dab of ketchup items prongs to get the vent out. First, distinguish if your copper has on your cloth and buff the copper with soapy water and DRY the items. 9. Rinse. a protective coating or not. If it does piece. Don’t let copper or brass air dry. Dry then just wash with soapy water and with a very absorbent towel. Buff with They should be sparkling clean. If not, repeat dry. 4. Agitation method a fluffy cloth. It’s that buffing that will the process using more washing soda and let If not, then here are 5 methods that In a container with a lid (glass jar bring out the shine. them soak longer. work great: or plastic – NOT metal) make a To keep the items looking nice (not mixture of 10 parts water to 1 part cooking pots, but decorative items), 1. Scrubbing methods vinegar. Seal the lid. Shake vigorously. buff with some beeswax. Or you can For mild tarnish – rub with a Shake some more. Remove items and add a thin layer of olive oil with a combination of fine salt and vinegar. rinse. (This method works great for paper towel to items – like jewelry – Homemade It works quickly. small pieces and jewelry.) to add to the shine. Sparkling Dish For more tarnish – sprinkle a half About the fine salt, I cook with Solution lemon (or lime) with fine salt and rub 5. Boiling method “Natural Salt” or Kosher Salt – both are the copper piece until shiny. If that In a pot with absolutely NO ZINC, fairly coarse and could scratch my Vinegar (Clean- doesn’t work, then use a coarser salt. bring a pot of water to boil. Add 1 cup items. So, I just take some Kosher Salt ing vinegar But monitor for scratches. Wash in of vinegar and 1 Tablespoon of salt and run it through my coffee grinder a — 6% or soap and water, and DRY. per 3 cups of water. Immerse your few turns. It is then like a powder and 10% works copper or brass item. Keep it boiling works great in a variety of cleaning better than 2. Paste method until the grime or tarnish disappears. and cooking applications. regular 5%, For intricate designs and non-re- Remove item with tongs. Let it cool I made a horrible mistake. My aunt if you can movable items (like doorknobs, etc.) and then wash it as normally. DRY it and uncle gave us a beautiful copper find it.) – Make a paste of and give it a good buffing with a fluffy teapot as a wedding present. I ran it ½ cup Vinegar, cloth. I can’t stress enough that the through the dishwasher. It has never It’s that simple. ½ cup Flour (el cheapo all pot can’t have any zinc. It will turn been the same. And that cheap. purpose white flour), your copper to a sickly silver color. If I promise not to judge you if you Just pour vinegar into the rinse aid slot of your 1 Tablespoon Salt. you start to see that happen, remove choose to go the Statue of Liberty dishwasher. If you have extra hard water, add one Coat surface and let it sit for about it immediately – your host pot has style and let that green patina add its cup of vinegar to the dishwasher – just pour it in 10 minutes. Rinse off (use a damp some zinc in it. own charm to your items. Just don't the bottom or leave it in a small cup in the upper cloth for the doorknob). cook with it. rack. With all the methods above, wash 56 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 57 Homemade Dishwasher Tabs 1/3 cup washing soda Gift Wrapping 1/8 cup citric acid (found in canning section of store) Out 1/8 cup lemon peel (I use of 3 powdered from the dehydrated lemon 1 2 peel – fresh might be a nice change) 1/3 cup grated Castile Soap (or any pure soap you like) Box 2/3 cup Epsom Salt ©2014 Blessed Living Keepsake Box: Some- Women's E-Magazine, 1 cup Borax BLWE times giving something to No Surprise Wrapping: Russian Doll: Use 2-3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice or Vinegar All Rights Reserved hold memories is better Everyone likes to guess multiple boxes of decreas- than giving a single what he or she is getting, ing size, each inside the 1. Mix dry ingredients thoroughly. present. Lots of craft stores but this formfitting style next sized box. This works 2. Add lemon juice one Tablespoon at a time and mix. sell raw wooden boxes that often earns a laugh. for a smaller present, like Add just enough lemon juice to make very dry batter. Don’t you could paint and jewelry that comes in a add any more because you want these to be dry. Just personalize for the special small box already. enough so it will clump together. 4 5 someone. Note: The amount of lemon juice will vary because of the inherent moisture and consistency of the dry ingredients. (For 6 instance, fresh lemon peel or dried.) In Florida, we’ve learned how 7 humidity can heavily impact the moistness of any solution, batter, or mixture. Relative humidity can vary depending on season, time Homemade Dishwasher Detergent Powder of day, storms, and barometric pressure. Even the humidity of Same as above, just stop after step one – mix dry Literal Bows: Especially your dry ingredients comes into play (how old, how stored, how ingredients thoroughly. Store in airtight container and great for baby girl showers, Treasure Hunt: Leave a long from measuring to mixing). So, with many of my solutions, use about 1-2 teaspoons per load depending on how use a hairband and trail of notes with personal you have to adjust for the factors that are unique to the time you dirty the dishes, how good a dishwasher you have, and hairbows as the package clues to the final gift. This Wallpaper: Home are mixing and your particular ingredients. how hard your water is. ribbon and bow. Fill a can work for a larger Improvement stores often Recycle: Repurpose (Honestly, after trying the other ways, I realized it ribbon bow with hair clips present that the “getter” sell discount wallpaper shopping/restaurant bags Three options for making tabs (in order of easiest, to most wasn’t that hard to use a scoop and to scoop out the and tie on pacifiers or works for with his/her rolls. These make a very by covering logos with a time consuming) powder each time. But if you have children helping and rattles. detective work. luxuriant feeling wrapping. card or photo. 1. Rolls – make the “batter” the consistency of play- they can’t measure out one scoop, then you can go the dough, roll into ropes, and cut apart. extra route of making tabs.) 8 Themed Wrapping: Instead of using paper and ribbon, try items that match the hobbies of the person you’re giving the present to. 2. Balls – just roll the dough into small balls and shape Or try this combination: with fingers into blocks. 1 cup Borax 3. Use ice trays – Pat mixture into ice trays. Let dry. 1 cup Washing Soda This can take days – depending on how moist you made 1/8 cup Diatomaceous Earth the mixture and your indoor weather. Once dry, pop out ½ cup Citric Acid (canning supply) and use as you would commercial tabs that cost 5x more. ½ cup Kosher Salt
