Temptation...

"...temptation is powerful and so hard to resist but God is even more powerful!" My son said these words as he wrapped up his Children`s Story yesterday at Church.

He shared a story that was once read to him as a little child. It`s a story about a little girl who was given instructions by her mom not to snack late at night. However, one night, she was quite hungry but it was already way past bedtime and she knew what the rules were. But she pictured the juicy, sweet grapes sitting on top of the dinning table waiting there for her and it was just way too tempting. So she crept down to the dinning room and silently grabbed the grapes that were in a bowl. But all of the sudden, she froze for a few seconds and returned the grapes, uneaten, on the bowl. What this little girl didn't know was that her mom was watching her. When her mom saw that she returned the grapes, she hugged her daughter and said, "you won over temptation tonight". =)

You see, this wasn`t just a random story my son picked. He was adamant to share this story to the other kids at church. And the reason for this he said was that, "I too won over temptation today, Mom". =)

It had been a very tough day for him. His Dad and I finally decided to take his DS and Wii games away especially the ones he was quite addicted to. It was a hard decision for us to make as we both know how much our son enjoys playing these games. We explained to him our reasons and told him that we would keep only sports and educational games but nothing else. He was extremely upset, as you can only imagine. In fact, he was so upset that he requested us to give him time alone.

Listening to him sobbing broke my heart. I finally went to him when he asked if I could hold him. I too couldn't stop my own tears from falling. I`m as guilty or even worse because as his Mom, I allowed this to happen. He got so addicted to these games. He was even more inconsolable when we told him that we would sell these games. He was begging us not to sell them, to just keep them hidden. I told him that there wouldn't be any reason for us to keep it. It will just serve as a temptation for him. He might not see it but knowing that it's around the house... it would be a huge temptation for him. Temptations are so strong and it order to fight it, we have to get rid of it. The entire time he was sobbing, I just kept praying that the Lord would give him the comfort that he needed. I was calling upon the Lord to cast the devil away and his hold on my son!

Later that afternoon, he finally made the decision to go ahead and sell his games. I know for sure that Jesus helped him win the battle over the devil and his hold on him through these games! Praise God!!!

This was why his little children story was so important for him. It wasn't just a story. It was a testimony that he shared with this little girl. They both won over temptation!!! What a testimony and I pray that he doesn't forget how God delivered him that day!

What a lesson we can take from these children! Though their temptations might seem a trifle thing to us "adults", it was equally as powerful as our temptations. And if these precious little children can win over their temptations and break satan's hold on them through Jesus Christ, so can we!

Yummmy Divan

Some of our closest friends came over to our place on Monday evening to have dinner. Nothing big. Our husbands are quite busy with their studies and so it was a good excuse to have them home for dinner instead of working at the library or plugging away at their computers. =) Plus it was an awesome way for the ladies to get together without making the guys feel left out. LOL.

This is a remake of my Chicken Divan. Since I've turned vegan, I've been trying to remake my old recipes and see if it worked out. This turned out really well. I was more than pleased with it. =)

Vegan Divan

1 large stalk of broccoli, chopped into florets and lightly steamed
2 cups sauted Turkette (in can by Cedar Lake) or any veggie meat or tofu, seasoned
1 can condensed Mushroom Soup

1/2 cup Vegenaise
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs
2 tbsp Earth Balance margarine, melted until liquid
Herbed Tofu Cheese mixture (recipe below)

Herbed Tofu Cheese Mixture:
2 squares of Tofu (or 1 pound)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried basil
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
~Mash tofu with fork and mix the rest of the ingredients until blended well

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 12x8 inch baking dish. Arranged lightly steamed broccoli florets at the bottom of the baking dish. Layer sauted Turkette or veggie meat over broccoli. In a separate bowl mix together the mushroom soup, vegenaise, and lemon juice. Then layer this on top of the Turkette and broccoli. Then sprinkle the Herbed Tofu Cheese mixture until it covers the enter dish. In a separate bowl, mix the Earth Balance margarine and bread crumbs. Sprinkle this over the "cheese". Bake for 30 to 4o minutes or until crumbs are golden.

Bon Appétit!!!

Cycling...

