“ ‘I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord. ‘They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope.’” JEREMIAH 29:11

But I thought my own plans were perfect! My plan: To redo our couch, stained from years of wear. A cousin had successfully spray-painted her couch, so that was the plan. Also, I would recover the giant throw pillows with some kind of leafy green and peach material. I imagined a new room with a soft Oriental feel. I said my prayers, then went off to the fabric store. My options were incredibly limited, but I began to realize something: If I completely gave up my plan, perhaps God had something even better.

There it was: Some wonderful rust-colored upholstery remnants and a black-and-white remnant, in the exact sizes I needed, at a price I could afford. It didn’t turn out “Oriental,” but I ended up with the coolest room, better than I’d imagined. A zebra-striped lamp was on sale, and some black-and-white prints completed the look. I redid the room very economically, and it coordinated in a spontaneous way with the rest of the house. And it’s withstood the test of time– I’m still happy with it years later. It’s amazing how God’s plans always end up better than mine.

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Jennifer Cote’s cookbook, From the Land of Milk and Honey, is available online at Winepress Books. (Or at Amazon.com)

Check out recipes at Jen’s PC Cuisine Home Page.

As I thought about my friend, I could imagine her concern over the unsaved co-worker. I could imagine her saying, “Because I love you, I want to see you get saved!” I know that was my inner mantra on many an occasion. But as I thought about that mind-set, contrasted with Jesus’ mind-set, I realized: It’s not the wanting to see anyone get saved, that actually saves them. That’s like me saying, “Because I care about my health, I want to eat healthy.” It’s not the wanting to eat healthy that accomplishes the task of improving my health. It’s through the actual eating of healthy foods that I reach my goal!

Our old pastor had a great saying: “Don’t feel your way into an action, but ACT your way into a feeling.” No matter how long I sit around trying to “feel the love”, trying to get into the right mind-set to minister to some difficult acquaintance who needs to know the love of God, I usually can’t quite muster the energy to impact their life through an act of love. But if I should just forge ahead with an action, even while somewhat lacking a full sense of love and compassion, the very act itself seems to bring me into a feeling of love. Mission accomplished!

I need to simply “love” people, including the unlovely. Perhaps I don’t need to focus on how much I want to see them get saved. Prayer is always good; I can always pray for God to touch their hearts. And if I happen to mention a piece of scripture that might apply to the situation, great. But my biggest job is probably just loving them. God will do the saving!

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Jennifer Cote’s cookbook, From the Land of Milk and Honey, is available online at Winepress Books. (Or at Amazon.com)

Sign up for Jen’s newsletter at the PC Cuisine Home Page.

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At first, we might notice something’s wrong; it stands out like a blotch on the wall. But after awhile, if we leave it there, eventually, we become calloused to that sin. After awhile, it doesn’t seem very bad at all. We can successfully ignore it!

I wrote a devotional about sin; the following is an excerpt from my cookbook/devotional, From the Land of Milk and Honey.

“When I kept silent about my sins, my bones began to weaken because of my groaning all day long. Day and night your hand laid heavily on me. My strength shriveled in the summer heat. I made my sins known to you, and I did not cover up my guilt. I decided to confess them to you, O Lord. Then you forgave all my sins.” PSALM 32:3-5

I overlooked my sin for some time. Trying to ignore the sin, as I might ignore garden refuse that needs composting, I said, “Yeah, I know it’s there. I’ll get to it some day.” Dealt with promptly, composting can be simple. But it putrefies when ignored. So also my sin! In dealing with it, I discovered Jesus provides a complete solution. I don’t have to overlook my sin, ignoring its putrefying presence. Our friend’s twenty-one-year-old son died recently, confronting us with the issue of human mortality. The pastor’s question at the memorial service was, “Are you sure you’re going to heaven when you die?” Friends and family of the deceased know this young man is in heaven now. He had not ignored his sin, but had brought it before the Lord in good time. There may not be a future time to deal with that compost pile. Right now is the only time we have for sure.

Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Cote has been running The New Deli of Pinole, CA, with husband Tom for over twenty years. As a chef and cookbook author, with a small business and two kids to raise, Jennifer discovered efficient practices and great recipes along the way. Now a grandmother as well, sharing life lessons in between recipes helps her keep things in perspective.

“All that the Law says can be summed up in the command to love others as much as you love yourself.” – Galatians 5:14

When Jesus was a young man, He had many friends and followers, but he also talked to and ate dinner with people who weren’t very well thought of by others. Jesus didn’t care if people were rich or poor. He didn’t care if they had on the best clothes or wore their hair in a certain way. He loved everyone.