Store in an airtight container. If they clump together, One formula or the other might work better with your Gearhead: Chamois cloth Crafter: Use fabric and Cook: Use a dish towel, R then set them on a bed of dry WHITE rice in the airtight water and dishwasher. instead of paper, GearTie container. This works if you really must have tabs, but I’ve measuring tape. Leave the Gardener: Use burlap, kitchen tools — bow made ribbon, and a carwash fabric in as usable condi- florist tape or tie-backs, from with bottle grippers found it is so much easier, and less work, to just make the ©2014 Jill Bond, All Rights Reserved microfiber sponge instead BLWE powder. tion as possible. and gardening tools. clinched by a nut cracker. of a bow. 58 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 59 container out in a semi-shady spot for a couple weeks, then to the spot Grace-Filled Gardener you’ll plant for a few days before putting them in the soil. Sunlight – During the day, partial sun (especially morning sun); During the night, avoid any light at night – to be red in December, they Poinsettias need complete darkness at night in October and November. Even a moment of light from window, porch, or window will delay or prevent More Than One Season flowering. Once red, total night darkness is not as important. ince the poinsettia is native to Mexico and Central America, here in South Soil – Well-drained; preferable pH: 5.5-6.5. Florida, we don’t have to force or coddle our poinsettia plants, unlike as our Wind – Protect from strong winds. northern neighbors. Fertilizing – Use slow release, or water soluble on a weekly The plant was named for the Mexican ambassador Joel basis once new growth appears. After the season, let it SPoinsett, who brought the plant to the US in 1825. rest and hold off on the fertilizer. Fertilize when There are varieties of stories of how the poinsettia warm weather returns in the spring. Sign of became a decorating tradition for Christmas. One of over fertilizing: yellow leaves. the tales embraces pure capitalism. It was a Planting – Plant in amended soil brilliant marketing campaign of three genera- with at hole that is at least 1 foot tions of the Ecke family. They sent free plants wider and 6 inches deeper than to television stations to decorate their the root ball. Fill with a mulch/ sets. Subtle, but it worked. Or so the dirt combination. Mulch around marketing anecdote goes. plant. For Christians, the poinset- Pruning – They can grow tia symbolizes the Star of large (8-10 feet) and get leggy Bethlehem and the instead of bushy. So, pinch the brilliant red color tips of new growth to produce reminds us of the Jesus’ a bushier plant, but the flowers blood sacrifice. or bracts will be smaller. What we think of as To have larger bracts, thin the the flower, the red branches without pinching the buds. part, is really just a Stop pruning after Labor Day. Let it grow. cluster of leaves – Watering – Water when dry. Brown called "bracts". In leaves that fall off is a sign of overwater- botany, the small ing. Don’t let it sit in water (i.e. house plant yellow grouping that trays). we might think of as the center of the flower is Plant the pot option the actual blossum. Depending on your micro-climate, you You don’t have to toss your plants and buy can try this option: new ones each year. Though that is the easiest thing to Plant the poinsettia in its pot, turning the do, it isn't the cheapest. pot every week so the roots don’t grow out of Keep them in a sunny spot away from any chance of high frost. In the pot through the drainage holes. zones 10-12 they need at least 45° F, but really thrive when night After the season, dig out the pots and bring temperatures are about 60° F. them inside to avoid any temperatures below One way to handle this is to keep them in a container and bring them inside 40° F. when a frost approaches. Do the heaviest pruning in February. Prune it back to no more than 18 inches from Want more details? For a 7-page University of the soil. Florida Extension pamphlet, go to: ©2014 Blessed Living Women's In mid-March, you can plant them outside in improved soil (rich in organic matter). http://polkhort.ifas.ufl.edu/documents/publications/ E-Magazine, All Rights Reserved BLWE Poinsettia plants do not like sudden temperature changes or light changes. So, set the Poinsettia.pdf 60 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 61 Bond Appétit
Holiday Favorties n this issue we’re talking turkey health matters. and pumpkins. Though some will opt for turducken Though I don’t know for sure (that turkey, duck, chicken delight) and where that cliché “let’s talk turkey” others will feast on vegetarian tofu-rky, Icame from, I imagine it came from 88% of Americans will eat turkey. Some many a housewife who was trying for of it will need lots of gravy to fight the that Norman Rockwell icon of the dryness and others will be extra crispy. perfectly basted bird as she asked her One way that we have a perfect bird friends and relatives for advice. every time is by brining. I have cooked dozens of turkeys I won’t get deeply into the brining Brine (let’s say an average of four a year for controversy, because we have consid- Brined Turkey Apple & Herb Version – see below for 33 years) because large turkeys were ered the factors and find the benefits aturday or unday ays Orange, Cranberry, or Vegetable S S (4-5 D versions the anchor of my mega-cooking far outweigh the negatives. It costs efore ooking The Week Before B C ) 1 pound Kosher Salt sessions – using that easy-to-cook and very little, saves valuable refrigerator Thaw your turkey days ahead in the Buy the healthiest animal you can 1 gallon Apple Juice* very inexpensive meat as the poultry space, and produces gorgeous and refrigerator. Setting the meat in the afford. In our case, we reserved ours at 1-2 large Onion(s), quartered in recipes that called for deboned tasty meat. refrigerator on Saturday or Sunday for the farm in the summer. 