I actually went to the gym yesterday evening! Yay God! It's been months since I've been around there. I've been taking advantage of the beautiful weather we've been having. Except lately, it's been well... wet and cold. Yesterday, it was pouring and so I knew I need to head to the gym. I was quite proud that I actually dragged myself there! =)

Anyway, I had a good run on the treadmill but found it difficult to concentrate on the sermon that I usually listen to after my run (which would bring me to an hour walking after). There was too many distractions. It was a bit disappointing. I love my walks after my run as it rejuvinates me both mentally and spiritually. There is nothing like walking outside in God's nature and listening to His inspired messages. It also helps clear my mind and convicts my soul as there aren't any distractions. Now that it's getting cold, I'll have to find a way to get in my walks outside as it isn't possible to really have my quiet time in the busy gym!

Anyway, when my time on the treadmill ended and as I was waiting for my elliptical machine, I walked past the front desk and I heard the word "cycling". So I asked the receptionist if there was a cycling class tonight and she nodded. I was intrigued! I've been wanting to try this class for a while but it just seemed so intimidating. Plus people have told me that cycling was HARD. So I was just going to watch and see how hard it really was. But then I saw the Gym Manager, Elise, who I knew and talk often with and felt more "safe" to join in. I approached the instructor and told her I was interested in joining but I explained that it was my first time. So she walked me through the adjustments to the bike and explained the phrases she'll be using during the class.

So I was there with 6 other ladies and I was thinking, "oh boy, don't hurt yourself girl!". LOL. The last thing I need is an injury not to mention the embarrassment. lol. Plus I wasn't sure if I had anything left in me to put in another good workout as I've already put in a good hour and a half of running and speed walking.

Well... I survived!!! =) It was difficult for sure. There were a few times I thought my body would stop listening to my brain to keep going. LOL. The first time we stood up on the bike, my thighs were not happy and my muscles were definitely letting me know of their displeasure! LOL. But no injuries and, praise be the Lord!, I didn't embarrass myself! =)

I think I'll be looking forward to cycling classes as it's a break from my usual exercise routine. =) Glad I listened and went to the gym last night. =) Praise God!

oh, often do I fall!

During my walks, I've been listening to a good book called Ministry of Healing by Ellen G. White. Yesterday, I was listening to Chapter 5, Healing of the Soul. It was such a balm to my soul!

Often times, I get frustrated with my faults and weaknesses or just eat myself up with guilt over something. As I listened to this chapter, several friends popped into my mind who've shared their anguish and remorse of falling over and over again into temptation, usually the same ones. I too have said this many times. Sometimes, too embarrassed to approach my Father to ask His forgiveness once again. I know there were times when the sorrow was so great and it seemed so impossible to overcome! But there is such hope, isn't there?! There is such a promise and assurance of deliverance and victory over sin and temptation. The Good Book says in Galatians 1:4, "Who gave himself (Jesus) for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father". He will deliver us daily and give us His strength when we are weak and tired. "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower." Psalm 18:2 It is not our ability that causes us to overcome but by His strength and His power that victory is guaranteed. In our weakness, He's power is realized! Because when we are weak and broken, we are more susceptible to His will and His strength.

I was able to find the part of Chapter 5 that really spoke to my heart. I pray that it speaks to yours as well and may it bring hope, joy and comfort to your soul! This part talks about the palsied man beside the pool called Bethesda. This story can be found in the Bible in John 5. The following can be found in pages 84, 85, 89 & 90 of Ministry of Healing.

[pg. 84] Jesus had given the palsied man no assurance of divine help. The man might have said, "Lord, if Thou wilt make me whole, I will obey Thy word." He might have stopped to doubt, and thus have lost his one chance of healing. But no, he believed Christ's word, believed that he was made whole; immediately he made the effort, and God gave him the power; he willed to walk, and he did walk. Acting on the word of Christ, he was made whole.

By sin we have been severed from the life of God. Our souls are palsied. Of ourselves we are no more capable of living a holy life than was the impotent man capable of walking. Many realize their helplessness; they are longing for that spiritual life which will bring them into harmony with God, and are striving to obtain it. But in vain. In despair they cry, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from this body of death?" Romans 7:24, margin. Let these desponding, struggling ones look up. The Saviour is bending over the purchase of His blood, saying with inexpressible tenderness [pg. 85] and pity, "Wilt thou be made whole?" He bids you arise in health and peace. Do not wait to feel that you are made whole. Believe the Saviour's word. Put your will on the side of Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting upon His word you will receive strength. Whatever may be the evil practice, the master passion which through long indulgence binds both soul and body, Christ is able and longs to deliver. He will impart life to the soul that is "dead in trespasses." Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the captive that is held by weakness and misfortune and the chains of sin.

