Bible Study

good morning y'all.         we had a round of storms roll thru last evening and it looked like it would be a rough night.         praise God it wasn't as bad as it could have been.          we just never know how it's gonna be when the storms roll thru.         I'm just thankful it's over and we made it thru it by the grace of God.         it's wet this morning.          we got out and got our walk in early and didn't get too wet.       it's still sprizzling just a bit and we got damp, but it's all good.        I don't know what we'll get into today.    I need to go to aldi sometime today.         after that, I have no idea what we'll do.         so I guess this is where  we'll get on with the blog post.

---------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - Why did the teddy bear not ask for dessert?

A - Because he was already so stuffed!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

good little bear!!   hahaha

------------------------------

picking up with Jeremiah Chapter 39,             just as the people in Jerusalem faced the consequences of sin in their lives, we also face those same consequences.         when we ignore God and the call He has over our lives, we will face  the consequences.          even when we are going thru times of judgement, we can still trust God to be faithful to promises that He has made to His people.        God can use anyone for the purposes of fulfilling His plans just like He use the Ethiopian eunuch.          we can't write anyone out of God's plan.           are there areas in our lives where we are resisting the plans that God has for us?           if so, let's get realigned with the purpose of God in our lives and live out His purpose.

Chapter 40,          who do you trust when chaos is swirling around you like a tornado?          God is who we should trust.        we live in a time of chaos today and God is the only One we can look to for sanity and wisdom.        there is no wisdom in todays chaos.         just know that we can trust God thru it all, without hesitation.           when given the opportunity to make your own decisions, do you make decisions based on the word and the wisdom of God?          our decisions should be based on what the word of God says.           we can trust Him.          we need to use our freedom to make choices that are based on His will and purpose.

Chapter 41,           in this chapter we see that we have to be very cautious about who we trust, and even if we are afraid, we have to stand up against injustice.          God is our stability in fear and chaos.         the main thing we need to do is pray for wisdom, courage and understanding in our daily walk with the Lord!!!     sin in our lives affects not only us, but can also affect those around us.         this is why integrity in our daily lives is so important.           we need to pray that God will always keep us in His watch care and protection and that we will have the desire in our hearts to stay close to God.         again, this is where seeking after the heart of God comes into play.         if we are looking for something, we will find it.

Chapter 42,           what do we do when God's plan doesn't mix well with our plans?          well, here we see Jeremiah telling them not to go to Egypt, but that didn't sit well with them, so in the end, they headed out.          direct disobedience to what God had told them to do.          there are consequences.      we must decide to follow the will of God at all costs.           we have to trust that God is faithful and will hold true to His promises that are written in His word.        human wisdom and human solutions don't always work, especially if God isn't involved.         why do we think we know better than God does?      what are our motivations and intentions for doing what we do?         if our intentions and motivations are not clearly focused on the will of God for our lives, more than likely, they will fail.         seek God in all we do!!!

Chapter 43,          we can see that there is no safety outside of the will of God.         what's the greatest; your human understanding or God's wisdom?          our understanding is absolutely nothing compared to the wisdom of God.         if there is someone in your life who speaks the truth of God's word to you in difficult times, seek their counsel.          God puts people in our lives for a reason.         if you can speak God's truth over someone else, speak God's truth.         I want people in my life that seek after the heart of God in all they do and when they have a word of encouragement for me, I'm all over it, because I know it's from the word of God.          ignoring God's word can be costly in our life, spiritually and physically.  

Chapter 44,             when we blatantly disregard God, there are consequences that have to be dealt with, and it can be very severe.           do we worship God or do we worship idols such as the queen of heaven?         how could they do this?          how can we do some of the things we do today in the name of worship?          to be honest, I don't know if there is a church anywhere that truly knows how to worship God.          after going thru the bible to this point, I don't even know if I know what true worship is.         but at least being in His word is giving me a good starting place to worship Him as He desires for me to.         Lord God, help me to worship You with the reverence and awe that You deserve!!!       what are the idols in our lives that prevent us from worshiping God whole heartedly?       

Chapter 45,             no matter what the circumstances of your life look like, remain close to God, trust Him, no matter what!!!!        when we are facing times of discouragement, lean into the promises of God and trust that He is with us.         we need to look at our ambitions and see if we are looking for personal gain.        if so, we have to realize that's not the end goal of being in the will God.          when we get tired, we have to see that God is our sustainer and He is faithful even when the walk is difficult.

Chapter 46,            we see that God's word stands firm over every nation, that has been, that is, or that will be, on the face of this planet.         God is in control of all nations!!!          human strength means NOTHING without the power of God behind it.         why was David so successful?         God was with him.        we are living in times of uncertainty and the only thing that we can cling to is the promises of God!!!!!

Chapter 47,            there is and will be judgement against sin.         is there anything in our lives that we need to repent of?          if so, take care of that right now and lean into the love and the promises and the forgiveness of God.          we are living in times where nations across this globe are at war with one another and we, as Christians, need to intercede on behalf of these nations.        that's one of the things that we are called to do, pray for one another.

Chapter 48,            pride and idol worship has no place in the lives of people who are seeking after the heart of God.        when we get filled with pride, it's easy to go along to get along and that's not what God expects from us.       pride causes us to rely on ourselves and not God.       as Christians we need to be chasing after humility and obedience to God.         what ever the idols in our lives are, we need to get rid of those immediately.         no matter how far we have walked away from, His mercy is always extended to us and He will receive us back to Himself.        Praise God!!!!!

Chapter 49,            God is judge of all the world!!!!!!           we have powerful leaders across this globe that  think  they  are in  control  of what happens, but  God is the  One who  is actually  in ultimate control!!!          pride can and will lead to our downfall, so if we have pride in our lives, we need to deal with it.          when we are going thru time of personal problems, lean into God and rely on Him to get us thru.        His promises are as good today as they were for Jeremiah.

Chapter 50,         here we see that every nation is controlled by the hand of God.         God can, does, and will, use other nations as a means of His judgement against another country.        He can and will use any country to do His will.        we have to take the warnings that we read about in the bible seriously, they are there for a reason and when we heed these warnings, we don't have to face judgement.         we need to develop our dependence on God in every situation.

Chapter 51,          in this chapter we see that man has been declared as senseless and without knowledge!!!!           and we know there is no wisdom!!!!        this is the days we are living, men and women that don't have enough useful brain cells to spell the word "at".        people who would rather worship other people and sinful actions and take stands against the most heinous things described in the word of God as abominable.       they want their idols.      they want their fools gold.      they are actually described in this chapter as worthless, senseless and without knowledge!!!!          and they are to be mocked.       we have men wanting to use the bathroom of women.         men wanting to compete in women's sports.        men that are just plain useless and take up space.        and on the other hand, we have women wanting to be men in all their glory.      again, worthless, senseless human beings.         I didn't say it, God said it.      we need to get rid of the idols, sin, pride and what ever else it is that stands in the way of us serving God and worshiping God!!!

next time we pick up at Chapter 52.