2 Carrots, washed and broken chicken meat. It takes a little time and if safety a Thursday afternoon feast, works well This recipe works for a 18-22 into 3 pieces Long gone are the “free” turkeys or precautions are not followed it can be for those that are most average sized pound turkey. We’ve found that if we 3 ribs of Celery, washed and the ones for 39¢ a pound. Back in the dangerous, but the work is minor and (18-22 pounds). need more meat, rather than cook a broken in half early days of our marriage, grocery the healthfulness can be assured. I’ll 30-pounder, it works better to cook 2 1 head of Garlic (de-papered) or stores would offer a free turkey if you walk you through a typical Thanksgiv- onday or uesday smaller birds. M T 6-8 cloves spent $50 on groceries in their store ing scenario. Of course, you could No later than Wednesday morning Decide on how you want to season 3 stalks of fresh Rosemary (or 1 – a clever “loss leader.” adjust it for other holidays or cooking make your brine, giving it time to cool it. Tablespoon dried) Today we have to weed through sessions. before introducing it to the turkey. Apple and Herbs – my Thanksgiv- 4-5 stalks or leaves fresh Sage (or options of how the fowl was fed, what Be sure to wash your hands You can make the brine Monday or ing favorite 1 Tablespoon dried) medications it was given, how it was throughout the process of handling Tuesday and store in the refrigerator. Orange & Spice – my favorite for 4 Bay Leaves raised, and how long ago it was the turkey. CLEAN any and all surfaces For those of you who really like to Christmas 10-20 Black Peppercorns butchered. that the poultry touches. Avoid even a PREpare, you can make the brine Cranberry Select – Good for any of 1 teaspoon Allspice Berries This year I’m looking forward to our hint of cross-contamination. months ahead and freeze it. Then just the Holidays or for a second bird. (optional) Thanksgiving entrée from a local all One added benefit, is that the thaw it in the refrigerator starting on Herbs and Spice – my favorite for a 1 Tablespoon Candied Ginger natural, organic, no additives farm. Yes, whole house will smell so inviting Sunday. generic flavor that works in dozens of (optional) I’ll pay more, but in these days of while you cook the brine. other recipes. genetically-modified food, my family’s 62 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 63 We usually have to sense, of course. But I do stuff my put a weight on the birds for flavor. turkey to keep it from Remove the turkey from the brine. floating up. Rinse with cold water. Pat dry it with Monitor that the paper towels. turkey stays immersed. I use plastic nurses’ gloves when Before going to bed, flip handling poultry — disposable. But I the turkey over. still wash my hands well, singing or Monitor the water humming a verse of a favorite hymn that it is cold — about – or the happy birthday song twice. 40° F— add ice if For the apple version, I fill the necessary. cavity with quartered apples (just wash and quarter, no need to peel or Option 2 – Use your core). I’ll add in a quartered onion. refrigerator and a large (Do peel it.) I’ll also insert some small container. This works Cinnamon Sticks, Fresh Sage, and great if you have the some more Fresh Rosemary. space. If you use this meat. If you carve it too early, you’ll option, you can brine the Baking the produce to expel all their flavor into have drier meat, because the juice will Herbs and Spice — Use a vegetable turkey for 2-3 days even 1. Remove any extra racks now the brine. run out. stock for the liquid and add several and it works great. So, before they are HOT. Move your one 5. Remove from heat. 9. Enjoy. more vegetables to the brine like you make the brine on rack to lowest grooves. Preheat oven 6. Once cool, place brine in an airtight leeks, butternut squash, and/or yams. Monday, and start the to 500 °F. container in refrigerator. You may need For the other options which are Stuffing: Softened vegetables marinating on Tuesday. 2. Place your bird in your roaster. to put it on a trivet in your refrigerator to equally tasty: – microwave some carrots, celery, Place turkey in a large Tuck the wings under the guy and *As to the apple juice: protect the glass if there is any heat left. onions, leeks, squash, and/or pumpkin container such as a large brush on a cooking oil like olive, Use the potent, organic kind that you Orange & Spice — Same brine as a few minutes in a container with a Dutch oven, a dishpan, a canola, or even Better Butter Spread. can’t see through; Wednesday for Apple & Herbs version except use 1 cup of water, then insert into the bucket, or a bin would 3. Do not put the lid on. Or make your own juice; On Wednesday night (day before gallon Orange Juice. Of course, freshly cavity. work. 4. Dispose of the brine. You can Or you could use frozen concentrate cooking), clean turkey. Remove innards. squeezed is better, use what you have Other than that, not reuse it. diluted by only half the normal available in your area. Additional notes: follow the steps of 5. Bake for 30 minutes at 500 °F on amounts; Option 1 – Use a cooler. (You’ll need Replace the allspice with ½ tea- You can insert some of the rose- Option 1. low rack of oven. Or you could use regular apple juice and 1-2 bags of ice.) We used this method for spoon Whole Cloves (optional). mary and sage under the skin of the 6. Turn the oven down to 350 °F, cut up several apples and add them to years before we got an extra refrigerator. Then for the stuffing, fill cavity with turkey for a “fancier” display. T-Day cover the turkey, insert a probe the boiling brine. Place turkey in an insulated cooler quartered oranges – no need to peel. You can play around with the Thursday – 4 hours thermometer into the thickest part of – just large enough to hold the turkey. Give them a little squeeze as you ingredients, but you need a strong before eating. the breast without touching bone, 1. Assemble ingredients, wash produce. Too large a cooler and you’d have to insert them. flavored liquid and the SALT. The other and set the alarm on the thermome- 2. Put all the brine ingredients in a large double the ingredients to get enough ingredients just add layers of flavor. Stuffing ter to 160 °F. (About 2 ½ hours.) stock pot (Dutch Oven). saturation. Cranberry Select — Same as You can experiment with roasting I agree with Alton 7. Remove from oven. 3. Bring to a boil. Gently pour brine over turkey. Add above, but use Cranberry juice and chickens with this same process and Brown that “Stuffing is 8. Let it rest for covered for 15 4. Stir to dissolve all the solids. Let cook over enough ice and cold water to cover the stuff cavity with whole cranberries come up with your own winning evil” – in the traditional minutes for the juices to set into the medium-low heat for about an hour – allowing turkey. and herbs of choice. combinations. 