Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the ninth truth:

The Cross of Christ is sufficient to conquer my sinful flesh.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace.”        Romans 6:14

So many times as believers we excuse our sin so easily.  We say “I can’t help it that is just that way I am” or we blame the enemy for tempting us. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”  Are we looking for the way of escape or just caving in to the temptation to sin? 

Being a victorious Christian is a battle.  Ephesians 6:11 tells us to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”  Are you equipping yourself daily for battle?

We can’t do it in our own strength.  We can find strength and encouragement in God’s Holy Word.  “…as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue”  2 Peter 1:3

Want to conquer your sinful flesh? You are no longer a slave to sin.  Walk in that truth today!

~Theresa

Up For a Fall Challenge?

This summer I participated in Courtney’s Marriage Challenge.  By the way one of the challenges was to make your husband’s favorite meal and during the summer it was way too hot for that.  So last Thursday for my husband’s birthday I made his favorite meal.  Eggplant Parm. and spaghetti (with my own sauce of course).  He said it was the best ever.  I tried something new.  Before breading the eggplant, I sprinkled it with salt and let is sit in the strainer for about 30 minutes.  Then I blotted each piece with a paper towel to absorb all of the moisture.  I read this is called “sweating the eggplant” and it is supposed to remove any bitterness.  I also dipped the eggplant in flour before the egg and bread crumbs.  I will stick with that recipe.  It turned out really well. 

Courtney is starting a new fall challenge that focuses on our home.  To join, visit her over at Women Living Well and read all about it.  Hope to see you there!

~Theresa

Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the eighth truth:

The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover all of my sin.

“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”  1 John 1:7

Sometimes Christians think that they have done something that God can’t forgive them for.  There may be one sin that they hold onto, thinking there is no way God can forgive “that sin”.  Other times Christians say they accept God’s forgiveness but then they hold onto guilt about it.  They think that their sin is the worst and no one else’s sin is as bad as theirs is.  We need to remember that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).  If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation, the old has gone the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17).  God’s grace is all sufficient.  He died on the cross and paid for our sins.  Not the just the little ones; He paid for all of them.  Every single one of them.  If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful to forgive them and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). 

If you have confessed and repented of your sin and asked Jesus to pay for them, you are forgiven.  There is nothing else for you to do. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). Remember Jesus paid it all.  Trust God and His Word and walk in that forgiveness today!

~Theresa

Wednesday's Wisdom

Last week I joined a Good Morning Girls Group made up of Homeschooling Moms from all over the country. We share each day what we are reading in our Quiet Time. I have been thinking about my Quiet Time and what I can do to improve it. This morning I read in Proverbs and then picked up a bible study I did a few years ago. It is "Powerful Promises For Every Woman" by Elizabeth George. It is based on Psalm 23. This particular chapter is called "God's Promise of Rest".

"He makes me to lie down in green pastures." Psalm 23:2

"Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,
for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28-29

I would like to share what Mrs. George says on page 51:
"Dear one, as sheep who belong to the Great Shepherd, we, too, can partake of the green pastures. How? By having a "quiet time". We have all the Shepherd and all of His Word available to us...if we will simply lie down in His green pastures and partake! All we need to do is stop everything and enjoy a time of resting and lingering with the Lord as we feed on His Word."

Not sure where to start? Just start. Open God's precious Word and take it in. Surely you will be rested and refreshed. Enjoy the green pastures today!

Dizzy?

This week is Balance Awareness Week.  Do you know someone who suffers with dizziness?  If so, www.vestibular.org is a wonderful resource.  They offer free publications, have a directory of practitioners, and offer a wealth of information on dizziness.  The following was copied from their website:

Possible Symptoms of Vestibular Disorders

The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If the system is damaged by disease, aging, or injury, vestibular disorders can result. Symptoms may include vertigo, dizziness, and imbalance, among others listed here.  Not all symptoms will be experienced by every person with an inner ear disorder, and other symptoms are possible. An inner ear disorder may be present even in the absence of obvious or severe symptoms. It is important to note that most of these individual symptoms can also be caused by other conditions unrelated to the ear.

The type and severity of symptoms can vary considerably, and be frightening and difficult to describe. People affected by certain symptoms of vestibular disorders may be perceived as inattentive, lazy, overly anxious, or seeking attention. They may have trouble reading or doing simple arithmetic. Functioning in the workplace, going to school, performing routine daily tasks, or just getting out of bed in the morning may be difficult for some people.