------------------------

I guess this is where we will stop at today.          it's been very sobering going thru the book of Jeremiah and seeing how I fall short of worshiping God as I should.         I hope you have gleaned something from it too.        maybe we all can lean in a little closer to God in the following days.        we are certainly living in uncertain times and I think Jeremiah would encourage us to follow God and let Him deal with all the stuff going on.         we're not to bury our heads in the sand so to speak, we need to be aware of what's going on across the globe and pray for the leaders across the world.       God can and will use them all for His purpose and carrying out His will and also carrying out His judgement on all nations.       let's be in prayer for all our leaders, from the very closest local leaders, to national leaders and for all leaders across the globe.        God is in control!!!!!         blessings of strength and wisdom be ours.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and a batch of Chicken Corn Chowder

good morning my friends!!!!          I hope all is well in your neck of the woods.          it's another cloudy one here today and that's ok.         I know storms will be rolling thru today and tonight after dark and I'm praying for God's hand of protection to be over us all.        yesterday was a big fat bust for me.         I hurt and ached all over places the size of golf ball, tennis balls and bigger.         just random muscle aches all over from head to toe.          we had eaten really good the day before.          an arbys greek gyro for lunch and an aldi thin crust supreme pizza for supper.         we have eaten both of those.           but not on the same day.         I think it was just too much man made crap that I put in my body.        God made foods doesn't do my body this way.         that's why I cook most of what we eat from scratch.          I use a lot of store bought products such as velveeta cheese, cream cheese, gravy mixes and things like that and what I use, doesn't make my body hurt.         even my husband was having the same pains and he had eaten the same stuff that I had eaten.         so, we're back to eating only what I fix from scratch.        and the weather plays a big part in my body aches and pains.         when weather is rolling in, I can count on my arthritic joints to ache when the weather is bad.          barometric pressure plays a big part in what the joints do.           so, if you have a lot of joint pain or muscle pain, look at what you're eating and pay attention to the weather.           I need to fix a pot of beans today or tomorrow and tomorrow I have to get more salad fixings.          eating salads always make me feel better.           figure out what makes you feel better.           real foods is always best.         I have a lamb shank in the fridge thawing out and I can't wait to fix it.        I've never fixed lamb because I'm not thrilled about rosemary, so I decided to fix lamb like I know to fix other meats and it works out for us.          we love it.        so I don't know exactly what I'll do, but if I can remember, I'll bring y'all along.          so, let's get on with the rest of the blog post.

----------------------------------------

the other day, thursday I believe it was, I was wanting some good old down home comfort food and this certainly filled the bill.         I made my famous, infamous Chicken Corn Chowder.          potatoes is what usually makes a chowder, this doesn't have potatoes it but I still call it chowder.         why, you ask?      because I can.         simple enough.         hahaha       

this is all the main ingredients in my electric pressure cooker.           if I'm not mistaken the recipe for this is on here somewhere.          I promise you, you won't find it anywhere else, unless someone has started making it and sharing the recipe, but I've not seen it anywhere else.         it is sooooo good!!!!

after it gets done cooking for 35 minutes in the electric pressure cooker, I'll put a pkg of velveeta cheese sauce, a pkg or cream cheese and and then about a cup of morrisons gravy mix in it to thicken it all up and wow, wow, wow, is it ever good!!!!!!           this is how I make it now, I don't know if these 3 items are listed in the recipe the first time I shared it.         this recipe has been evolving over the last 3 or 4 years and this is where it's now and I think it's about as close to perfection as possible.         we both love it and so does our neighbor when we take him a bowl of it.

I went on a search in my blog and I found the general recipe on April 9th, 2023.         way down in that blog post.         I had challenged myself to use as many dehydrated goods as possible and I did.       but you can use fresh veggies.           

--------------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - Where do sheep go to get their hair cut?

A - The baa-baa shop!

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

baahahahahaha

----------------------

picking up at Jeremiah Chapter 31,           God has an amazing and everlasting love for us.         that alone should transform who we are, our identity and purpose.         our identity as His child and our purpose is to share the good news about Jesus Christ.         if there is areas in your life that you know are not right, trust God to help you make those areas right and start new.        the only way that we can have God's word, God's law written on our hearts is to stay in His word and seek out a deeper relationship with Him.          we have to let go of our past sins and cling to the newness of life that we have in God.  accept God's forgiveness and walk in His freedom thru grace.         Thank You God for Your mercy and grace!!

Chapter 32,          regardless of what it looks like around us, God is always in control.        Jeremiah acted in faith by purchasing a field.         sometimes we have to step out in faith, even when it sounds crazy or impossible.          with God all things are possible.       is anything too difficult for God?         not in the least!!!         keep seeking after the heart of God thru the shed blood of Jesus Christ.         this is the transforming life that is eternal.

Chapter 33,           God wanted Jeremiah to call on Him in prayer, and He wants us to do the same!!!      He will answer and guide us when we call on Him.         no matter how dire our circumstances seem to be, God will bring peace to our lives.         we have to see that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of our hope and promises.            remember God's faithfulness and let that strengthen us in difficult times.

Chapter 34,            do you make promises to God?         do you keep those promises?         or do we get lazy in serving Him?         tough questions.        God values our faithfulness to Him and our obedience.    if we have broken promises to God, we need to seek restoration through real repentance.         our true freedom is found in following Christ, not living out our desires.         they usually get us in trouble.

Chapter 35,            do we compromise the word of God with the we live our lives?          if so, we need to recommit our lives to Christ and get back on the narrow way.       do you want to build a legacy for your future generations?          we are.        we are either building a legacy serving God or building a legacy not serving God.        how can we share obedience and faithfulness if we are not obedient and faithful?          we can't.       we have to be willing to walk out our faith in the culture that we live in today.         it's not  easy  with  filth  coming  at us from  all  sides and  maybe  even from our own families.     we must be willing to stand up for our faith.           scripture is full of warnings for us and we must take those warnings seriously.

Chapter 36,           just as God told Jeremiah to write down His words, we must take the Word of God seriously in our lives too.         we should value the time we spend in the word of God, because it's time with Him.        we are called to share the word of God, even if it puts us in danger.        are we willing to do that?         Gods word has the potential to change us and we should be respectful of that.       we can trust God and that His ultimate purpose will fulfilled.

Chapter 37,          are we tempted to ignore God's word?         if so, that can have dire consequences.        when we are seeking God's will, are we really seeking to do His will or just work out our own plans?    we have to stand firm on God's word even if we face opposition or even persecution.         that day is coming for us and it's already here for some Christians.          we have to trust that God is in control and His plans will work for our good and His purposes.

Chapter 38,           just like Jeremiah, we are called to stand firm in the truth of God even though we may be at risk or in danger.           following God requires courage when speaking up for justice and righteousness.         we have to look for God's guidance thru prayer and reading His word.        we have to trust that God will protect and provide for those who faithfully strive to live for Him.    

next time we'll pick up with Chapter 39.