64 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 65 it in your microwave, nuke it Pumpkins for 10-15 minutes. It will cut I really appreciate pumpkins. your baking time down The fact they are so nutrient-rich considerably. just enhances the flavor. I’ve 7. Place it on the lowest been cooking with cooked rack of you oven that will pumpkin for decades and it is a center the pumpkin (remove lot easier than your old cook- the other racks if necessary) books would lead you to believe. and turn your oven to 350 °F. And you can often get them 8. Bake for one hour. for a great discount or some- Using that large fork, test the times even for free. Just shop softness of the pumpkin. You st after November 1 at those want the “pumpkin meat” stands that had a thriving almost goushy. It could take business a couple days before, up to 2 hours. Check each 15 and they’ll be glad you’re taking minutes for doneness. If you them away so they don’t have to. were able to microwave it, the Choose smaller pumpkins as hour timeframe works for they will be sweeter and have a medium-sized gourds. deeper color. When you open it, 9. It will be hot. When you Solids (powered milk) you would most purchased 4. Add dry ingredients. don’t expect the deep orange remove it from the oven, don’t Pumpkin Muffins 1 Tablespoon (6 Table- mixes. You just now are using 5. Stir a few times. Batter color that comes out of can. This grab the pumpkin. Grab the (From Mega Cooking, page spoons, ¾ cup) a mix without all those should be lumpy. Don’t over is fresh, real pumpkin meat. pan, using oven mitts. Let it 254 – updated) Baking Powder added preservatives, mix. cool completely. This recipe is an adaptation 1 teaspoon (¾, 1½ ) 1. First, forget all the stuff colorings, and additives. Your 6. Fill muffin tins ¾ full. 10. It could be juicy. Cut a of my Many Muffins Mix. You Tablespoons Salt that you’ll find on the web version is filled with only the 7. Bake at 400 °F for small hole in the side and let can make your own mix, store ¾ teaspoon (1, 2) about cutting the pumpkin ingredients you wanted to approximately 15-20 min- the cooked pumpkin juice it, and then just add the wet Tablespoons Cinna- and removing seeds before put in your family. utes. (Reduce to 12 minutes drain over a bowl to use in a mon ingredients the day of baking. for mini-muffins, check at 15, cooking. That is just extra variety of ways. (Use when 1/8 (½, 1) teaspoon work. It is tough cutting up a Nutmeg Mega-batches: but it will take to about 18 making rice, water substitute x1 (x5, x10) Muffins: 12 fresh pumpkin, so just do it 1 (5, 10) cup(s) Raisins In a large bowl mix the minutes for Texas-sized in bread-making, liquid for (60, 120) the easy way. (optional) dry ingredients together. muffins.) soups, etc.) 1 (5, 10) cup(s) Whole 2. Protect a jellyroll pan Divide into equal parts (x5 or 11. Then, when it is soft, Wheat Flour (from with a baking sheet, or cover it Then to each 2½ cup (x1 x10) – approximately 2½ Single-batch cut it up. You can peel it with a soft wheat if avail- amount) jar amount cups each. Use bags, bins, or 1. Preheat oven to 400 °F. with parchment or aluminum spoon and can scoop out the able) add: jars. Store in freezer if you Prepare muffin tin as above. foil, or just spray it with a center goo very easily. Wash ½ (2 ½, 5) cup(s) Oat 1 cup Mashed Pumpkin used freshly ground flours. 2. Measure and mix dry non-stick preparation. the seeds and use them as a Flour or Whole Wheat 1/3 cup Cooking Oil 3. Place the washed, ½ (2 ½, 5) cup(s) All-pur- ingredients in a bowl. snack, after roasting with 1 Egg whole pumpkin on the pose Four (un- 1. On day of use, preheat 3. Whisk wet ingredients seasoning. ½ cup Milk prepared pan. bleached is prefera- oven to 400 °F. together. 4. Puncture the pumpkin ble, but regular will 2. Prepare a regular 4. Combine by stirring The “meat” can then be I choose to make me- numerous times all around do) muffin tin (dozen) by only a few times. Don’t over bagged, tagged, and frozen for ga-batches (x10) of the with a carving fork 1 (2, 4) cup(s) Sugar or spraying or using paper or mix muffin batter. use in dozens of recipes from muffin mix. I divide it into equivalent of your silicon inserts. 5. Fill muffins tins ¾ full. 5. Oil the outside of the muffins, scones, meatloaf, side favorite substitute jars or bags and then when I pumpkin – very lightly. 3. In a large bowl, whisk 6. Bake at 400 °F for dishes, fudge, breads, soaps, (We use Stevia) want to make muffins, I 6. Depending on the size or beat wet ingredients approximately 15-20 min- soups, stews, body scrubs, and of ¼ (1¼, 2½) cup(s) Milk simply grab a jar and use it as together. utes. of your pumpkin, if you can fit course, pies. 66 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 67 Option 1: Freeze in loose form, pour in pan and bake day of serving. Either use bags or plastic containers. Place bags inside boxes with the edge lapped over side. 5. In each container, place bread cubes. Add pecans (millet) and raisins (chopped dates). (Mix fairly evenly – you might want to do some bread cubes, some nuts, some raisins, then some more bread cubes – or just close and shake bag.) 6. In a mixing bowl beat together the milk, pumpkin, egg yolks, brown sugar, and spices. 7. In a separate bowl beat the egg whites until stiff. 8. Fold the egg whites into the pumpkin mixture. 9. Pour the pumpkin mixture over the bread crumbs. 10. Seal the containers. Freeze. 11. Thaw in the refrigerator. 12. Pour the pudding batter into a spayed 2-quart shallow baking dish. 13. Bake at 350 °F for 1 hour until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. 14. Serve warm or chilled. Add a dollop of whipped topping if desired.