Did you know that God loves and accepts you as you are? It might seem like we should try to be really good and do everything right before God would love us. But the God of the universe wants to have a relationship with YOU!

Have you accepted God’s Son, Jesus Christ, as your Savior? As a Christian, you’ll want to love people just like Christ did. The apostle John wrote, “And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us” (1 John 3:23).

Do you turn your nose up at kids who don’t have the ‘right’ clothes or look like you? As Christians, let’s not turn people away, but treat everyone with as much love as we can. Let’s love like Jesus did – even if it does seem topsy-turvy!

Topsy Turvy Time Tip: With your parent’s permission, find someone you don’t normally talk to and find out more about them. Look for opportunities to share about your faith in Jesus. You might end up with a new friend!

About Donna: Donna J. Shepherd, writer, singer, and speaker, looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum, NABBW, and CWAHM, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals and stories appear in Daily Grace for Women, Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms, and The Best Dad in the World to name a few. Donna’s books for children, Topsy Turvy Land and No More Gunk! & OUCH! Sunburn!, feature short, playful rhymes and humorous illustrations. Visit Donna on the web at: http://www.donnajshepherd.com.

In obsessing over my weight in the past, the more I focused
on it, the less control I seemed to have. I think God was teaching me a lesson,
saying, “What’s more important, what the scale says, or what I say?” If the
scale gave a “bad report,” I’d begin mapping out the day’s plan to tackle the
problem. I’d calculate, “Well, I’d better not eat what I ate yesterday,” etc.
It was silly. I finally realized there’s a much better way to spend my morning,
with time for prayer and Bible reading. Then the whole day seems to fall in place.
The less I worry about my weight, the more peace I have. With that peace, my
digestion improves, and my appetite becomes well satisfied with whatever God
blesses me with that day. Food takes its rightful place in my life, not as an
obsession, but as a blessing. The perfect diet!

Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Cote has been running The New Deli of Pinole, CA, with husband Tom for over twenty years. As a chef and cookbook author, with a small business and two kids to raise, Jennifer discovered efficient practices and great recipes along the way. Now a grandmother as well, sharing life lessons in between recipes helps her keep things in perspective.

A few friends and loved ones make me wonder at times, “Is this relationship worth it?” Some relationships feel effortless; others seem demanding. Yet they are worth it. Like the Gerbera daisies in my garden, I can’t give up on them. Although challenging, every spring Gerberas are on sale again, showing off their joyful, cheery, inimitable beauty. So every spring I replant more, hoping this will be the year they “take.” I pamper them, hoping to learn the secret of success with them. My sister discovered a simple thing: They love to have their old leaves pulled off. They refuse to be taken casually! They want my attention regularly, as I check for old leaves. They want my faithfulness. I groom them on their own terms. They won’t bloom as I hold my breath. But one day, when I’m caring for them, I realize they’re in full bloom and all is glorious. A lot like people.

Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Cote has been running The New Deli of Pinole, CA, with husband Tom for over twenty years. As a chef and cookbook author, with a small business and two kids to raise, Jennifer discovered efficient practices and great recipes along the way. Now a grandmother as well, sharing life lessons in between recipes helps her keep things in perspective.

“PASSION” FRUITPRESERVES

(Jesus said) “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” JOHN 14:6 (NLT)

Some
have disputed the need for witnessing the blood and gore of Jesus’
crucifixion as depicted in Mel Gibson’s movie “The Passion of
the Christ”. The Jesus they prefer to recall taught unfailing compassion
and universal tolerance. Jesus did teach about God’s love for all
people, but Henever minced words for anyone seeking to become a
follower of the Man with that message. For anyone wanting to enter the
kingdom of heaven, His words may seem harsh and intolerant. The greatest
pain for us may be in having to realize that Christ did what He did to
redeem all of us, as sinful human creatures, in order to allow us access
to a personal relationship with God and entrance into heaven. How much
easier to think that no one had to do that for us. But Jesus loved us so
much that He did just that.

Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Cote has been running The New Deli of Pinole, CA, with husband Tom for over twenty years. As a chef and cookbook author, with a small business and two kids to raise, Jennifer discovered efficient practices and great recipes along the way. Now a grandmother as well, sharing life lessons in between recipes helps her keep things in perspective.