---------------------------------

I guess this is where we will part company.          I hope and pray that we all have a great day today and may we all continue to seek after the heart of God.           we can see going thru the bible study just how important it is for us to stay in His word and keep studying and applying as much as we can to our lives daily.         we are living in very uncertain times.         Jesus Christ is the only certainty that we have and He has already won all of the battles that we may find ourselves in, in the future.         and there will be battles.        persecution is definitely on it's way over the globe even as we read right now.        seeking after the heart of God in all we do is our only means of survival.         blessings of mercy and grace be ours today.

hugs and love, patty  

Bible Study and haphazard gardening

 good gloomy morning from my neck of the woods.         it's cloudy and looks like it could rain any second.         we got out walk in early this morning and that's always good for both of us.         I have no idea what we'll get into today.          yesterday afternoon I got some strawberry seeds and some more tomato seeds going in my dakride hydroponics.        most, if not all of the large tomatoes that I started earlier didn't make it.         they were beautiful and if I could have gotten them in their forever pots, they would have survived.        so, I'm hoping that these will thrive.         they will, if I get them planted at the right time.        so today, I don't know what's in store.        I was planning on planting some lettuces and get those going.        I'm hoping the night time temps are on the rise so I can get my starts out of the sprout house in the garage and in the greenhouse on the deck.        that's where they will do great till it's time to set them out.         my 3 fig trees are putting on leaves.         they will need to come out of the garage really soon.       I'm pretty excited about that too.        right now it seems as if all my gardening is haphazard, but it will come together pretty soon.          hope so anyway.   

-----------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - Why did the pony get sent to his room?

A - He wouldn’t stop horsing around!

😂😂😂😂😂

that's just like a pony!!!

----------------------------------

picking up with Jeremiah Chapter 26,           just like Jeremiah, we are called by God, to stand firm in our faith even when it's not popular.          it's always the right thing to do.         we should always speak the truth with love and compassion.       sometimes that's very difficult to do, but we should always be concerned about repentance and restoration of others.        we live in a day and time when it's really hard to speak truth in love, because most people don't want to hear the truth.        God's people will always face opposition but we have to know that God is our strength especially when we are working for His purposes.

Chapter 27,          God is always in control even when circumstances are unfavorable.         we need to make sure that the people we listen to and our leaders are speaking the truth of God.        there are people that are in authority over us and they have put there by God and we have to realize that they are under God's divine plan.      God uses hard times to restore us and refine us, so hard times call for patience and faithfulness.

Chapter 28,            we need to be really leery of the prosperity gospel that doesn't call for repentance and obedience to God.         when someone is speaking about prosperity, weigh it against scripture.         true prophecy has some hard truths in it and it will always call for repentance.          we need to stand firm in God's word even when it's unpopular and goes against the culture of the day.           we need to hold our teachers and preachers to be accountable for the truth of word of God.          faithfulness over popularity.

Chapter 29,            no matter the situation, we should make the most of our situation and realize that God has plan for us right where we are.          where ever we are we should be engaged in our community for the betterment of all.        God's plans unfold in His timing, perfect timing, even if we have to wait.     we need to keep seeking after the heart of God in all things.   

Chapter 30,              we can always trust God to fulfill the promises in our lives.          we also nee to remember that suffering and discipline are a very real part of the Christian life.         any and all experiences we have can be used to draw us closer to God and develop our character.        character counts in our lives.         we need to develop a personal relationship with God by spending real time in His word studying and learning, knowing that He wants to have a relationship with us.

next time we'll pick up at Chapter 31.

----------------------------------

well, I guess this is where we'll end for the day.        I pray that we all have a great day today.        I don't know what we'll do, but I'm excited about the day ahead.         I hope you are too.       let's keep seeking after the heart of God in all that we do.        blessings of patience and faithfulness be ours today.       

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and beauty where we see it

good morning lovely friends.            I don't know what the day holds for us, but I know who holds the day for us all, and that's God.         so we can have a good day.         I pray that we all do.          yesterday, I got  some  of my  plants  out  of  my hydroponics and up-potted in soil and waiting for them to perk up.        they should perk up really good overnight.         I hope so anyway.          some of my full sized tomatoes are not going to make it and I think I'm just gonna stick a seed down in the solo cups of each one that is on it's way out and see if they will just grow from that.        I know they should, but whether they will or not is something else altogether.         I do have time to get some more started, I may have to just start them in my hydroponic units and forget the strawberries that I wanted to get started.         when I was coming in from being outside and transplanting some starts, I kept seeing something every time I took a step.          I finally just stopped to see what it was.         

I laughed and said that a lot of girls wear flowers behind their ears, but I wear weeds in the toe of my shoes.            it was cute though.           maybe next time I can get a johnny jump up hung in the toe of my shoe.         hahaha           but, there is beauty even in weeds when we choose to see it.  

-----------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - What’s red and smells like blue paint?

A - Red paint! 

😂😂😂😂😂😂

----------------------------

picking up at Jeremiah Chapter 19,            just like Judah, we should regularly be examining our lives and making sure we are obedient to God and making sire that we're not worshiping  idols.       when we see warning in scripture, they are serious and we should treat them as such.       our eternity depends on how we respond to God.        repentance is not just a one time thing, but an ongoing turning away from sin in our lives.         we are exposed to sin everyday.        we have to make sure we take it seriously and that we recognize it for what it is.          we can trust God to be righteous in all His ways, even in judging sin.

Chapter 20,             when you make a stand, and stand on the word of God, you will be persecuted, there's no doubt about that at all.         but we have to remember that God is with us and He will stay with us.          does the word of God burn within you?          if it does, just know that sharing the truth will be a challenge, but God will help you.         God truly understands us and  He cares about the struggles we have.         

Chapter 21,             we have to look within ourselves from time to time to make sure that we are aligning ourselves with the purposes of God in our lives.         when God has shown us that we are wrong about something, are quick to repent and look for His guidance or do we continue to be disobedient?         we have to pray for courage and wisdom when we are faced with sharing about God.           we have to remember that God is in control at all times.         nothing happens without Him knowing about it.

Chapter 22,               there used to be a saying around here "character counts".          you don't see it any more or even hear about it any more.           but character still counts and this is one things that is being pointed out here.         if you're a leader, be an honest and upright leader.         corruption is too adamant these days.          on the other hand, pride has no place in the life of a Christian.           God offers forgiveness and restoration always, to those who turn back to Him.

Chapter 23,             are the teachers and leaders standing before you teaching and preaching the word of God, or are they teaching and preaching their own agendas?          trust in the leadership and guidance of Jesus Christ in our lives.            studying and applying the word of God in our lives should be a top priority.           that's the only way we'll know whether our teachers and leaders are teaching and preaching the word of God.         we need to vigilant against false teachers and test everything we hear against the scriptures.

Chapter 24,             are you a good fig, seeking to know the heart of God?           don't just go thru the religious motions, develop a heart that is truly seeking after the heart of God at all times.          strive to live a life that honors God.