Option 2: Freeze in shaped form, and bake day of serving. Either use metal pans or line glass pans with waxed paper, foil, or a Teflon® liner. Spray pans with nonstick coating. 5. Arrange the bread cubes on the bottom of the pans. 6. Sprinkle nuts (millet) and raisins (dates) over the bread cubes. 7. Follow steps 6 through 9 above in Option 1. 8. Cover the pans with a lid, plastic wrap, or foil, Freeze. Once frozen solid, mon Brown Sugar (or substitute) but taste just as good. One of our remove from the pans and either wrap or bag. Continue freezing. Pumpkin Bread Pudding 1 (2, 4) teaspoon(s) grated 1 (2, 4) cup(s) Whipped Cream mega-testers, Sandy Farrar, planned 9. Remove the wrapping, and place back in a sprayed pan. Thaw in the refrigera- (Page 421 in Mega Cooking – Updat- Nutmeg (optional) to use raisin bread – and just reduce tor, covered. ed) ¼ (½, 1) teaspoon Salt the amount of cinnamon and raisins 10. Follow steps 13 & 14 in Option 1. 1/8 (¼, ½) teaspoon ground 1. Using a pair of kitchen shears, that she added. x1 (x2, x4) Servings: 10 (20, 40) Cloves trim the crusts from the bread. (Freeze 2. If you haven’t prepared the Option 3: Bake completely, freeze, and then reheat 8 (16, 32) slices of Day-old, 1 (2, 4) cup(s) Raisins (or dates the crusts for other cooking projects.) pumpkin, do that now. 5. Spray pans with nonstick coating, or line with a baking sheet or foil. Whole-wheat Bread – or a combination of both) Cut each slice of bread into 3 strips 3. Separate the eggs and have 6. Follow steps 5 through 7 above in Option 2. 1 (2, 4) cup(s) of mashed Pump- ½ (1, 2) cup(s) chopped Pecans and then cut each strip into 3 or 4 them ready to use. Leave the egg 7. Follow step 13 in Option 1. kin (canned or homemade) (optional) – substitute millet pieces. This should make 1-inch whites out to become room tem- 8. Either serve one now and freeze the rest, or freeze later. 2 (4, 8) Eggs (separated) for those with nut allergies squares (doesn’t have to be exact). Or perature. 9. Remove from the pans and wrap or bag. Continue freezing. 2 teaspoons (4 teaspoons, 3 2 (4, 8) cups Milk use the whole slice, including crusts. 4. In a small bowl, mix spices 10. Day before serving, thaw. Serve thawed or reheat by placing back in the pan Tablespoons) ground Cinna- 2/3 (11/3, 22/3) firmly packed It will just look slightly less “refined,” together. and warming at 325 °F for 10 minutes. 68 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 69 pot. A regular pot is a little tricky to get the right consis- Pumpkin Cake Pops tency for dipping, and microwaving tends to just cook the candy instead of melting it. This fun treat and recipe comes from my daughter, Bethany, who NOTE: Consistency is key. The candy should be the freely admits she didn't get the cooking gene. You are more than thickness of cake batter. You may have to add shortening welcome to substitute the boxed cake mix and can of pumpkin for to the candy melts to get them thin enough to dip into. any recipe or fresh ingredients you prefer. Add the shortening 1 Tablespoon at a time until you have Servings: 24 Golf Ball sized Pops it just right. (For 24 oz. of candy, I used about 3 Table- 1 box of Spice Cake mix and ingredients it calls for spoons.) 1 cup of canned Pumpkin (if uncooked, microwave it 9. After the pops have chilled, take a few off the tray. for 2 minutes with the brown sugar stirred in) You'll need to work quickly during the dipping process, ½ cup Brown Sugar or else they will warm and fall apart. If they start to feel 24 oz of Orange Candy Melts soft and crumbly, stick the undipped ones back in the 6 oz of Green Candy Melts fridge for another 20 or so minutes. 10. Dip a lollipop stick about 1 inch into the melted candy. Then stick it into the bottom of the pop, stopping 1. Mix together spice cake mix, pour it into any size when the stick is about halfway through the dough. pan that will hold the batter, and bake for the instructed 11. Holding the stick away from the pop, dunk it into amount of time at the prescribed temperature. the candy. Only dip it deep enough to coat the cake and 2. Once the cake has fully baked and cooled, crumble not too much of the stick. the cake. You may not be able to use the outer part of the 12. Pull the pop out (with a twist if you have candy cake if it is too brown and stiff. In that case – Snack Time! clinging to the top). The lines you pressed into the pop 3. Stir together the pumpkin and brown sugar should look like the grooves in a pumpkin. (unless you cooked it together already). 13. Stick the bottom of the stick into a piece of 4. Mix the pumpkin into the cake crumbs until the Styrofoam to hold the pop as the candy sets. filling has bound the crumbs together (think rice crispy 14. Chill the cake pops for a few minutes to make treat dough). sure the candy is completely hardened. 5. Using a scoop (I used a 1 inch cookie spoon) scoop 15. Clean out the double-broiler (you can save any out the pops and roll them into nice, round spheres. You extra candy by freezing it in a plastic container or freezer need to keep your hands moist or else the dough will just bag) and melt down the green candy. stick to you. 16. Pour some of the candy melt into a small plastic 6. Squish the sphere between your fingers to give it a zipper bag. Cut off a tiny bit of a bottom corner. Twist the pumpkin-esque shape. Use a knife, chopstick, lollipop top to trap air in the bag. When you squeeze it, the candy stick, or a clean clay modeling tool to press in five lines should pour out just like from a baker's decorating bag. from the top to the bottom. (If you have a decoration bag with tips, use a size 1 or 3 7. Place the pops onto a cookie sheet or large plate round tip.) and stick them in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until stiff. 17. Squeeze a dollop onto the top of the pop, 8. In the last 30 minutes, use a double-broiler on low 18. Add curling vines for more flair. heat to melt the orange candy melts. Once melted, 19. Chill one more time if the green candy needs it, remove candy from heat. You could also use a small crock but you are basically done. Enjoy. 70 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 71 Pumpkin Pasta
