Why did God give me this specific home and neighborhood? I believe it's divine design, most certainly. The people who surround us--who surround you, too--need the Gospel delivered in a personal way, through smiles, waves, gifts, helps, and through prayers.
It's taken me years to understand that you don't have to go to Burkina Faso to be a missionary. In fact, the command to "go and make disciples of all nations" doesn't mean you have to get on a plane, train or boat at all. You can just go across the street. Not only can you go across the street, but God wants you to.
I beg God's forgiveness in taking so long to understand this. It took the power of the Spirit through Scripture study to move me away from an us- or me-centered, nuclear-family existence, to a more active missionary existence. Family time is still sacred around here, but it's balanced with missionary time.
The boys have schemed up salt-dough ornament making for neighborhood friends, and I've decided to add an adult flair to the love offerings by mixing up a homemade hot chocolate mixture. The other mixture I gave you is probably too healthy for most palates, so I'll use the one printed below instead. If you click on it you'll find that the full recipe calls for a food processor to grind up the white chocolate. We don't have one so I'll finely chop the chips instead. Attach the recipe and directions with a ribbon and put the mixture in a jar or mug.
Along with the recipe, attach a Bible verse with special meaning. Maybe a verse relevant to something your neighbors are experiencing in their lives, or just your personal favorite verse. Another option: 20 Bible verses for Christmas cards.
INGREDIENTS: recipe found here
3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1½ cups cocoa powder, dutch-process or natural
1½ cups white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate
¼ teaspoon salt
It's taken me years to understand that you don't have to go to Burkina Faso to be a missionary. In fact, the command to "go and make disciples of all nations" doesn't mean you have to get on a plane, train or boat at all. You can just go across the street. Not only can you go across the street, but God wants you to.
I beg God's forgiveness in taking so long to understand this. It took the power of the Spirit through Scripture study to move me away from an us- or me-centered, nuclear-family existence, to a more active missionary existence. Family time is still sacred around here, but it's balanced with missionary time.
The boys have schemed up salt-dough ornament making for neighborhood friends, and I've decided to add an adult flair to the love offerings by mixing up a homemade hot chocolate mixture. The other mixture I gave you is probably too healthy for most palates, so I'll use the one printed below instead. If you click on it you'll find that the full recipe calls for a food processor to grind up the white chocolate. We don't have one so I'll finely chop the chips instead. Attach the recipe and directions with a ribbon and put the mixture in a jar or mug.
Along with the recipe, attach a Bible verse with special meaning. Maybe a verse relevant to something your neighbors are experiencing in their lives, or just your personal favorite verse. Another option: 20 Bible verses for Christmas cards.
INGREDIENTS: recipe found here
3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1½ cups cocoa powder, dutch-process or natural
1½ cups white chocolate chips or finely chopped white chocolate
¼ teaspoon salt
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| photo courtesy of this site |
A simple salt-dough ornament recipe (below) and tutorial can be found here, courtesy of The Imagination Tree. Salt dough images are also courtesy of The Imagination Tree.
How to make salt dough:
- 1 cup salt
- 1 cup plain flour
- Up to 1 cup of water (add gradually)
Method:
- Combine the salt and flour then pour in the water gradually, stopping when it has become dough-like and not too sticky. There should be no residue left on your fingers when you touch it. Knead it on a floured surface for a few minutes to make it soft, workable and stretchy, like you would with any dough.
- Poke a straw through the center, near the top, of each shape so that ribbon can be threaded through later.
- Lay them on some grease-proof or baking paper and on a baking tray. Cook them on a VERY low heat (around 100 degrees C/ 202 F) for up to 3 hours. If the shapes are over 1cm thick then they will probably need to be turned over during cooking.
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image courtesy of this site |
My favorite verses for this time of year:
Philippians 2:8-10 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
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