Chapter 25,              we have to listen to the call of God in our lives.          God is in control of all nations and all history.           God is so patient giving us time after time to come back to Him.          we should show our gratitude to God for His patience.           there are serious consequences for ignoring Gods word and we should strive to live lives that honor God.

next time we pick up at Chapter 26.

-------------------------------

well, I guess this is where we'll wrap it up and go on with our day.           making a trip to see my Momma is what's on the agenda and I always love going to see her.         we have lots of laughs and just a good time.        I don't know what else we'll this afternoon when we get home.         I may try to get some strawberry seeds started in my hydroponic units, but then again, I really need to start some more tomatoes and possibly peppers.         it will probably be too late for the strawberries to do anything this year,  so  I  may  just  go for more tomatoes and peppers.        it's kinda  not knowing what to do.      we'll see.          I hope and pray that we all have a wonderful day and that we keep God first in all things.        keep seeking after the heart of God.           blessings of courage and wisdom be ours today.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and possibilities for the day

good morning from my neck of the woods.          it's very cloudy this morning and it looks like rain.      the  weather  station  says  the  barometric  pressure  is high and I knew that before I even got out of bed.          so it looks like I'll have the "old faithful pain" until the weather changes again.         my best piece of advice, stay active and don't get old.       hahahaha         I don't know what the day will bring, but we'll try to make the best of it.      yesterday I made a batch of chicken corn chowder and it was delicious.       I have a bowl of it made up to go in the freezer for a later day.        I need to make a batch of beans today too and get a bowl of them in the freezer too.      I love to keep thing s in the freezer for quick easy meals when there may be a time crunch or we just want something different.      I may make up  a couple  batches  of cornbread  swirls  and  breakfast rolls to have in the freezer and bake as needed.         my stash has gotten a little low and I need get it built back up.         I'm hoping the weather will warm up and I can start getting some plants in their permanent home for the summer.        I've got some more peppers that I need to get out of the hydro units inside.         then, hopefully I can get some strawberry  seeds  started.         it  just  haven't  been  a good  year  for  me  and getting my garden going.         but I shall persevere and push through and see what the summer holds.        I hope we all have good plans for a garden season.           I'll do like I always do, plant and pray and let God do the rest.           that sounds like a great plan.       who knows what all the possibilities  are this day.         we'll see what happens.

---------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - What do you call a fake noodle?

A - An impasta!

😂😂😂😂  or maybe fauxpasta!!  😜😜😜

-----------------------------------

picking up at Jeremiah Chapter 14,          have you ever experienced a drought?         you know how dry and dusty that can be and nothing flourishes.         the same thing happens when we experience a drought in our heart, or in our relationship with God.       when we recognize something is going on, we need to confess our sins and be sincere about it and do whatever it takes to make changes.           we need to stay in the word so that we can recognize false teaching when we hear it and then we can address it.        most people let the pastor of a church spoon feed them and they have no idea if what he's telling them is false teaching or not.        know what's be told is true or not and if it's not true, address it or leave.        my husband and I have left a church because of false teaching.         it's not fun, it's not easy, but we done it and we also need to be praying for those around us to be strong in their faith and to know and recognize false teaching.

Chapter 15,          do you ever struggle with your own weaknesses?         we all do!!!         but I'm so thankful that my redemption is based on the strength of My God and not my own weaknesses.         it's hard to realize it, but when we are struggling to do the right thing, God is helping us and He will not abandon us.           we just have to be faithful in our commitment to doing the will God even in the times of hardship and despair.          seek restoration with God.        repentance is the only way to have restoration and redemption.       

Chapter 16,            even amidst judgement, God is merciful and committed to His people.        there is always room for hope and reconciliation when it's something we truly desire.         we have to take seriously the warnings in scripture about sin and the consequences of sin.           but even when were in a bad place there is still hope and reconciliation thru Christ.         we just need to remember that.

Chapter 17,            just like Jeremiah, we live in a day and time where the society is in moral decay and it doesn't seem like there's any way back from it.        in and of ourselves, there isn't.         but when the God followers, Christians, God's own people, decide we've had enough of the moral decay, and call on God for change, He will change the hearts of the people.       it has to start with His own people first.      we have to decide we want better for ourselves and call on God and He will hear and He will help.

Chapter 18,          have you ever worked with clay?           well, if you have, you can have a feeling for what's going on here.          God is the potter and we are the clay.        God is continually working on us, continually shaping us  and molding us.          sometimes we don't like it and He has to reshape us all over again.          just like a potter can fashion the clay, so does God fashion and refashion countries and nations.          when Jeremiah told the people about God being a potter and they were the clay, some of the people didn't like it.          when you do what God asks you to do, most of the time you'll disturb the devils demons and they'll start planning and plotting against you.         that's exactly what's happening in my little community and county.          one man is standing up for the good of the people and the "good old boy system" is trying to damage his reputation.         God won't let it happen!!

tomorrow we'll pick up at Chapter 19.

------------------------------------

well, I guess this is where we'll call it a morning.        I hope and pray that we all have a great day and the we keep God first in every situation.        may God the potter and we be the clay today for God to shape us any way He desires.         blessings of abundance and strength be ours.  

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and a long day yesterday

good morning my beautiful friends.          I pray that are ready for a wonderful day.         a gift from the hand of God today.         it's really beautiful and sunshiny here in my neck of the woods today.        I hope I can get a lot done today.         yesterday was a long day for me.        I done a lot of freezer cooking.   

I made:

11 bags of sweet potato bites baked, flash frozen, bagged and in the freezer.

11 bags of russet potato bites baked, flash frozen, bagged and in the freezer.

6 bags of radish bites baked, flash frozen, bagged and in the freezer.

yogurt strained and made into greek yogurt.

whey from the yogurt frozen in cubes and bagged and in the freezer.

4 bags of chopped and diced onions and bell peppers frozen.

and a batch of homemade granola made.

when I'm working, it doesn't seem like I get anything done, but when I make notations about it, I see that I did get a lot done and kinda proud of that fact.        I'm sure I won't get as much done today, because I have other things to do and I need to help my husband with some things too.        but I'm really happy to have gotten what I got done yesterday.         someone told me that if I don't take pictures, I didn't really  do it.        hahaha         well, I was laser focused on the tasks at hand yesterday and didn't get pics, but the next time I make granola, I'll try to remember to take pics and share.      and I done the radish bites.        I've never done those before and I don't know what I think about them.       for now, I'm thinking they will have to have some balsamic glaze on them to help make them more palatable.        the sulfuric compounds in the radishes is pretty strong and it's not my favorite flavor for sure.        but I do love balsamic glaze and that's a wonderful way to not let something go to waste.         hahaha         the frozen whey will be used to make more yogurt.         I'll toss a couple of cubes in my instant pot along with the milk and a little powdered milk and it's always delicious.       I can also use whey in the making of my homemade breads too.         the bell peppers and onions are always an addition to most of my electric pressure cooker meals.          we love the combo of onions and peppers in most everything.        and then the homemade yogurt calls for granola, so I made a batch.         actually, the first batch I ever made.        it's delicious and it won't be the last batch. 

well, that's what I done yesterday and I don't mind telling you that I'm tired, just from rehashing it.      hahaha

-----------------------

starting at Jeremiah Chapter 10,          is there anything in your life that you put before your relationship with God?           wealth, your job, your technology, your things?          any and all of these things have become modern day idols, even for God's people.        what do you love more than you God?         we have to recognize the power of God over our lives and submit to Him in order to be in a right relationship with Him.         even a lot of people worship worship more than they worship God.        you know what I'm talking about, you've seen it, and may even practice it without even recognizing it.        we have to worship God in spirit and truth.         a lot people think they're worshiping God , but they're worshiping the band.   spirit and truth is what God is looking for.