x1 (x2) Servings: 6 (12) 1 (2) cup(s) Flour – traditionally pasta is made with Semolina pasta flour, but you can use all Semolina, or half Semolina and half All-Purpose (AP), or all AP ½ (1) cup Pumpkin 1 (2) Egg(s) dash of Salt (optional) 1 (2) quarts of Broth (chicken or beef) White Sauce (or your favorite pasta topping)
1. Make a mound of the flour. Make an indention in the middle. OR just use a bowl. 2. Crack the egg into a separate bowl, then pour it into the indentation. Add the pumpkin. 3. Mix together to make a smooth dough. You can do this by hand or use the paddle of your mixer. 4. Divide the dough into 2 (4) out thinner, go right ahead. equal parts. You’ll work with one 6. With each section of dough, pinch the ends together making a ring. section at a time. To keep the other 7. Mix equal parts of broth and water together and bring to a boil in your dough from drying out, either pasta pot. place a damp towel over it or place 8. Lower the pumpkin rings into the boiling broth. it in an airtight container. Or you 9. Decrease the temperature of the burner so that the water still boils, but can put it in freezer bags and doesn’t boil over. freeze. The x2 recipe makes 10. Boil for 10-12 minutes - until desired al dente is reached. enough for 4 meals for us. So, I roll 11. Meanwhile, make your sauce. Our favorite over this is a simple white and shape only 1 of the 4 sections sauce made with half broth/half milk. But you can use any sauce you like. Bookmarks and save the other 3 for another 12. Serve pasta with sauce and enjoy. Grate nutmeg over the top for added Print these bookmarks on cardstock, heavy, or patterned paper. Cut out and laminate. time. flavor. (Laminating is optional, but it gives the bookmark longevity.) Punch a hole in the circle 5. Cut a section of dough into and add a ribbon or string. 4 fairly equal parts. Roll each part ©2014 Jill Bond, All Rights Reserved. into a long rope. Cut each rope Jill is offering a special deal on her book, Mega Cooking — $5 + shipping. ©Designs Bethany Bond, ©Words and concept Penny Cooke and Susan Hopek BLWE into 12 pieces. If you need to roll it Email [email protected] for ordering info and mention this offer. 72 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 73 knit the rest of the stitches. Creativity Row 22: S1 purlwise, purl rest. Repeat rows 21 and 22 for a total of 6 more rows. Row 29: S1 knitwise, k2, k2tog, k to last 5 stitches. ssk, k3. Row 30: S1 purlwise, purl all. Row 31: S1 knitwise, K1, k2tog, knit to last 4 sts, ssk, k2. Cuff Patterns Row 32: S1 purlwise, purl all. Follow these charts for the decorative cuffs. Use Row 33: S1 knitwise, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, ssk, k1. whatever colors you like. I just used red and white in the Split the sts on needle A/C back to two separate needles. charts. Pick up 6 sts along each side of the heel flap for a total of 11 sts on needle A and needle C. Using an extra needle can help keep the project from feeling too tight and bunched. Row 34: With the main color yarn, work across all three Mini Stockings needles. For a striped stocking: Follow the stocking The Fair Isle These work as small favor bags for a party, silverware holders Rows 35-37: Knit to last 3 sts of needle 1, k2tog, k1. Knit pattern, except swap between a main color and a for flair at the dinner table, or as small stockings on the tree to needle 2. On needle 3, k1, ssk, knit rest. secodary color every 3 rows. hold sealed candy or small toys. Total 32 sts spread as 8,16, 8. For the cuff, knit only 2 rows of the next stripe color and then start the heel in the other color. Finished the Materials heel and switch back to the stripe color and knit two Size F crochet hook (or close size) Foot Rows 38-46: Knit all in main color. (Decorative edge rows. After that, repeat the 3 row pattern. 4 Double pointed needles, Size 2 (a 5th needle can option: on row 45 knit 1 sts in main, followed by 1 st of make some steps easier) accent. Repeat across row. Return to main color for row 46) Large tapestry needle The Snowflake Main color The ZigZag Secondary Color Toe You can cut off any yarn that isn't your toe color, leaving Optional Tertiary Color a tail at least 6” long. Starting Rows 47-48: In accent color, knit all. Rows 49-54: Needle A-knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1. Needle Leaving a tail around 6”, crochet a 25 stitch chain. Double B-k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts k2tog, k1. Needle C- k1, ssk, knit back to make it 2 sts wide. From that Chain, cast on a total of rest. 32 stitches divided on needles as 8, 16, 8. You can use the last loop of your chain as your first stitch and pick up a loop from The Moose The Vital Organ the chain’s other side as your last stitch. (If you do not want Ending You should have 3 sts on needles A and C and 6 sts on to crochet, you can use a ribbon as the stocking’s loop and needle B. attach it with needle and thread. Tack a large button on the Row 55: Knit across needle A with needle C outside for extra cuteness.) Cut the yarn leaving a tail around 8”. Kitchener Stitch the Cuff toe closed. Turn the stocking inside out and weave in remaining tails. For added cuteness, use a button to tack the Rows 1-3: knit loose side of the hanging loop to the back of the cuff. Rows 4-17: Work pattern from charts below. Some patterns require more rows than 14. Adjust row count Legend: accordingly. ssk — Slip, slip, knit The Snowmen Rows 18-20: knit with main color. k2tog — Knit 2 stitches together The Checkerboard k — Garter stitch Heel k# — Garter stitch the number of stitches written. Combine needle A and C onto one needle. Splitting S1 — Slip 1 stitch needle B onto two needles will help the mobility of your sts — stitches work. Row 21: In accent color, work across needle A. S1 knitwise, ©2014 Bethany Bond, All Rights Reserved BLWE 74 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 75 Plan of Salvation Solution for Corrupted Files Force Shut Down and Reboot