The sense of sin has poisoned the springs of life. But Christ says, "I will take your sins; I will give you peace. I have bought you with My blood. You are Mine. My grace shall strengthen your weakened will; your remorse for sin I will remove." When temptations assail you, when care and perplexity surround you, when, depressed and discouraged, you are ready to yield to despair, look to Jesus, and the darkness that encompasses you will be dispelled by the bright shining of His presence. When sin struggles for the mastery in your soul, and burdens the conscience, look to the Saviour. His grace is sufficient to subdue sin. Let your grateful heart, trembling with uncertainty, turn to Him. Lay hold on the hope set before you. Christ waits to adopt you into His family. His strength will help your weakness; He will lead you step by step. Place your hand in His, and let Him guide you.

Never feel that Christ is far away. He is always near. His loving presence surrounds you. Seek Him as One who desires to be found of you. He desires you not only to touch His garments, but to walk with Him in constant communion.

[pg. 89] Jesus knows the circumstances of every soul. The greater the sinner's guilt, the more he needs the Saviour. His heart [pg. 90] of divine love and sympathy is drawn out most of all for the one who is the most hopelessly entangled in the snares of the enemy. With His own blood He has signed the emancipation papers of the race.

Jesus does not desire those who have been purchased at such a cost to become the sport of the enemy's temptations. He does not desire us to be overcome and perish. He who curbed the lions in their den, and walked with His faithful witnesses amid the fiery flames, is just as ready to work in our behalf to subdue every evil in our nature. Today He is standing at the altar of mercy, presenting before God the prayers of those who desire His help. He turns no weeping, contrite one away. Freely will He pardon all who come to Him for forgiveness and restoration. He does not tell to any all that He might reveal, but He bids every trembling soul take courage. Whosoever will, may take hold of God's strength, and make peace with Him, and He will make peace.

The souls that turn to Him for refuge, Jesus lifts above the accusing and the strife of tongues. No man or evil angel can impeach these souls. Christ unites them to His own divine-human nature. They stand besides the great Sin Bearer in the light proceeding from the throne of God.

The blood of Jesus Christ cleanses "from all sin." 1 John 1:7.

"Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." Romans 8:33, 34."

Michiana Fil-Am Drill Quad at the 2009 AU Parade
Performed their fancy drill that won them 1st place from the
International Pathfinder Camporee at Oshkosh, Wisconsin this past Aug.

Marching with their banner

God's strong enough!

Matthew 11:28-30
"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. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Healing and cleansing, that's what I got this weekend!!!

A friend and I talked prior to the weekend and I prayed that I could be a humble vessel that the Holy Spirit can use to comfort this dearest friend. But as the conversation progressed through the night, it seemed that God didn't have just one agenda here. He wanted to surround my friend with comfort and love through human means and to assure my friend of how His grace and mercy can take the ugliness of our lives and turn it all around to be something so beautiful it takes our breath away. Yes, He wanted my friend to let go of her pain and give it to Him to take care of. But I was so surprised that He had a message for me as well. Here, I thought I would be the vessel for His comfort for my friend but I realized God was comforting me too and revealing that I had a burden I didn't realize I was carrying for over a decade.

On Sabbath morning, at church, my heart was heavy with this burden and I realized that I never went to Him for forgiveness. I didn't relinquish the sin and it's ugliness to Him. I do believe that He has forgiven me but for the purposes of healing and cleansing of my soul, I had to go to Him and lay it before Him and ask for His forgiveness and cleansing. As the worship service progressed, every song that was sang or verses that were spoken hit me like a ton of brick and my iniquities were ever before me. I felt shame and sadness that I've hurt God so much and never asked Him for His forgiveness for soooo long. The tears came and I couldn't stop them and in my heart I asked God to forgive me. I fell on my knees during prayer apologizing with incredible regret that I have hurt Him and never really repented for it. I felt His love and forgiveness surround me. My burden no longer stared me at my face... my heart no longer felt so heavy. My heart felt light and His incredible love was in front of me, around me, and deep inside me.

As I listened to a friend sing "Strong Enough", I cried tears of gratitude and joy for His love and His mercy. He truly did as the lyrics said, "He took my life into His hands, and turned it all around. In my most desperate circumstance, is where I'm finally found... that You are strong enough, that You are pure enough, to break me, pour me out and start again, that You are brave enough, to take one chance on me, Oh thank You for my chance to start again."