Chapter 11,              have you made any commitments to God?         are you honoring those commitments and living up to the promises you've made?        disobedience is real and it needs to be recognized that is has consequences.         repentance  and turning back to God's will over your life is necessary.          we must share the truth, even when the truth isn't popular and most people don't want to hear the truth.         even a lot of church people have no room for truth in their lives.        pray for courage to share the truth even when it's not wanted.          we have to look inward for any signs of stubbornness and rebellion and then address it with God.         ask Him to break our hearts for the thing that break His heart.

Chapter 12,          we live in evil and wicked times and we just have to know that God's justice will prevail in His timing.         so we continue to pray for courage.          we have to dig deeper into the word of God to strengthen our faith as we face the days ahead.           we need to be focusing on Gods bigger plan instead of what's right before us.        we get tunnel vision and focus just on the spot we can see and not the whole picture.        God sees the whole picture, we see just the spot we live in for the moment.      God will judge, but when He judges, He also offers  repentance, redemption and restoration.

Chapter 13,           do you have pride in your life?          if so, get rid of it.         if you see yourself as better than anyone around you, get over it.        pride can block God's blessings and if that's the case, think about it and change the course of your life.           strength, usefulness and purposefulness comes from a strong relationship with God.        humility is necessary to serve God in any capacity.        everyone has the ability to sin.         it's when we stray from God that it gets easier to sin.        stay close to God.        repent and stay close to Him.

we'll pick up at chapter 14 next time.

----------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - What did the duck say after she bought chapstick?

A - Put it on my bill!

hahaha  that duck is quackers!!!  

------------------------

well, I guess that's about it for this morning.         I pray that we all have a great day in the name of Jesus Christ!!!         let us keep searching after the heart of God in all that we do.         I pray that we all have sunshine outside and Sonshine inside.         let's see what today brings and enjoy the blessings directly from the hand of God.     blessings of strength and purposefulness today.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and odds and ends

good morning from my neck of the woods.          the sun is shining brightly, but we know in the spring time, that really doesn't mean a lot.        hahaha         I have a lot to do today.           our plans went awry yesterday when we had to make an unexpected visit to the dr.          but all's back on track this morning or seems to be anyway.           I made a trip to aldi yesterday morning and got a bunch of potatoes.        so while we was waiting for dr appt time, I got in the kitchen and got 13 or 14 lbs of potatoes peeled and done a large dice on them, about the size of a finger joint, some smaller.         I filled the containers with water and washed off a ton of starch.         I have a container of yellow potatoes and a container of sweet potatoes already ready to go this morning.          I also got a couple extra bags of radishes and I'm gonna do the same thing with them and see how they turn out as another roasted veg to have with the potatoes and eat them instead of ready made french fries.         I know the oil used and the flavorings used and nothing that shouldn't be on them.       

I wish aldi carried turnips and rutabagas, I would get some of those.         I may have to go to walmart to get some of those.          I could go to kroger, but I'm still not going to kroger, the young people at the checkouts are hateful and I don't deal with hateful too well.        I'm bad about calling them out and questioning them about their behavior.        it's clearly something their parents should have done years ago, but they didn't.        so kroger suffers as far as I'm concerned.        I treat people the way I want to be treated and not everyone does that.         

anyway, that's why I haven't tried some other types of veggies, but I will at some point.        I just love having them in the freezer, ready to toss in the airfryer along with a meat of some kind.        so, that's what's on my list today to start working on just as soon as I get this post done.       I look forward to getting them in the freezer.   

I also made a batch of homemade yogurt and I have it in the fridge straining it even as I type.       I'll save the whey as a means of making my next batch of yogurt.        my instant pot with the yogurt setting makes making yogurt really easy.        I plan on getting some homemade granola made to go along with the yogurt, but we'll see if I can get the oven freed up do that.         I could make it in the air fryer and I'll do that if necessary.

well, it looks like my day is mapped out and I'm already tired from just typing this all out.       I have my plans and now we'll just have to see if my plans are in line with what the Lord wants me to do today.      it's all up to Him, not me.        my plans are written in ink, but they can be x-ed out easily enough.        so I try to stay flexible and do as the Lord wants me to do.         and I believe that plans and preparing are in line with God's will when it's about taking of your households needs by having good food ready to put on the table.      

---------------------
giggle for the day:

Q - Why did a scarecrow win a Nobel prize?

A - He was outstanding in his field!

😂😂😂😂😂😂

------------------------

picking up Jeremiah Chapter 6,          we see here that we have to be listening for the voice of God over our lives.          God speaks to us thru His word  and when we pray and also when we look to godly counsel.        we have to be ready to hear God.        we also see that when we have sin our lives, we are deaf to the call of God over our lives.         sin causes spiritual deafness.        and again, in the chapter we see that we must be seeking after the heart of God.        that is the something that we must be doing and we must also be sharing God's truth to those around us!!!          seeking Gods truth and sharing God's truth!!

Chapter 7,          is your worship genuine worship or is it ritualistic?         if it's ritualistic, you're wasting your time and it's pointless.         are your trying to earn your way to God?         you can't!!!        again, it's pointless.          is your heart truly devoted to God?        if you are truly devoted to God, you'll have compassion for those around you.         the widow, the fatherless, the needy, helping these is a reflection of worship.         we need to be regularly seeking God's forgiveness and building a relationship with Him instead of just going thru the rituals of worship.   

Chapter 8,           are we resisting God's guidance in our lives?         if so, we're missing out on tremendous blessings.         true peace comes from acknowledging God's truth and living our lives based on His truth.          there are lots of false assurances out there, but there is only one God.         when we are living lives based on God's truth, we will also be repentant and obedient to His truth and call.         we need to pray for our leaders and church leaders to have courage to speak the truth about sin and call it what it is.        

Chapter 9,          we should have a heart of compassion for people around us who are lost and living in sin.        we live in such a deceitful world that we should be striving to represent God and His character in our daily lives.        we should make every effort to be in God's word on a daily basis and strive to live our lives based on His truth.         thinking on the goodness, kindness, justice and righteousness of God should be a priority for us for shaping our own attitudes and actions.

we will pick up at Chapter 10 next time.