I must say, our garden’s pretty cool. It didn’t happen overnight, and it could’ve seemed overwhelming to maintain. But in praying for God’s direction to do the right things at the right times, a real economy of labor occurs. The fruit of the labor, a beautiful garden, seems to begin in the dark, damp days that don’t invite gardening activities. That’s when I’ve come to just sit, either in the garden or at a window, relaxing and taking it all in, without an agenda. In those quiet times, I may even get a vision from God. A great though simple verse, Psalm 46:10 (NLT), says, "Be silent, and know that I am God!"

In my garden and in my life, I’ve often been overwhelmed with "agendas"- plans I believe have to happen. The weeds may seem insurmountable, the projects too ambitious, the work too intense. Perhaps that’s part of why God directs us to be still at times. I need those times to get closer to God, to His perspective. Some of my plans may change at that point, all for the better! I’m amazed at how often I’ve thought I knew the "priority of the day," only to feel God giving me a different direction. True freedom comes in letting go of my agendas to follow His.

Excerpt from: From the Land of Milk and Honey, a cookbook/devotional by Jennifer Cote.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Cote has been running The New Deli of Pinole, CA, with husband Tom for over twenty years. As a chef and cookbook author, with a small business and two kids to raise, Jennifer discovered efficient practices and great recipes along the way. Now a grandmother as well, sharing life lessons in between recipes helps her keep things in perspective.

"How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"

How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day? Give away cards or candy? Maybe you know someone who received a big bunch of flowers. Sometimes in school, children exchange Valentines with the kids in class. Do you do that? Have you ever written a poem for someone you love?

We celebrate Valentine’s Day by showing others how much we care about them. It’s nice to feel loved. Did you know there is someone who loves you more than anyone else in the world? God! We have a book that tells all about his love for us - the Bible. Since Valentines contain messages of love, the Bible is kind of like God’s Valentine to us, isn’t it?

God sent this ‘valentine’ a long time ago, long before you were born, but He had YOU in mind when He sent it. That seems topsy turvy, but God knew you before you were even born, and loved you from the very beginning. Turn to John 3:16 in God’s Valentine, and read what God did for YOU because He loves you so much

Topsy Turvy Tip: Do you have someone who means a lot to you? Tell that person you love him, and God loves him, too!

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

RECIPE FOR LOVE

". . . Love each other, because love comes from God." (1 JOHN 4:7 God’s Word Translation)

A teacher of mine explained the four types of love found in the Bible. Greek text uses a different word for each of these four.

God’s love, "agape love," can love even an enemy. It loves unconditionally, not "if" you do this, or "because" you do that.

"Storge love" is the inborn, natural affinity we often feel for family.

"Phileo love" is the buddy-buddy, brotherly love we have for friends.

"Eros love" is romantic, sexual love.

My family is precious to me and a great joy. Buddy-buddy love for my friends is great fun. And romantic love with my husband is indeed special. But Jesus tells us, ". . . Love your enemies . . . If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that." (MATTHEW 5:44, 47 NLT)

The other loves pale in comparison to God’s love. It’s unconditional; we don’t earn it! But we learn of it when we realize, "We love because God loved us first." (1 JOHN 4:19 God’s Word Translation).

He loves us before we become better people, and He loves us even if we don’t. I’m hoping to use God’s love as a role model. He loved me when I was pretty unlovable, and if I in turn can show that love to someone else, that would be meaningful.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins"

Christmas is almost here! What do you think of first when you think of Christmas? The gifts you’ll receive? The party at school? The songs you’ll sing?

The real reason for the holiday is to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Every year during the Christmas holiday, I feel a little bit sad because, even though we celebrate His birth, I know Jesus Christ was born to die.

But Jesus rose to live again! That day, He changed the world forever. He turned this world topsy-turvy! And the day you ask Jesus into your heart is the day you are changed forever.

"God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die" (John 3:16 CEV).

One day, if we have faith in Jesus, we can live with Him. For how long? Forever and ever!

Topsy Turvy Tip: As you give and get gifts this Christmas, remember - Jesus is the greatest gift!

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).

But the Holy Spirit will come and help you, because the Father will send the Spirit to take my place. The Spirit will teach you everything and will remind you of what I said while I was with you.

Do you remember a time when Mom or Dad dropped you off some place? How did you feel? Maybe you ran after your parent crying, "Don’t go!"

When Jesus walked on earth, He had a group of men who helped Him called disciples. As the time came for Jesus to go back to Heaven, the disciples did not want to see Him go. Jesus loved them and told them He they would not be alone.