I am ever thankful to God for revealing this to me for I would have never known of it on my own. =) And I thank my friend, whom I dearly love and care for, for sharing her heart and soul with me.

May God continue to break us and mold us into His being and in the process will make us whole!

"Strong Enough" by Stacie Orrico

As I rest against this cold hard wall, will you pass me by?
Will you criticize me as I sit and cry?
I had fought so hard and thought that all my battles had been won
Only to find the war had just begun

Is He not strong enough?
Is He not pure enough?
To break me, pour me out and start again?
Is He not brave enough?
To take one chance with me
Please can I have one chance to start again

Will my weakness fall and and now make me suffer for a lifetime?
Is there any way to be made whole again
If I be renewed and find forgiveness by the strength I've never had
Will my scars forever ruin all God's plans?

Is He not strong enough?
Is He not pure enough?
To break me, pour me out and start again?
Is He not brave enough?
To take one chance with me
Please can I have one chance to start again

He took my life into His hands
And turned it all around
In my most desperate circumstance, is where I'm finally found

That You are strong enough
That You are pure enough
To break me, pour me out and start again
That You are brave enough
To take one chance on me,
Oh thank You for my chance to start again

C25K anyone?

Last Sunday, I got talking with a friend and she shared with me that she's been running for several weeks now. She said she was following a program called Couch-to-5K. This program helps one get from inactivity to eventually running 5K, I believe w/in two months. So I went home and looked it up. I just search C25K and it sounded something I could do. =)

I started my C25K on Monday and I've been going everyday except Wednesday. The program calls for only 3 days a week but I'm enjoying it enough that I do it everyday and I walk for another 40 to 60 minutes after. I usually listen to sermons I've downloaded from AudioVerse.org and that would carry me through for an hour. I guess I'm also enjoying the weather and I need to take advantage of it before winter sets in. =(

Although, to be honest, I didn't feel like being disciplined today. Not just exercising but the whole thing... eating a good breakfast of grains, nuts and 2-3 fruits and have a good lunch and then just juice for dinner, drink lots of water, no snacking and being patient (lol... this is really hard for me!). But I had to remind myself that this isn't a lose weight fad (sp?) but now my lifestyle and not just in nutrition but overall. Actually, I haven't see my weight drop but I'm giving that to God... Godly trust for the G in GOD'S PLAN. =)

Look for a link in my page to the article.

May God's love and mercy surround us today!

keeping me lifted

I’ve come to realize that it’s so easy to lose hope. So easy to see the world as bleak and to see no good in the future. I realize as a Christian we are as susceptible to one that does not believe in God to feeling despair, broken, and depressed. Last night, I witnessed despair and hopelessness overcome a friend and my heart broke for him. I saw pain and sorrow in his eyes. Anger and bitterness raged within him. I saw a battle last night. A battle between the Holy Spirit and evil spirits. I felt overwhelmed and scared in the face of such darkness... of utter hopelessness. I didn’t know what to do or what to say. All I could think of is we need Jesus... we need to pray. I prayed silently as others ministered to my friend and I cried out to God to intercede, begging for deliverance, asking for His hope and peace for my friend. When faced with such bleakness and despair, we, humans, are powerless. We cannot do anything but cling tightly to God for healing for ourselves and for our friends. GOD won that battle last night!!! Praise be the Lord who delivers His people always!

Our minds if left unguarded but even for a single second can be overcome by doubt, guilt, anger and bitterness and all too soon when left to ferment in our minds it starts to inflict the rest of our body and takes over our lives. We then lose sight of our hope, our peace, our joy, and our future... our Light. JESUS is our hope, our peace, our future!

Friend, don’t lose hope! Don’t despair despite your pain and sorrow. God is ever before you. He will NOT fail you! Though your world may seem bleak and dark, there is a Light that is shining to guide your steps. Look to this Light always. Surrender yourself for the Lord’s keeping. He can sustain you through any adversity. Comfort and guard yourself with His Word for He had it written to bring hope and peace for you!

I cling to Him who gives me strength, who gives me hope, who gives me peace and joy. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your promise to come back to take us home to a place where pain, sorrow, and despair will cease to exist. I am comforted that You, Lord, are in complete control of our future!

Psalm 121

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

My Brave Goalie

My son, Allen, with his left hand in a brace and sling. =(

He injured himself while playing goalie at soccer. He blocked a goal and won the game but fractured his arm. His coach said it was at least a beautiful save. lol.