Vertigo and dizziness

• Spinning or whirling sensation; an illusion of movement of self or the world (vertigo)
• Lightheaded, floating, or rocking sensation (dizziness)
• Sensation of being heavily weighted or pulled in one direction

Balance and spatial orientation

• Imbalance, stumbling, difficulty walking straight or turning a corner
• Clumsiness or difficulty with coordination
• Difficulty maintaining straight posture; tendency to look downward to confirm the location of the ground
• Head may be held in a tilted position
• Tendency to touch or hold onto something when standing, or to touch or hold the head while seated
• Sensitivity to changes in walking surfaces or footwear
• Muscle and joint pain (due to difficulty balancing)

Vision (free publication)

• Trouble focusing or tracking objects with the eyes; objects or words on a page seem to jump, bounce, float, or blur or may appear doubled
• Discomfort from busy visual environments such as traffic, crowds, stores, and patterns.
• Sensitivity to light, glare, and moving or flickering lights; fluorescent lights may be especially troublesome
• Tendency to focus on nearby objects; increased discomfort when focusing at a distance
• Increased night blindness; difficulty walking in the dark
• Poor depth perception

Hearing 

• Hearing loss; distorted or fluctuating hearing
• Tinnitus (free publication) 
• Sensitivity to loud noises or environments
• Sudden loud sounds may increase symptoms of vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance

Cognitive and psychological

• Difficulty concentrating and paying attention; easily distracted
• Forgetfulness and short-term memory lapses 
• Confusion, disorientation, difficulty comprehending directions or instructions 
• Difficulty following speakers in conversations, meetings, etc., especially when there is background noise or movement
• Mental and/or physical fatigue out of proportion to activity
• Loss of self-reliance, self-confidence, self-esteem 
• Anxiety, panic 
• Depression

Other

• Nausea or vomiting
• "Hangover" or "seasick" feeling in the head
• Motion sickness (free publication)
• Ear pain
• Sensation of fullness in the ears
• Headaches
• Slurred speech 
• Sensitivity to pressure or temperature changes and wind currents

If you need more information about dizziness, go to the VEDA website or email me. 

~Theresa

 

Another Winner!

Well, look who has won again! Barbie of My Freshly Brewed Life! Congrats Barbie; you won two out of my three giveaways :)

I will be shipping out your month's supply of METABOLIQ RESIST. Be sure to let us know how it works for you. Any questions, just let me know.

True Random Number Generator

Min:1
Max: 5
Result: 5

And the winners are…

The winner of the card from Melissa at Kaufman’s Cottage and the Starbuck’s gift card is Barbie at My Freshly Brewed Life.  Congratulations Barbie.  I hope you take some time out for yourself and enjoy!  Isn’t it funny that she won the coffee gift card (My Freshly Brewed Life)! 

Post #22 was from Rachel at The Cupcake Sprinkles in Life but since her husband roasts coffee she passed on the giveaway.  So Barbie was the next post which means she is the 22nd entry. 

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 22 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

The winner of the Thirty-One Demi Purse is TinaMaria at Tinatopia.  Congratulations TinaMaria.  I know you will love your new purse.  It is perfect for taking along to those college classes you will be starting. 

True Random Number Generator Min: Max: Result: 1 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Both winners were chosen using random.org.  A special thank you to Melissa and Janice for donating these great giveaways.  Don’t forget to enter the last giveaway for my first Blogiversary and my 100th post.  You can find it here.  I will announce the winner on Monday, September 20th. 

Have a wonderful weekend my friends.  Thanks for celebrating with me and for sharing your lives with me in blog world. 

Much Love,

~Theresa

My 100th Post and Another Giveaway!!!

My husband has generously donated a month’s supply of METABOLIQ RESIST for free to help celebrate my one year blog anniversary.  It retails for $25.  Isn’t he sweet?  Thanks Tom.

This all-natural tablet is based on an Indian herb that temporarily blocks your sugar receptors and helps repress sweet cravings for up to two hours. Simply place it on your tongue after dinner and allow it to dissolve. You’ll be amazed at how effective it is—right then and there! This revolutionary, patent- pending treat puts you in control and gives you the power to say no every time. METABOLIQ™ Resist is your will power on demand.
» It’s the perfect complement to any meal. Eat, but say no to sweets!
» This herb literally blocks your sugar receptors so your ability to taste sweetness is temporarily shut down.
METABOLIQ Resist even takes it a step further by blocking the sugar absorption into the intestinal tract for a period of time as well. Can’t taste, can’t absorb, can’t help but love this tablet! Use of this powerful tablet over time will actually change your behavior and reduce your sugar intake. Lose your sweet tooth, and lose your weight! It’s a winning combination.

