Hidden Secrets - Movie Review

Click link to Christian Cinema to buy the Movie - Hidden Secrets

I am reviewing another older movie, Hidden Secrets, came out in 2006, and is another movie from David AR White and PureFlix Entertainment.

I absolutely love this movie.  It is kind of a Christian Big Chill.  A group of friends come together for the funeral of one of their own.  The story is about how this group of people interact with each other, and how tensions escalate when their darkest secrets are coming to light.

There is Jeremy (David AR White) who has come with his new girlfriend, but has never gotten over his love for his first girlfriend, Sherry.  It is Sherry's brother who just passed away so she is dealing with the grief of losing her brother, along with her old feelings for Jeremy.  The cast also includes Gary (John Schneider) who is Jewish and at odds with one of the other friends, Rhonda.  She is a self righteous Christian, who feels it is her duty to win Gary over for Jesus.

This film has a great cast, that interacts well together, and give a wonderful, believable performance.  They make you feel like you know them, and that you are one of them.  They make you laugh and cry.

I hope that you will watch this movie,  it is really worth your time.  The message is wonderful.

I hope to hear what you think, and what your favorite movie is.  I hope to hear from you soon.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Favorite Friday Blog Links of the Week # 4

Well, it is Friday morning, and I am sure that we are all ready for the weekend.  I love reading all of the links that come in from other blogs.  I am hoping that you enjoy reading the posts that I link to on Friday mornings.  There are so many great blogs out there, I wish I could post them all, but I think that four are the maximum amount that I can give justice to.

So here are the blogs for this week.  I hope that you enjoy reading them as much as I have.

Shay Lynn Oxford @ Oxford Impressions

The first blogger I am featuring today is Shay Lynn Oxford from the blog Oxford Impressions - Snickerdoodle Bread.  I have actually posted a direct to her recipe for Snickerdoodle Bread.  I have not made this recipe yet, but it looks amazing.  Looking at the pictures I can taste it.  This is one recipe that I am going to make.  My son Danny will be home from the marines soon, and this is something that he would love to eat, and not just in the morning, but all day.  He has a sweet tooth, so this is a must have.  You might want to take a look at her Chicken and Rice Salad, it looks really good too.  Also, her quilts are beautiful works of art.  I have tried quilting in the past and it is truly an art form.  I am sure that you will find Oxford Impressions as delightful as I have.

Christian Women Online

Next, I would love for all of you to take a look at Christian Women Online Blogs.  I actually found this blog through Oxford Impressions.  This is a beautiful blog that is written by 12 women.  They also offer scripture tags for your blogs, which are absolutely beautiful.  I also really appreciated reading this link Christian Women Online - From Nothing.  It a wonderful piece that was written about all that God has given us and learning to appreciate our blessings.  Please look at these blogs, I think that there is something for everyone.

Jamie and Miranda - The Pinterest Project

Blog number three is The Pinterest Project Project - T-Shirt Grocery Bags from Jamie and Miranda.  They have some great projects on their blog including the T-Shirt Grocery Bags that are really cute, and incredibly easy to make.  I am linking a picture because they are so cute, and they give step by step directions on how to make them.  I also thought this link for their Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette looked delicious.  I think I will be making this today.  This is a great blog, I am sure that you are going to find it interesting and fun.

Andrea at Frugally Sustainable

The last blog for this week is from Andrea at Frugally Sustainable. I love reading everything that she posts.  Andrea comes up with some very creative solutions for our everyday lives.  She hosts a blog party which starts every Tuesday night called Frugal Days / Sustainable Ways, where other bloggers can post links to their blogs.  The great thing is that these recipes and ideas need to be frugal and sustainable.  I look forward to reading this blog every Wednesday morning.  I can not wait for all of the creative ideas that people post.  This is a link to Andrea's Homemade Liquid Dish Soap, which works really well.  It was easy to make, and works great at cleaning my dirty dishes.  Check out what she has to say, I know that you enjoy her blog.

It would be great if you would put this link in your post I am a featured blogger at Adorned From Above's Favorite Friday Blog Links Week 4

Please leave comments on what blogs you enjoy reading.  I would love to find more wonderful writers.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Mexican Rub Recipe

Mexican Rub

We eat at Red Robin's every once in a while, and one of my favorite dishes is their Ensenada Chicken Platter with their Baja Ranch Dressing.  I set out on a mission to try to find out what ingredients were in their seasonings on this chicken.  I, of course could not find out what was in their recipe, and I certainly tried.  I did learn that they marinate the chicken in their Baja Ranch dressing.  I have been able to find a Chipotle Ranch Dressing at both Whole Foods and at Walmart that is very close.

