Stay On The Trail!

Last night my family just returned from our spring break vacation to Washington. We had asked around to get some advice on what to do on our trip and were told snowmobiling was a must. I had never been, but I am always up for a new outdoor adventure! It ended up being the highlight of our trip! On the internet, I had found an outfitter that supplied everything we needed: machines, helmets, gloves, snowsuits, books - even a backpack filled with drinks!

As we made our hour and a half drive from the city to the mountains, it was hard to imagine that there was really going to be enough snow to snowmobile. I began to wonder just what I had gotton my family into!

When we arrived, the owner promised that where he was leading us ther would be more snow than we could possibly want. What an understatement! They took us to a spot in the Wentachee National Forest that was still closed due to snow. All I can say is it had to be some of God's best work! The beauty couldn't be captured, even with a camera!

Originally, we were to be on our own, but we ended up having four guides: the owner, his four-year old son who drove his own full sized snowmobile (!!),
and two seventeen-year old guys. My son loved having these guys along! They continually left the path, encouraging Zach and Greg to join them. The guys had a lot of fun, but leaving the path also had its consequences! The first time, Greg over estimated the ability of the snowmachine to turn and hit a tree! Fortunately, he had on a helmet, but his back and hands took a beating. After this, our family stuck to the trail, but tour guides didn't. Time and time again, they would get stuck. Greg and Zach would then have to get off of their machines and help dig these guys out. The guides didn't care how often they were derailed or whose time and energy they took up.


In II Timothy, Paul writes to Timothy, encouraging him to do just the opposite. "No one serving as a solider gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officers." II Timothy 2:4. He uses his own life as an example to Timothy, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing." II Timothy 4:7 - 8

Like our guides, getting off the trail can be fun - for a time. But there is a price to pay when we do and it doesn't just affect us, it affects those around us. The reason the owner and the guys went out with us that day was because they were trying to rescue a snowmobile. A guy had gotten off of the path and dropped his machine nine feet down into a creek bed. It probably was not going to be able to be retrieved.

Follow Paul's advice; stay on the path! It is good and will result in many blessings. Keep your eyes on Jesus; He'll show you the way!

Jalapeno Poppers

Mommajet on Friday requested the jalapeno poppers recipe, so here it is:

Jalapeno Poppers

12 fresh jalapeno peppers, halved - lengthwise, stems, seeds and membranes removed
(be sure to wear gloves when you do this or you will have hot hands all day!)
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups grated Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne, or less, to taste
1 pound of bacon

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, cheese, cumin and cayenne.

Take this mixture and put inside the halves of the jalapenos. Wrap in bacon. You can use a toothpick to secure.

Cook for 30 minutes or until bacon is cooked.
ENJOY!

Busy, Busy, Busy

If you are joining me here today from the Proverbs 31 devo, welcome! This blog is actually my blog for teens, but whether you are a teen or not, I'm glad you are here! I write regularly for adults on my blog at Lynn Cowell.com. I'd love to have you stop by there as well!

As I re-read today's devotion, I thought of the jalapenos that are in my frig right now. I am planning on cooking up some of those tasty treats this weekend for my mother and father-in-law who are coming in today. On days like today, when busy is the key word, I am tempted to skip or drastically reduce my time with Jesus. Maybe get a quick devo read in; talk to Him in between tasks and errands. I know that there are days when that is ok - there is no other option. In my life, though, one of those days can quickly turn into two or three, and I find myself dry once more.

It reminds me of the story of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1 - 13. Ten virgins, ten lamps. They each started out with the same amount. The foolish ones, we are told, were the ones who grabbed their lamps and got a head start on the day. The wise ones slowed down long enough to get the extra oil for whatever lay ahead.

Similarly, we each get the same - 24 hours. Some days we try to get a "jump start" on the day. Skipping our time with Jesus can give us that extra time we think we need in order to get it all done. Yet in this story Jesus is telling us that to really prepare is to slow down enough to get the "extra oil" for whatever comes our way that day.

I encourage you today, to get that extra oil. I am not sure how that looks for you; He created each one of us so differently. I just know for me, before I start cleaning this house and getting my groceries, I need to "get the oil". I need Him to fill me completely so that I will have more than enough for whatever this day will hold. I hope you will do the same!

Have an incredible weekend!

Unheard

Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”

Have you ever been speaking – sharing with another about how you feel (maybe rather strongly – even loudly!) when suddenly you are cut off? Interrupted mid-sentence? I have. You know how that makes me feel? It is as if the person had actually said, “What you have to say is of no consequence. It is unimportant. Your feelings are not valid. What you say and feel do not count.” Of course, that is not what they actually said; but it seems as if they could have.