For more information on Qivana or their products click here.

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite sweet treat is.  Be sure to include your email.  Winner will be selected using random.org on Monday, September 20th. 

~Theresa

Truth for Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the seventh truth:

God’s grace is sufficient for me.

“And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in my infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

God’s grace is sufficient for whatever it is we are facing, whether past, present or future.  Right before these verses Paul writes about the thorn in his flesh.  We don’t know exactly what that thorn was, but he does write that it was “a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure” (verse 7).  We also know that he pleaded with the Lord three times for it to be removed (verse 8).  God answered him as recorded in verses 9 and 10. 

God does answer prayer.  He doesn’t always answer in the way that we would like, but rather in the best way.  He didn’t remove the thorn in Paul’s flesh.  He gave him strength and encouragement to endure.  Sometimes we are in the midst of a trial and want so badly to be out of it that we miss the opportunities to learn and grow along the way.  Instead of focusing so much on wanting the trial to go away we can learn how to be strong in the Lord.  To rely on His grace and not our own strength to see us through.  We can glorify God in the midst of our trials.  We can determine that we are going to serve Him regardless of what is going on around us.  His grace is sufficient!

What weakness are you struggling with today?  Don’t try to endure it in your own strength.  Trust God’s grace to perfect you. 

~Theresa

Click here for the Starbuck’s and handmade greeting card giveaway. 

Click here for the Thirty-One Demi Purse giveaway.

 

A Purse Giveaway

I am so excited about this giveaway.  It’s been so much fun celebrating one year of blogging, I wanted to keep it going. 

Have you heard of thirty-one?It is a faith-based direct sales company that makes personalized handbags, totes, children's items and home organizing decor.

Their mission is “to celebrate, encourage and reward women through offering quality products and an outstanding opportunity to become successful business owners.”

One of those business owners is Janice Bogy.  Janice has so generously donated one Demi Purse for my giveaway, with your pattern of choice.  They are all so cute, I know it will be difficult to choose.

The Demi is a small purse option to use for work, day trips, or vacations. Great for those who do not want to carry everything-and-the-kitchen-sink. Measures approx. 10.5"L x 5"D x 9"H and comes in 5 different fabric options. Retails for $29.

In addition to purses, thirty-one has many great items.  Thermal totes, wristlets, coin purses, baby products, blankets, baskets and much more.  They offer embroidery on most of the items.  What great gift ideas.  Visit Janice’s website and browse the catalog.  You will be delighted with what you see. 

To enter this giveaway, visit Janice’s website and browse her catalog.  Let me know what pattern you would choose for the Demi Purse and mention one other product that you love.  Don’t forget to leave me your e-mail. 

The winner will be selected on Friday using Random.org.  I can’t wait to see who wins!!!

P.S. Have you entered to win the Starbuck’s giveaway?  If not, click here.

~Theresa

Yummy Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Reading all the entries for the Starbucks giveaway has me thinking of all the yummy fall coffee drinks.  Last year I found this recipe and made it for our Ladies’ Cookie Exchange.  Everyone loved it.  I multiplied everything by four to have a big batch.  And the smell was outrageous.

I have another amazing giveaway coming tomorrow.  You don’t want to miss this one.  I am so excited!   If you haven’t entered to win the Starbuck’s gift card and beautifully designed card from Melissa at Kaufman’s Cottage there is still time.  Just click here.

Slow cooker Surprise: Pumpkin Spice Latte from Good Morning America Food and Recipes

Servings: 2

Ingredients

1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong coffee

2 cups milk (preferably 1 percent)

2 tablespoons canned pureed pumpkin

1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon cloves

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

tiny pinch of ground ginger

2 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

whipped cream (optional)

Directions

Use a 2-quart slow cooker.

Add coffee/espresso and milk to the stoneware.

Whisk in pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.

Cover and cook on high for 2 hours.

Whisk again.  Ladle into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon.  Add a cinnamon stick for a fanciful effect. 

~Theresa

My One Year Blogiversary and a Giveaway!

Today I am celebrating one year of blogging.  I must say it has been way more than I ever imagined.  I have met so many wonderful blogging friends and look forward to reading your blogs daily.  Thanks for leaving me comments and sending me thoughtful emails.  They make my day.  And for my readers who don’t have their own blog, thanks for reading too!

In order to celebrate, I am having my first giveaway.  Now let me first tell you, that since blogging one year ago, I have won a Gussy bag, a hand stamped necklace from LaBella Jewels, dangling pearl earrings from The Vintage Pearl, a ROAD ID and Basic H organic cleaning concentrate.  I am not one to win anything, so imagine the surprise when I won these great giveaways.  So please don’t be shy, enter to win.