Adorable, aren’t they? And educational. needle C you have finished your row and slip your main needle into the stitch as For these miniature stockings we’re gonna can start immediately on needle A again. though to knit, pull it off onto this needle, be adding some new methods, and Having no butt (end caps), and repeat for the next stitch. Then stick variations of some old ones, to our sometimes stitches can fall off the the secondary needle into the front of repertoire. I’m mostly going to be glossing backend of your needle. You can get point these two stitches and wrap your yarn over the finite details and talk more about protectors to prevent losing stitches. around the BACK of the main needle tip applying them. The nice thing about these and pull it through just like a knit stitch. needles is you can simply use the garter Decrease done. Crochet stitch round and round as you go and it I am not big on crochet. I love what will look like stockinette. Kitchener Stitch some can do with it, but I don’t find it as This technique creates a seeming- infinity basis. enjoyable a pastime as knitting. That’s Intarsia and Fair Isle ly seamless seam, mimicking the stocki- The Problem You see, a couple thousand years ago, He took all your personal taste. I do use a simple double The Fair Isle design method nette stitch. You can try to retrieve it. You can try to copy it. You can faulty files, your misaligned methods, your cantankerous chain to start off these stockings as it became popular on the Scottish isle of, Using a tapestry needle, for now even delete and reacquire it. But a corrupted file isn’t going circuitry, your wistful wiring – your sin – and ran it through makes a solid, easy loop. well, Fair Isle. This method uses only two known as TN, threaded with your yarn tail, to purr on your system. His flawless mainframe and in that Planck-second, He Start with a loop knot on your colors of yarn per row, alternating insert it into the first stitch of your front No matter how hard you try to recapture a perfect cleared it all. crochet hook, grabby-end pointing left. between the two to make the design. needle like to knit. Pull that stitch off the document, photo, media file, if it is faulty or was saved on a With your yarn held in your left hand, Loosely carrying threads across the back, knitting needle onto the TN. Poke the TN All we, you and me, have to do is link in to Him. Sever that faulty disk, there’s no hope. hook it around the hook end (tip or head). or interior, of the project, you use the color tip into the next stitch as though to purl connection to the worldly network, and embrace His free Now pull the yarn through the loop knot yarn the pattern calls for as many stitches and pull it through, leaving the stitch on Sometimes you just have to start over. offer of Grace. on the hook. The yarn you grabbed should as it requires until you switch to a different the front needle. The stitch left on the TN Completely over. It’s that simple. Yet, it will take a lifetime to begin to now be on the hook as your new stitch. color. Make sure to keep your carry-over has now fallen off the TN but is held by the As geeky as it sounds, that is basically who we are. How understand the complexity of it all. Repeat grabbing yarn and pulling yarn loose or else the whole project will yarn tail. we were born. We were born with corrupted data files. We Begin a connection to THE Server – Pray; it through the previous loop. See the just bunch on you. Now put the TN into the first stitch were born with mix-media that won’t translate across any connections to the faulty network – Repent chain? Intarsia works best for large areas of the back knitting needle as tough to Sever platforms. To make a double chain stick the of separate colors, utilizing a bobbin to purl. Pull the stitch off the knitting needle means turning 180° away from something; Or in Biblical-eze, we are born with sinful natures and no hook through the left edge of your chain, hold the yarn not being used (so there and go into the next stitch as to knit. Pull Keep the connection open and operating – continue to into what was a previous stitch. With both isn’t the issue of carry-over threads). the TN through the stitch. amount of finagling or positioning is going to change that. pray and study your Bible; loops on the hook, wrap the yarn around These stockings are so small, and I Return to the front knitting needle We aren’t going to heaven – we won’t be translated to our Expand the connection to others in THE Server’s network the head and pull it through the two didn’t have to worry so much about a and repeat the knit-wise, purl-wise heavenly bodies. — find a local church of Bible-loving believers, connect to loops. With that one loop on the hook, pretty backside, that I just used the Fair pattern. some online ministries, and support groups. They can help repeat. Isle method for them all. A quick way to remember the The Solution pattern is: you immerse your new system to show the world how your As simple as it sounds, we have to do a complete over- Using Double Pointed Needles Decreasing Front – Knit, purl new structure shines. haul and reboot. Also known as “open-ended” This project uses two methods of stitch Back – Purl, knit Allow your system to expand to include more and more needles, these are ideal for socks, hats, and decreases. The first one is the Knit-2-To- When down to one stitch on the But we can’t do it alone. There’s no way. We aren’t wired user space with the Master Server – Jesus, who was the other works-in-the-round. Like a spiral gether. I covered this technique in Issue front needle and one on the back I treat it for that. ultimate servant and the best Friend you’ll ever connect to. climbing upwards, you work across three one: Thankfulness during the coaster like the front needle – going in the front The wonderful news is that I know of a permanent (sometimes more) needles continuous in project. This decrease is a right slanting needle to knit, and the back one to purl. I solution to your problem. ©2014 Bitsy LaPortal, All Rights Reserved order. I label my needles “A,” “B,” and “C” decrease. pull the TN through both, then I thread His name is Jesus. Not only is His system flawless, but He with A being the first I cast onto, then B, The second one, the SSK, or “slip, slip, the TN through at the base to the purl Bitsy welcomes you to contact her about your can rewire you in an instant to interface with Him on an BLWE and lastly C. Once you have worked across knit,” is a left slanting decrease. To do this, stitch to the interior of the sock. decision at [email protected] 76 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 77 Highlighted Bios Closing Thoughts