------------------------------------

I guess we'll call it a wrap for now.          I pray that we all have a great day today and that we will be seeking after the heart of God in all we do.          we all know hurting people around us.         we know people who need help.          let us focus on some of these ways that we can serve God today.         I hope you'll come back here real soon and join me again for some more time to look at the word of God.      blessings of peace and integrity be ours today in all we do.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study

good morning from my neck of the woods.         it looks like it might be a great day today.          I thought yesterday was gonna be a fine day, but it got all dark and dreary and rained some and we were under a tornado warning, so welcome to spring.          but regardless of what it looks like on the outside, the Son still shines on the inside.        woohoo!!!         so today will be a great day too.        I have a lot to do this week and I look forward to doing it.         one thing on my agenda is to get some yellow potato and sweet potato bites made for the freezer.         I'm telling you, we go thru those things like nobody's business.          they are so good.        I wish I could come up more veggies that I could do that way to have a variety.        the other day, just on a whim, I took a can of cut green beans and drained them and then rinsed them and let them dry a little.        I put them in a zip lock sandwich bag and sprayed some avocado oil on them then sprinkled some greek seasoning and onion powder on them.        sealed the bag and worked them around in the zip lock bag till everything was evenly coated and then dumped them in one half of my 8 quart air fryer.        I put some of my sweet potato bites and hubby's yellow potato bites along with 2 apple chicken sausages laying between the green beans and and the potatoes.        set the air fryer for 400 degrees for 15 minutes and I'm telling you, those green beans were fantastic!!!         so I know I'll be growing as many green beans as possible this year.         I take the whole ones that I grow and do the same thing and air fry them too.       it's wonderful and I suggest you give them a try.        you can season them any way you like, of course.         I just love being able to fix a whole meal in the air fryer at one time.        what are some things that you like to air fry?

---------------------------

giggle for thee day:

Q - Why don't the circus lions eat the clowns?

A -  Because they taste funny!

😂😂😂😂😂😂

----------------------------

I found this and thought it was beautiful and I wanted to share it with us all.         May we find ourselves in one of these and claim it over our day!!!

What do you tell yourself every morning as you start the day?
★Moses would say "Lord if you don't go with us or before us we ain't going nowhere"
★Abraham will say "The Lord will provide."
★Jacob would say "I won't let go of you unless you bless me."
★Joshua would say: "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord"
★Samuel would say: "Speak Lord for thy servant is listening."
★Nehemiah would say: The joy of the Lord is my strength"
★David would say "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want" and "this is the day that the Lord has made and I will rejoice and be glad in it."
★Solomon would say "Trust in the Lord oh my soul and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path"
★Isaiah would say "Arise and shine for your glory has come." And "No weapon fashioned against me shall prosper"
★Jeremiah would say "The Lord has plans to prosper me and not to harm or fail me."
★Jabez would say "Oh that you may bless me and extend my horizon."
★Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would say "We will not bow down to any image but will serve the Lord."
★Ezekiel would say " Any dry bones in my life, live again."
★Peter would say: "I will cast my cares upon the Lord for He cares."

Adopt your morning statement of faith and speak it and meditate on it daily.
Have blessed and fruitful day ....

so, which one is your favorite? I love them all!!
-----------------------------
today we start in Jeremiah chapter 1,         never forget, that there is someone who knows you better than you know yourself.         your Creator!!!         He knew us even before He formed us.          He designed what our lives would be even before we were born.        when we follow God, He is with us and nothing can prevail against us!!!         God will save us!!

Jeremiah 2,          this chapter shows us God's unfailing, unwavering love for His people!!!         it also shows our ungratefulness for His ever presence in our lives.          how easy it is for us to trust the world and not trust God, when He is faithful to us.           we need to remain faithful to God and repent and keep our relationship with God strong.        God is with us, He is for us and He is forgiving.        yet, we keep on forgetting Him and His ways.        God continues to deliver us from sin but we still turn away from Him.

Jeremiah 3,          here we see that, unlike the world, God does NOT abandon us.         He waits for us to turn around and head back to Him, then He comes running to us.        despite unfaithfulness, God wants us to repent and come back to Him.     in this chapter we see forgiveness, restoration and hope.        these are only found in God, thru the shed blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Jeremiah 4,         what areas of your life do you give to God that is in need of forgiveness and restoration?        this question is where the rubber meets the road and it's very humbling.       there is consequences for sin, but mercy and grace of God will take care of it when we repent.       and once we repent and get back in relationship with God, then we pray for others for to repent also.

Jeremiah 5,          Jeremiah couldn't find a single righteous person in Jerusalem!!!         how many righteous persons can be found our churches this morning all across this globe?          I dare say, not many.         it's always the religious folks that don't know God.         it's always been the religious folks that don't God because they are all about the man made rituals and not about the commandments that God, Himself gave to man.        we think we know better than God.         we don't!!          I keep saying for us to keep seeking after the heart of God and this is why.        if we are not actively and purposefully  seeking after the heart of we'll never get close to Him.        God's judgement will happen, but He keeps giving us day after day, for a while at least, to know His heart and do His will.

next time we will pick up with Chapter 6.

------------------------------

well, I guess we'll leave it right here for the time being.          I pray that we all have a wonderful day today and that we get a lot done.         I hope that we remember to keep seeking after the heart of God in all we do.        we'll never fail or go wrong when we are actively seeking God.      blessings of hope and restoration be ours today.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study

good morning my friends.          I hope and pray that all is well in your neck of the woods today.          the sun is shining nicely and it looks like it will be a stellar day today.         I heard the train go quickly by in the distance.          it won't be long till that will be maybe a slight murmur in the background when all the trees get their full raiment for the year.         now the engineer is blowing the horn and the wind is wafting the sound this way.        the birds are out in full force this regaling us with their songs this morning and I love it.        I'm happy that spring seems to be well on the way.          I know the calendar says it's spring, but the thermometer says a little different some mornings.         hahahaha       oh my, who do we believe?          hahaha         I'm hoping to get some gardening going this week.        I've been saying it for weeks and something stops me.          I guess maybe the weather, huh.         I had wanted to get some strawberries started from seeds, but I think that may not be feasible at the time.         my best bet may be to take the dollar tree stackables I was gonna use for those and put some green peas in them and let them do their thing.       and do the strawberries later.        I just don't know.          it seems like this  year,  my  garden is  gonna  be  all  haphazard  just  like  me.         I  almost  can't wait  till I can start sticking seeds in my containers and growing from seeds and not trying to start everything from starts.        I got a few tomatoes and peppers started with my hydro units, but for some reason, they're not working as well as they did last season.        it makes no sense.        so I'm already a little put out by my garden experience.         oh well, I'll do what I know to do.        that's plant and pray and let God do the rest.         that's best plan I got and it always works.        so there you have it, my garden plan.       

----------------------------

 giggle for the day:

Q - How do you stay warm in any room? 

A- Go to the corner — it’s always 90 degrees. 