Melissa from Kaufman’s Cottage has graciously offered to give away one of her personally made cards along with a $5 gift card to Starbucks.  I have heard that the Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back!  Now that the cooler fall days are on their way, wouldn’t it be nice to grab a Starbucks and head to the beach?  That is what I would love to do.  Here is the card that Melissa is giving away:

Isn’t it fabulous?  Thanks Melissa! 

You may enter to win three ways:

1- Follow me on Google Friend Connect.  If you are already a follower, let me know.

2- Leave a comment telling me what you would get with the Starbucks gift card. 

3- Visit Melissa at Kaufman's Cottage and say hello. Be sure to check out her autumn set under “For Sale”.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry, along with your email.  A winner will be chosen using Random.org on Friday, September 17th.

Check back throughout the week for more giveaways.  Thanks for celebrating with me!  Happy Monday :)

~Theresa

Truth For Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the sixth truth:

God doesn’t make any mistakes.

 Humans make mistakes, God doesn’t.  Even when things don’t go as we think they should, it is not a surprise to God.  No human effort can thwart God’s plan.  He is always fulfilling His eternal purposes in our lives. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss puts it so well when she writes, “nothing can touch our lives that has not first been filtered through His fingers of love”.  The question is do we trust God?  Do we trust that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5)?  Do we believe that He works all things together for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28)? 

It can be difficult when we are going through rough times to hold tight to this truth.  The book of Job is a wonderful testimony of God being in control, even in the most difficult of situations.   

“Trusting God” by Jerry Bridges is another wonderful resource that points us to “trust God even when life hurts”.  May this truth be planted firmly in our hearts today!

~Theresa

Wednesday’s Words of Wisdom

As part of my quiet time each morning I have been reading and rereading Proverbs 31:

“Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies.  The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.”  (verses 10 & 11) 

Are you striving to be a virtuous wife?  Does the heart of your husband trust safely in you?   As I was reading my study notes for verse 11 in my Geneva Study Bible it reads, “This state of affairs results from the wife’s astuteness in household affairs.”   

Is there an area that you need to work on in managing your household?  There are so many resources available today for us women.  There are books, older wiser women, and let’s not forget the best resource…God’s Holy Word.    ~Theresa              

Is it Tuesday already?

Well I have heard that Labor Day weekend is a time for relaxing. For me, today is going to have to be that day. We had a very busy three day weekend. On Saturday we had our annual church picnic and it was my daughter's birthday so we celebrated there. Sunday was church and then more celebrating with my husband's parents. Monday was a BBQ at our house and more celebrating with my side of the family. It was a great weekend and we really enjoyed spending time with our friends and family.

A while ago I saw these great cakes on Texas Monkey's blog. I decided to try to make one for my daughter.

Here is the recipe I used:
Yellow Cake
2 cups flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
2/3 cup milk
3 eggs
1/3 cup milk
Combine first four ingredients together. Add softened butter, vanilla, and 2/3 cup milk. Beat at medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and 1/3 cup milk. Beat well for another 2 minutes. Pour into greased, floured 8 inch round cake pans. Bake at 350 for 30-35minutes.

After the cake cooled I iced it using an organic mix I found at Whole Foods. Then I placed Kit Kats around the outside using more icing to help it stick (I used four large Kit Kats). Then I used a Cookies and Cream Hershey bar to write on and placed M&M's around it. Everyone loved it and it wasn't too difficult to make. The best part? You don't really see the cake so the frosting doesn't have to be perfect!

Truth For Thursday

I am continuing “Truth for Thursday” here at Being Refined As Silver.  We are on the last chapter of “Lies Women Believe”, chapter 11: “The Truth That Sets Us Free”.  It will take several weeks to review this chapter, so I hope you will continue to come back each week. 

Nancy Leigh DeMoss encourages her readers to take time to savor these liberating, life-changing truths.  She suggests saying each Truth aloud, again and again until your thinking becomes aligned with God’s way of thinking. 

Here is the fifth truth:

God can be trusted.

God is trustworthy.  He has promised to never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  No matter what we are facing, we can trust God that it will be used for our good and His glory (Romans:28).  Although it may not may sense to us, we can trust God that He is in control. 

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD.                                                    For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways.                                                     And My thoughts than your thoughts.”   Isaiah 55:8-9

Put your trust in the LORD and find rest for your heart. 

~Theresa