The last time that happened to me, with tears trickling down my face, I told the Lord that is how I felt. You see, I am a person who struggles deeply with being completely real. You know, that gut level honesty of actually admitting how I truly feel about something.

A couple of years ago, I was digging in my garden, hitting the dirt rather strongly with my spade out of frustration. I was mad because my friend had just confronted me about being dishonest. I was asked what I was mad about, but rather than telling the truth I had given my standard reply, “I’m not mad.” There, up to my elbows in bulbs and brown mulch, the Lord told me that I was lying. Lying? Isn’t that a bit harsh? I mean all I was trying to do was not hurt their feelings and avoid an argument! Now the Lord was calling me out for this. Has this ever happened to you before?

Next thing I knew, I was dragging myself to my friend, in order to humbly admit that I am, at times, a liar. That day was a turning point for me. It was then that I promised the Lord that I would in fact become honest about the way I felt, the things I was mad about, and the truth about what I really wanted.

As I was contemplating this, I remembered that the Bible says the Lord struggled with the same things I do. Maybe He also struggled with these feelings I had –feelings of being unheard and of being interrupted. I knew He would understand. He was tempted and struggled in many ways, yet He remained sinless. I’m thankful that Jesus sympathizes with me and understands what I’m going through. He’s a model for us to follow when we face temptations and struggles. When you feel unheard, look to Jesus who always hears you, and follow His example.

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Thank you that You understand me even when I don’t understand myself. Please help me to be honest when it comes to communicating with others. I need You in order to do this, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Teen Devotional Bible

The One Year Devos for Teens, by Susie Shellenberger

Think About It:

Do I struggle with being honest with others when it comes to my true feelings? If so, why do I think that is?

Why does the Lord want me to be honest with others – even when it seems scary?

What do I think being honest will cost me?

Live It:

Ask a friend to be on the look out for when you are covering up or not telling how you truly feel about something. Ask her to call you out on it.

Practice being honest with the Lord first; it is a safe place.

Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you when you are not being truthful. When He does, confess it right away!

Power Verses:

Psalm 15:1-2, “LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart.” (NIV)

Psalm 25:5, “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.” (NIV)

Proverbs 23:23, “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding.” (NIV)

Twilight - You been yet?

Twilight is all the buzz at this house. All three of my kids went opening night. I checked out the online reviews; it sounded like it was an ok movie. No sex, right? I have yet to read the book. I am waiting on Mary to finish her's.

Ever thought Twilight might be a good way to share your faith? YouthMinistry has some ideas. Check it out. It might be just the openers you could use to share your faith with your friends.

Psalm 19:14

Hey Girls,

Our new verse for this week is Psalm 19:14 "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer."

Remember, we can do it with His Power!

Christmas Crush or Contentment

“Don’t run up debts, except for the huge debt of love you owe each other. When you love others, you complete what the law has been after all along….”
Romans 13:8 (MSG)

Recently, I heard the tv blare out the news that the credit crunch would definitely be affecting the Christmas spending this year. Credit card companies are lowering credit limits and raising interest rates. Maybe you have heard your parents talking about the economy and how things in America just aren’t that great right now. When I heard this news program, I pictured many American families beginning to worry. Where was the money going to come from to keep up with the way we have grown accustomed to celebrating Christmas? Is there any possibility, though, that this could actually be a good thing?

Overspending during the holiday season is a joy robber. In years past, you might have sensed stress in your family during this season. Romans 13:8 encourages us to owe no one anything except love. My sister and her family practiced these gifts of love last Christmas. They all chose one family member’s name to buy a gift for. In addition to this gift, they also wrote a letter of love to the receiver. My sister shared with me that the reading of these letters out loud before they opened their gifts created tears of love, healing and forgiveness. As the tears flowed from her family, she celebrated in her heart their best Christmas ever. The boxes may have been the fewest, but the love was the most!

How about your family as this Christmas season approaches? Can you make a suggestion to your family to adopt a new way of showing each other how much you really love them this Christmas?

My Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, Thank You for giving your Son as the ultimate gift to us. Please help me this Christmas to focus on you and help my family to do the same! In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Think About It:

In past Christmases, have I put undue pressure on my parents to keep up with other families when it comes to gift giving?
What is one thing I would like to receive this year that money can’t buy? Is this something I can give to another?

What can I do each day in December that will help me to focus on Jesus?



Live It:

Plan one gift to each of your family members that costs very little, but says the world about how you love them.

Sit down with your parents and relieve them of the pressure to have to try and keep up with others this Christmas.

Power Verses:

1 Timothy 6:6 “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (NIV)

Proverbs 19: 23 “The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” (NIV)

Job 36:11 “If they obey and serve him, they will spend the rest of their days in prosperity and their years in contentment.” (NIV)