“God used the drought to lead Elijah to new places of ministry ,
places that brought hope and life to others,
places where he had to walk with fresh faith in the unfamiliar.”
As we welcome new seasons ahead I wanted to share this biblical account of Elijah with you. It will encourage you to look for the fresh and fruitful mission the Lord is preparing you for. A time to lead others into hope. “In 1 King 17 God sent the prophet Elijah to give a bold message to King Ahab, the reigning King of Israel who had been doing evil in the eyes of the Lord. ‘As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, whom I serve, there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years except at my word.’”
Then, at the prompting of the Lord, Elijah went into hiding. I think it’s important to point out here that even Elijah, God’s faithful servant and great prophet, had to endure the drought. He was provided for, but not kept from the strain and struggle just because he was living for God. Deep thirst, hard times, and hunger impacted Elijah’s days. Just like yours and mine. Droughts and difficulties are a reality for all of us. God kept Elijah hidden for about three years. After the brook dried up at the Kerith Ravine due to lack of rain, the Lord sent Elijah to the home of a God-fearing single mom… a widow. Circumstances were bleak in the land. Crops had dried up and food was extremely scarce. Yet, in spite of the desperate times, God had a fresh and fruitful mission for Elijah.
The Lord didn’t simply want Elijah to survive the drought, He wanted him to serve and trust Him in the arid, arduous trenches of it. God used the drought to lead Elijah to new places of ministry – places that brought hope and life to others – places where he had to walk with fresh faith in the unfamiliar.” Excerpts from Gwen Smith
Our own personal “droughts” can keep us unsteady and defenseless, but they shouldn’t. God blessed Elijah in this desperate place and He can bless you too. Kelly Minter shares, “God specializes in sowing seeds into the soil of our hardship, seeds that bring forth prolific life and bear fruit in season.” With fresh faith born out of our own desert we will have many opportunities to impact others bringing them hope and life.
“This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21
Bound to Please: Book Readings
I've put the kettle on for you so settle down into a comfy chair to enjoy a good book and a warm cup of comfort. For fun I have videoed a book reading for you. Click here to hear me read from “Hero’s Wanted, Why the World Needs YOU to Live Your Heart Out” by Rodney Bullard. He shares, “You have far more to offer others than you’ve ever dreamed possible. He has designed you to rise above the typical and reach for the remarkable. Finishing well as a hero, is not about finishing first. It’s about reaching the cross with those God has called us to care for, shepherd, mentor, and love.”
Mixing Bowl: Recipes!
Let me introduce you to Martha Kuhnle, a new H & K Contributor who shares a favorite family recipe with us for Peach Cobbler. “This recipe has been handed down some 60+ years on my husband Dale’s side. It came from a friend to my Mother-in-law’s sister. Eventually, the whole family used it frequently. My girls and I cooked a lot in days past on the ranch (7000 acre ranch) and we took turns cooking for the ranch crews among the sister-in-law's. We cooked for a crew of hired workers off and on, sometimes as many as eight at a time – breakfast, lunch and dinner, many times they enjoyed this recipe! Click here for the Kuhnle Family Peach Cobbler recipe.
Click below for other delicious peach recipes!
“An apple is an excellent thing – until you have tried a peach.”
George du Maurier
What Brings You Comfort?
We look for big dramatic ways to find relief and calm when the Lord’s presence and comfort are readily available to us in the still and simple. So many of you reminded me of this by sharing the comfort you receive in the things we hear, see, touch, smell and taste.
Lynn Bailey shares from Streams in the Desert-
“Pressed out of measure and to all lengths; Pressed so intensely it seems, beyond strength;
Pressed in the body and pressed in the soul, Pressed in the mind till the dark surges roll.
Pressure by foes, and pressure by friends. Pressure on pressure, till life nearly ends.
Pressed into knowing no helper but God; Pressed into loving the staff and the rod.
Pressed into liberty where nothing clings; Pressed into faith for impossible things.
Pressed into living a life in the Lord, Pressed into living a Christ-life poured out.”
T.J. Seabert – “A hug can replace a hundred words.”
Jennifer Diller – So many things give me comfort... that my kids grasp how wonderful our Savior is. Reading the Bible and prayer always calms my anxiety but through it all I need my friends I need hugs!
Tracy Brown Isaiah 26:3 brings me comfort - “Thou wilt keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee because he trusts in Thee.”
Scripture to Nourish Your Souls:
Paige Newman – “Psalm 46:10 has always brought me comfort. In that short powerful verse God Himself says to me: “Be still” (Hebrew: to release, let go) “and know” (Hebrews: to see, hear, learn) “that I Am God.” How wonderful to know that God calls me to let go and fall freely into the fullness of who He is. My creator, protector, healer, my God.”
Trish Meigide – “The beauty of abiding in the vine. In John 15 Jesus talks about walking with Him and the fruit that comes from it. This morning when I was out on my walk I saw a beautiful rosebush, upon further examination I noticed that it was very old by its root structure. It still produced beautiful roses. I told my Allen that's how I want to be when I get old - still producing beautiful fruit from my life. As Christians the key to a fruitful life is a daily walk with our Savior and being in consistent fellowship with Him. This is a life of abiding.”
Lupita Murfield – “After encouraging himself in the Lord, David inquired of the Lord. “What do You want me to do, Lord?” The Lord answered him directly and quickly. And God will do the same with you. (1 Samuel 30:7-8)
Corrine Scotti – “What matters in life is that we stick with the Lord. Where He goes, we follow. When He says halt, we halt. Like Israel, as He led them in the wilderness of their journey to the Promised Land, they moved when the pillar of cloud and fire moved, and they camped when it stood still. The most amazing thing about their story is the most amazing thing about our story – the Lord of Hosts is with us! (Exodus 40:38) Some stops of our wilderness saga seem very difficult and very lonely. Where’s my pillar? Where’s God gone? Just like Israel He is always with us through His unbreakable Word.” Guided by God’s Promises by Elisabeth Elliot.
Activities:
Care Packages, Card and Prayer Schedules.
Have you ever been asked to participate in a meal schedule, but it’s already full? I love following Adina Bailey at “Take Them a Meal” website. It is a place where you can set up meal schedules and Adina suggests you can also use her online scheduling sight to make a schedule to send care packages, card, text or emails or a prayer schedule. Click here to learn more.
FRIENDSHIP COFFEE MUG GIVEAWAY
“Laughter binds our hearts together and you give me the giggles.”
Many of you shared stories with me in the comments and in person of wonderful friendships enjoyed. Beautiful reminders that you’re not alone, heartwarming connections and stories of meaningful conversations. Friendships that will not be forgotten all our earthly days. So although only one of you can win the giveaway for the TWO FRIENDSHIP COFFEE MUGS let’s all grab two mugs out of our cupboards and invite a friend over SOON! Who doesn’t need some laughter, giggles and probably some prayers and hugs too!
Congratulations to:
Naomi C. and her precious friend Linda O.
You’re Friendship Coffee Mugs with goodies galore will be delivered soon!
So remember – my kettle is on for you,
Lovingly,
Linda
Sheri, The book Hero's Wanted is so good! I love what Rodney Bullard says, "You have far more to offer others than you ever dreamed possible. He has designed you to rise above the typical and reach for the remarkable."
As always, a timely message I need to hear. I loved hearing your sweet voice. I long to be a hero for God's glory and will pray for that specifically over the days and weeks ahead. Your friendship is a breath of fresh air! Love you friend!
Thank you for dropping by Rachelle!
Lovely Linda!