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

------------------------------

picking up at Isaiah 63,         this chapter is telling us that there will be a day when the enemies of God and His people will face judgement.        it will happen.        just as God has been and is and will continue top be faithful with His promises for His people, the same can be said about His promises for His enemies.       their days are numbered.          faithfulness and compassion are 2 great characteristics of our God!!!           we continue to pray for His mercy and intervention in our lives every day.

Isaiah 64,            we are unworthy before God.          nothing WE can do will remove the unworthiness, we're as filthy rags even with the best of intentions and righteousness.           He is the potter and we are the clay.        make us into something desirable and useable in Your hands.         we wait on You and trust Your sovereignty even in the difficult situations!!

Isaiah 65,           God is frustrated with our idolatry and disobedience and all this will be judged.        but God promises that a remnant will be saved  and redeemed, showing that God's love and grace is still available to anyone who turns to Him.         those who don't turn to Him will be judged.           at some point there will be a new heaven and a new earth and that's what we want to be a part of!!          God is a God of mercy and patience, waiting for us to choose Him.         we need to faithful and obedient to the call that God has placed over our lives.         we will be a part of His new creation when we chose Him.

Isaiah 65,           for too many years the churches have been filled with useless rituals and practices and not of true worship of outrLord and Savior.       we have ignored moral and spiritual devotion.        a lot of people say they are spiritual, but that has nothing to do with Holy Spirit living in them.          the very presence of God fills the universe!!!            the wicked will be judged and God's people will be delivered from the tyranny of evil people.           all of mankind will come together to worship God !!!!          what a grand time that will be!!!!

next time we will pick up at Jeremiah 1.

-----------------------------------------

I guess this is where we'll call it a morning and get on with our day.          let us be found seeking after the heart of God today and every day.           as we have seen in the book of Isaiah, we have a BIG reason to seek after the heart of God.           to be a part of the new heaven, renewed, redeemed, obedient and able to praise God!!!         what a day that will be!!!!!!          I pray we all have a great day today.      blessings of faithfulness and compassion be ours today.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study

good morning beautiful friends!!!!!           the sun is shining brightly, the birds are happily singing and it's enough to make a heart joyful.        I'm ready for some sunshine outside.          I try real hard to keep Sonshine in my soul and it looks like today I'll have sunshine and Sonshine!!!        what a day!!        I hope we all have a good one and that we keep God a part of it and thank Him for this glorious start. 

---------------------------------

I did get in the kitchen on friday and done a little bit.          I had a pkg of eye of round steaks from aldi and I trimmed them up, cut the fat and hard stuff off of them and then cut the steaks in little strips about the width of my little finger and then I cut little bites.         once I got them all cut, I got our the McCormick grill masters applewood rub and put a lot on the eye of round bites and stirred it around real good to get everything coated real good.

this is another shot of the eye of round coated really well in the applewood rub.           when I get ready to fix this, I'll throw it in the air fryer for a few minutes and it is almost as good as candy!!!         meat candy, who knew!!!           hahahaha

then I opened a pk of lamb chops from aldi too.            I wish I could better at remembering to take pics, it would be so nice if I could remember.            the pkg had 4 lamb chops in it.         I took them out and put them in parchment paper lined glass baking dish and sprinkled salt, pepper onion powder and garlic powder on both sides of the chops and put foil over the top.           I put them in the oven at 400 degrees for 90 minutes and than added about another 20 minutes to it.         once they were as done as I wanted, I picked the bones out and set them aside and I poured the broth and fat off and saved the bones to put in the freezer and make lamb broth when I get enough bones saved.

we both enjoyed these a whole lot!!!!           we had a chop a piece for friday lunch and I shredded one for each of us and put them both on parchment paper in the air fryer and put some bbq sauce on them  and then put our yellow potato bites and sweet potato bites in with the chops and turned it one for 15 minutes and that was some of the best meat I've ever eaten and my husband agreed!!!!!          it was so tender.         I've never had meat as tender as the lamb chops were.          I don't know if all lamb is that tender or if it was fluke, but wowzers, it was good.

then I didn't get a pic of this, but once all that was done, I cooked an instant pot full of black beans and rice.         that's gonna be some really good meals too.          when I taking them from the instant pot, I put enough for a bowl apiece in a bowl to go in the freezer.          this is a good way to have some emergency food.         it came in handy during my back episode and not doing much.         so think of ways you can set yourself up for success if you're not feeling well.         I need to get more rolls and hot dog buns and cornbread swirls made and in the freezer for such a time too.        

------------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - Why did the chicken cross the playground?

A - To get to the other slide! 

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

------------------------------------

picking up with Isaiah 59,          sin separates us from God, but God has the power to save.      there has to be repentance.         without repentance there will be judgement and darkness.      a lot of people go looking for sin.       sin makes us live in darkness.          we live in a time where there is no real justice and no truth.         God is truth!!!       God gives redemption.          Jesus Christ is the redeemer and we see that Gods words will be on the people lips and passed on to their children.        Praise God!!!

Isaiah 60,         this  chapter  shows us looking to the time of hope and restoration, only with Jesus Christ.          when God's glory shows up, darkness goes running.         the power of God is transforming.          nations and kings will be drawn to God.          God's people will be light and blessing to the world.       

Isaiah 61,           Jesus has come to bind up the brokenhearted and to set the captives free!!!!!!         this is freedom, this is God's blessing!!!           this is the new era of righteousness and plenty and joyful people.          what a day and time that will be!        beauty for ashes!!!

Isaiah 62,           this chapter point to a time when we'll no longer be forsaken, but we'll have a renewed covenant and God's love!!         God's love for His people will be as a bridegrooms love for his bride!!   God's people will be called Holy people!!

next time we'll pick up at Isaiah 63.

------------------------------

well, I guess this is where we'll jump off today.           I pray that we will keep seeking after the heart of God.           I hope we never get tired of hearing that or doing that.       have a wonderful day and thank God for being a part of this great day!!!       blessings of hope and restoration for all of us.

hugs and love, patty

Bible Study and Sourdough Y'all!!

good friday morning!!!          I woke up to a brrrrr, cold, chili, 20 degrees!!!!!!         yes, I did!!!!!        mr winter, get on outta here!!!         I'm sick and and tired of you !!!!!          go on, git on outta here, shoo, scat, get away!!!!        ok, now I got that outta my system.          hahahahaha          I'm ready to do some gardening though.        if you can get your hands in your soil, please leave them in the soil just a second or two longer just for me.           well, you guessed it, we're still shredding, but we've slowed down some.    I don't know when of if we'll get it all done, but we'll keep at it.         wednesday night I got sourdough bread starter going and I shared my process below.         at least as much of as I remembered to take pics of.        if you like sourdough, this may be for you.        I need to get in the kitchen today and get some real cooking done.         having been down in my back for almost 2 weeks and then shredding, it has put a hold on the good stuff coming from my kitchen.        hahahaha    well, I guess we'll get on with the rest of the post.