Word on Words sometimes there are great suggestions or a link to a My laundry is never as caught up, my kitchen count supplier or substitutions. ers so clear, or my desk tidy as when I’m facing a writing God has blessed me with so many delightful friends; deadline. It never fails, but somehow I get the unverifi - rarely are their posts vengeful or banal. able urge to polish the silver, organize my sock drawer, or But there are the occasional posts that get forwarded laminate book jackets instead of putting down the words- or go viral, especially from the young, that they may I know I should. sincerely regret in years to come. Those “heat-of-the-mo This isn’t the “I don’t want to do my book report” level ment” posts that could crush another person are best of procrastination, that contagion that every fifth grader never said. - gets, but a combination of absolute fear and dread. Some unwise posts have even lead to applicants not Committing thoughts to words that are going to be getting a job and even being fired. (Not wise to mention tied to you forever is a costly exchange. the party you attended when your boss believed you Too many of us don’t invest the background agony were at your grandmother’s funeral, or to bemoan your into our words, or else 95% of the posts and comments company in a public post.) on the web wouldn’t be there. If we each just reviewed Philippians 4:8 before we hit We will be accountable for every idle word we use. enter, I think the world would be a different place.
Elizabeth “Liz” Lynn Dolica was Jessica LeMaster – Originally from the “But I say to you, That every idle word that men Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, welcomed into Heaven on June 7, 2014 at 74 years old. coast of North Carolina, Jessica currently resides in shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are Liz was a woman of noble character and strong faith. Palm City, Florida with her husband Jeremy. They are of judgment.” just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things Her belief, faith and trust in Christ set an indelible mark on expecting their firstborn in January, 2015 and are both are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if so excited to begin a new season in life as parents. her family’s life and all who knew her. She loved reading Matthew 12:36 KJV there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think Jessica has a passion for growing as a Godly wife, and studying the Bible and was passionate about teaching Jesus spoke that about words we speak — how much on these things. the Word of God. Her gift of writing was and continues to daughter and mother. Her other interests are women’s more so for the words we publish to others, even the ministry and education. whole world. be an inspiration and source of encouragement to bound- Philippians 4:8 KJV After college she began her career in corporate I weep and pray as I quickly browse through my less people. Having succumbed to dementia and unable to I’ve chatted with many a writer and they all tell me the friends’ comments/posts as they pour out so many speak in the latter part of her life, her family’s hope is that sales and quickly learned that God was calling her to same thing about having to write with conviction that emotions from rage to venom to ecstasy and simple her “voice” would go on, and so now we are delighted to join her husband full-time in growing his business. their words matter – that their words can touch lives for delight. share it with you, our readers. When she resigned from corporate sales, she was good or injury. So, the writers of Faith ponder every word Yet, there are way too many invectives posted as Liz was born in New York to immigrant parents of Greek unsure as to exactly what God wanted her to do for with deliberation so that they are not every guilty of bad comments after a simple blog making one point. and Armenian descent. As a young girl, she loved piano her husband’s business, but she was confident God doctrine, bad motives, or at the very least bad grammar. There are some who feel it is their goal in life to was calling her to step out in faith and join him. So, let’s celebrate who we truly are and watch the and drawing and studied commercial art in college. At 19, mention every thing that the writer didn’t include and to Since then, she has also acquired her real estate words that come out of our mouths and out of our she married the love of her life, Tommy, and they were belittle their heartfelt attempt to share a recipe, a cute license and her Exceptional Student Educator certifi- keyboards – we will be held accountable for them. married 55 years. In addition to helping her beloved story, or a household tip. Now, let’s see if that herb bed needs weeding before I husband with family businesses, Liz was a devoted mother cate in Early Childhood Education. I have learned to scan comments very carefully as tackle my next assignment . . . to her only daughter, Lisa and her husband, Paul, two She enjoys writing and is always eager to share how grandchildren grandson-in-law, and great grandson. God is working and transforming her life. When asked, To God be the glory for the great things that He has she says it has been a true honor and privilege to Jill done through the life of Elizabeth Dolica. collaborate and work closely with the women on the Photo taken by Paul Careccia. Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine staff. Photo provided by Jessica LeMaster 78 | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | | Winter 2014 | Blessed Living Women’s E-Magazine | 79 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4