Jesus said, "I will ask the Father to send you the Holy Spirit who will help you and always be with you" (John 14:16 cev).

God sent the Holy Spirit, not just to be with the disciples, but to live inside them. If you love Jesus, the Holy Spirit lives inside you, too, so you never need to feel lonely. Even if you somehow ended up by yourself in the middle of nowhere, you would not be alone. That might seem topsy-turvy, but it’s true!

Topsy Turvy Tip: The next time you feel lonely, remember - God sent the Holy Spirit just for you!

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).

Doesn’t he see everything I do and every step I take?

My family moved right before I entered second grade. I didn’t want to change schools. I might get lost in a different school building. Would I make friends? Would my new teacher be nice?

Soon it will be time for the school year to begin. Maybe you feel like I did - a little scared.

Do you know you can pray for your teacher, your new classmates, and even your principal, now? That seems topsy-turvy to pray for people you haven’t even met yet, doesn’t it?

But we can pray like this because the Bible tells us God knows everything (1 John 3:20). He knows the past, present and future. He already knows who your teacher will be, the friends you’ll make, and will be with you every step of the way.

Psalm 37:23 says, "The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives."

When you feel afraid, remember - God loves you and is right there with you. He knows all about you.

Topsy Turvy Tip: Nothing that happens in your life will ever surprise God.

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).

Love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back. Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel.

Has anyone ever been mean to you? Sometimes kids call each other unkind names, or make fun of each other. Maybe you’ve had someone talk about you behind your back. That hurts, doesn’t it?

When someone treats you unfairly, we usually want to treat him the same way. If you find out your friend told a lie about you, you might be tempted to make something up about her!

But guess what? Jesus says we are to love them. What? That seems topsy-turvy, doesn’t it? If kids are mean to you, you’re supposed to be good to them.

It’s easy to love people who treat you well, but of course, not so easy to love mean people. But with Jesus’ help, you can do it. He loves ALL people, and we try our best to be like Jesus. Christ’s love is the greatest in the world. If you get angry, and act like the other person, you’ll feel lousy. Wouldn’t you rather do what Jesus tells you to do?

Topsy Turvy Tip: The next time someone treats you unfairly, ask God to help you to be kind anyway, and pray for him or her. You’ll love like Jesus loves!

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).

And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, "If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."

Have you ever gone to an amusement park hoping to hop on your favorite ride, only to find a long line of people waiting? Now imagine you’ve spotted some friends already in line. Would you try to cut ahead of others to shorten your wait?

Once, Jesus’ disciples argued over which disciple would be the greatest. Jesus responded to them by saying, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all. He will be the one to care for all" (Mark 9:35 nlv).

According to Jesus, you don’t become great by wanting to be first. You achieve it by your willingness to be last. You don’t try to get others to serve you. You serve them! Now that’s topsy-turvy, isn’t it?

Think about it. Whether in line at a park or at school, it’s fun to be first, but doesn’t feel so good when someone pushes in front of you. If you cut in line, how do you think that makes others look at you? What if you tried to talk to them about how much Jesus loves them after you cut in line? Something tells me they might not want to hear it!

Topsy Turvy Tip: Let’s treat others with kindness and respect. Ask God to help you put someone else first today. It may not always be easy or the fun thing to do, but it’s the best thing to do.

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).

"You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous!

Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine."

Do you have a best friend? It’s fun to go places and do things together. We tell each other secrets. Sometimes it’s like our best friend knows us better than anyone else in the world.

What if I told you there is Someone who knows you even better than your best friend? And how about this? This Someone knew before you were even born! Now that seems topsy-turvy, doesn’t it?

David wrote in Psalm 139 that even before you were born, God knew all about you. He knows when you sit down and when you get up. He even knows your thoughts. God made you wonderful and special. There is no one else like you. You are wonderful because a wonderful God made you.

Topsy Turvy Tip: Tell your best friend about God’s love. Read all of Psalm 139 to find out how God made YOU special.

Life without Christ is Topsy Turvy!™

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Donna J. Shepherd looks at everyday life and finds God’s fingerprints everywhere. A columnist for The Dabbling Mum and NABBW, her articles and poetry have been published in Reminisce Extra, Just Between Us, Guideposts for Kids, Wee Ones, and more. Her devotionals appear in Daily Grace for Women (Honor Books, April 2005), and Anytime Prayers for Everyday Moms (Warner Books, November 2006).