----------------------------

giggle for the day:

Q - Why did the frog take the bus to work? 

A - His car got toad.

ribbit, ribbit 😂😂😂😂😂😂

--------------------------------

so, thurs morning I got up and made a quick batch of sourdough.        on wed night, I took out about a half cup of starter from my big jar.        I didn't want to feed the whole big batch of starter, so I took what I needed.         I put the starter in a the bowl that I always mix my bread in.         I fed it and covered it with a bowl cover and let that ferment over night.        when I got the starter fed, I got out a bowl and put all my dry ingredients in it and a measuring cup with my wet ingredients.          I covered it all with a floursack towel for the night.         when I got up thurs morning and took out a half cup of the freshly fed starter and put the rest back in the big starter container in the fridge.          I dumped in all my wet ingredients with the fed and fermented starter and then all my dry ingredients.         in less than 5 minutes I had that dough mixed and ready to let double in size.          that was at 7:05 thurs morning, then by 9:30 it had tripled in size and I worked it down and weighed the dough ball, divided that weight by 3 and  made my 3 mini loaves of sourdough bread.         I set those aside until they had doubled in size again.          for these little bread tins, I just let the bread reach the top of the pan and then I bake it and that's what I done this time.           by the time it rises to the top of the pan, it's doubled in size.        so, I popped them in the oven about 11:30 and baked them and Boom, just like that, sourdough bread.

making sourdough doesn't have to be complicated.          I get so sick of people with their rules and you have to do this and you have to do that.         NO, you don't have to.        don't over complicate anything, it takes the joy out of whatever you're doing.        figure out a way that works for you and just do it.       I had  someone  tell me that there's no way my haphazard way of slapping together a sourdough will ever work.           well, it does work and I'm not a slave to my sourdough.         it works when I need it, or it's outta my house.         and I'll assure you that anything I make is just as delicious as what everyone else makes that follows all the "rules".         stick to those rules and 3 or 4 days to making a batch of bread.    I'll make mine and be eating in way less than 24 hours.          I'm good with that.       

I wish I had gotten a pic of the amt of starter I left in this bowl.           I didn't measure it at all, I just eyeballed what a half cup would be and put the rest back in my big jar of starter.        then I mixed all the ingredients together and got the dough ball made and let it double in size, that's what in the pic.       

then I punched it down and weighed it and divided it equally among the loaf tins and made the 3 loaves.

it has risen for a little over two and half hours and it ready to go in the oven.

they are freshly baked and out of the oven and smelling mighty fine.

they are now out of the pans and sitting to cool off before I put them in a zip lock bag and on in the fridge.          oh yeah, and that's another pet peeve of mine.          people saying you can't store  bread in the fridge.        well, I'm not cutting anyone any slack or giving grace on this one because I've been storing my bread in the fridge when I decided I no longer wanted throw away my homemade bread because it got stale.        "they" say you can't store bread in the fridge.        that's a LIE!!!!!         I've been doing it for about 40 years now and guess how much bread I've thrown away.         go ahead and guess.    zilch, nada, none, not one single slice!!!!         so the next idiot that tells you, you can't store your bread in the fridge, tell them to tell it to someone who wants to hear them yap their traps.       this is where I said I'm not cutting anyone any slack or giving anyone grace on this one.        stupid is as stupid does.     this is one woman that ain't stupid when it comes to the bread she makes, and most other things she does in the kitchen!!!           so, you do what you want to do, but you have been told by someone who has been doing it this way for 40 years and then some!!!         try it for yourself sometime.

--------------------------------------

picking up with Isaiah 54,           do you want a powerful message of Gods unwavering love for His people and His church, well, this is it.         trust in God even in the hard times.          it's easy to trust God when everything is going well, but during the hardships is when the rubber meets the road.      trust God  for His peace and protection.         has God ever abandoned you?         no He hasn't and He's not about to.         what about this, no weapon formed against you will prosper!!!!        whether it's the weapon of someone speaking against you or someone using a physical weapon on you.        we can rely on God's promises  and trust His protection.

Isaiah 55,          how much does the mercy, grace and forgiveness of God cost?          absolutely nothing!!!!!!!          it's been paid for graciously by the shed blood of the Suffering Servant!!!        we have to repent.        God promises us eternal prosperity!!!!!         we may not have 2 pennies to rub together in this life, but we have eternal prosperity and security.       this life is fleeting, eternity is forever.         repentance and obedience is the key to eternal prosperity.        God's word is powerful, because God is powerful. 

Isaiah 56,             we can see the rewards for being obedient to God.         if you feel like an outcast, you're in good company.          because a lot of God's people feel like outcasts.        if you don't support all the perverted ideas of today, you're an outcast.         most churches today have a perverted ideology of who God is.        if you are any kind of leader in your church and you're spreading filth and not clinging to the true word of God, you are in grave danger.        anyone who perverts the word of God, risks the wrath of God.

Isaiah 57,             at some point in time, idolatry and evil and wicked leaders that push the filth will be rebuked!!!          it can't happen soon enough.         when did foul language become the norm in every day conversation.        men and women dropping curse bombs just in normal conversation.        that's just evil and wicked and what's worse, the more we hear it, the easier it gets to take part in some of that stuff!!!           that's where we have to keep searching after the heart of God in all things.        it's not just foul language, but adultery and every form of sexual sin and all things that goes against the moral compass of God.          there is no peace for the wicked.        those are God's words.

Isaiah 58,            God is calling for true worship from His people.         do you know what true worship is?         I can tell you that it's not singing some of the songs that's sung in churches today for the soul purpose of  looking  like a rock concert with songs that are not meaningful in any way to a real christian.           too many churches have shut their doors to Christ and He's not even welcome.         they either don't know or don't care.         and if you're a true christian, in one of these churches, it's up to you to leave that church as fast as your feet can carry.      how can you be seeking after the heart of God if you have no idea what He's about in the first place.       I hope that as you're going thru these scriptures that you're learning just how incredible our God is and He deserves to be worshiped  and held in high esteem and praised with our words and actions and thoughts.      what are some of the things that God wants from us as true followers?      break the yoke of slavery to sin, share food with the hungry, clothe the naked,  not neglecting the needs of others.        these are just some of the things that seeking after the heart of God will look like.

next time we'll pick up with Chapter 59.

------------------------------

I pray that what ever we do today, we keep seeking after the heart of God.          that has turned into my theme for the year and I think its a pretty good one.        at one point yesterday, I got upset about something, really upset, physical pain can help one reach their breaking point and I realize that's not an excuse.        so when I got upset and got over it, I realized that there was no seeking after the heart of God in that moment.         it broke my heart.        so, that's just how easy it is to take our focus off the right and holy, and go quickly to unholy and blasphemous behavior.         I've said this a time or two in a fun  manner  about other  stuff, "do  as I say, not as I do".        for  this, I'll just say, "do better than I did."        I never want to not be seeking after the heart of God, even in my own home.        blessings of  eternal prosperity and eternal security be ours.

hugs and love, patty