You hear it a lot these days. "I'm having an anxiety attack." "I feel panicky." "My nerves are shot all to pieces." These are all signs of the modern day world, in which we have piled upon ourselves too many decisions, too many problems to manage at once and too much of every thing as a general rule. Even Christians. Especially Christians who feel it is their sole duty to volunteer for most every ministry program and need in their church. I remember reading something years ago about Christians who are so keen to fulfill every role that they often fail to leave room for others to do much of any thing. And then there are pastors and leaders who urge already taxed parishioners to do a bit more 'unto the Lord....'
We do too much.
What we don't do enough of is what is written in the verse above. We don't pray often enough. We don't give thanksgiving. We don't put our requests before God.
For today here's my bit of wisdom: 'No' is not a dirty word. No apology needed when using it either. Before you take on a new duty, pray about it. Seriously. God will answer you!
Take time every single day to lay YOUR needs before God, as well as the needs of any others you are praying for. No prayer is too small. NO PRAYER IS TOO SMALL. We don't have to be high and lofty and holy in our prayers. God created us as we are. We can strive to be more but he's very well aware that sometimes the needs we mention in our prayers are necessary to the stretching of our faith. My need of new towels may seem a silly prayer, but when God answers that prayer it's a mighty big deal. My faith gets a big jolt of confidence. The bible says he watches over the sparrows. (Matt. 10:29).
Take time every day to be thankful. So what if it's mundane and simple, like the flash of a blue bird's wing in the tree outside the window? Or for that second cup of coffee? Or if it's big, like "Thank God, you healed him!"
And see if the anxiety you feel isn't greatly reduced as you realize more and more that God really does watch over you, in every situation.
1 comment:
Pat Thune's Fruitcake
Mix together in a large bowl:
2 c. Butter (1 c. Margarine & 1 c. Butter)
3 c. Sugar
5 Eggs
2 T. Vanilla Extract
2 T. Lemon Extract
1 T. Almond Extract
Add:
1 c. Almonds
1 1/2 c. Pecans
1 1/2 c. Walnuts
2 c. Raisins
1# Dates, chopped
1# Fruit Peel (mixed candied fruit)
1 t. each Nutmeg, Salt, Soda, Cinnamon
Add, alternating flour and buttermilk. Mix well.
5 c. Flour
1 c. Buttermilk or sour milk (1 T. Vinegar added to 1 c. Milk)
Bake at 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours for small bread pans or 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours for regular sized bread pans. Put a pan of water on the bottom shelf about 1/2 hour before cake is done.
(Optional: Brush top of baked cakes with light corn syrup or honey and decorate with candied cherries and almonds.) Return to oven to finish baking. Cool cakes completely. Wrap in foil or put in bread sack and store in cool place for several weeks to allow flavors to blend.
Here you go Terri. It's yummy!! You might be able to find the mixed fruit peel now on a good sale! Pam
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