You can marinate the chicken in that, but it is not the same, so I set out to try and come up with seasoning to make a rub, that would give the chicken a similar flavor.  I think that I have come pretty close.  It is a simple recipe, the ingredients may seem daunting, but it is really easy.  I make a large batch and store it in a mason jar.  I use it all of the time, so it does not last long in our house.  Also, my kids are always trying to steal some to take home to use when they cook chicken, because they like it so much.

This is a picture of what my Mexican Rub Chicken Platter looks like.

Debi's Mexican Rub Chicken Platter

Mexican Rub Recipe
Print Screen

Ingredients:
1/3 cup chili powder
1/4 cup cumin
1/4 cup paprika
2 TB oregano powdered
2 TB onion powder
2 TB garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp chipolte chili powder   (more or less according to your taste and heat preferences)
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper            (more or less according to your taste and heat preferences)

Mix all ingredients together and store in a mason jar.

To use: I cover the chicken with this rub, and I usually cook it in a nonstick ceramic skillet.  I use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, and I cook them for approximately 9 minutes per side.  I also put a lid on the pan to help them cook in that amount of time.

I serve this with chipotle ranch dressing on the side along with a green salad.  It tastes Marvelous Darling!!!  I hope that you will give this recipe a try.

My plate of beautifully cooked Mexican Chicken

Please leave me any comments on what you think of this recipe.  I would love to hear from you.

Debi

Jasmine Scented Oil / Wednesday Adorned From Above Blog Hop 2

First I am sorry that this was so late getting up.  I was having problems with my Linky Tool.  Here it is.

I have changed this to a Wednesday Blog Hop, called Wednesday Adorned from Above Blog Hop 2. I will feature some of your great ideas in in the beginning the Blog Hop Party on the Wednesday of the following week.

Your posts can include:

• anything DIY
• Recipes
• Arts and Crafts
• Sewing
• Knitting and Crochet Ideas and Patterns
• DIY Cleaning Solutions
• Natural Beauty Product Recipes
• Decorating Ideas
• Thrifting
• Book Reviews, Movie Reviews, Christian Music
• Inspirational Articles, Poetry, Life Stories, or Short Stories
• Bible Studies 

1. Bloggers, use the linky tool on the bottom of this post to share your best post. Non-bloggers, feel free to add a comment here with any ideas or thoughts you have. 
2. I would love for you to add the blog hop link posted below to the post that you are linking also.  It will give us additional opportunities for more people to see our blogs. This is not a requirement just a request.
3. Please take a look at what other people have posted and vote on the ones that you like.
4. I would also love for you to post a comment in my comments section telling me a little about yourself and your post.  This also is not a requirement just a request.  I would love getting to know you and your blog.
5. Please link your posts back to my blog hop. Linking back here helps build our little community by sending your readers to all of the other posts shared.  Just create a text link somewhere in your post back to this blog. Copy and Paste this link onto your post, it will link to this page.  Wednesday Adorned From Above Blog Hop (Especially since I do not have any buttons yet.)
6. I would love to have you follow me on Google +, RSS Feed, even by email.

Since this was our first week I was pleased that we had four links.  I am thrilled to feature all four posts for this week.  So without further ado, I would like to present their beautiful and informative posts.  To those of you that I featured I would love for you to feature this link to the blog showing that you are featured blogger at the Wednesday Adorned from Above Blog Hop.

I am a featured blogger at Wednesday Adorned From Above Blog Hop

Dress for Birdy's Baby

This is the cutest little doll dress from Like Mama - Like Daughter : Crafting Along With a Needle and Thread.  Blogger Hannah White is the creator of this adorable birdy doll dress.  Take a look at her blog, I think that you will enjoy it.

  Our next blogger posted a wonderful recipe for Watermelon Mint Lemonade from The Healthy Beehive.  Jane is the blogger and let me tell you I loved reading this recipe.  I am certainly going to make this, I even bought the lemons and watermelon.  Hopefully, I will get to it this afternoon.  Take a look at Jane's blog and see what else she has to offer.

Oil Cleansing Method from Natural Living Momma

This next blog offers wonderful tips on natural cleansing with her post on Oil Cleansing Method - Natural Living Momma.  Amanda is the blogger for Natural Living Momma, and I love this cleansing method.  I normally just use oil to remove waterproof makeup, but she certainly makes a point for using it all of the time.  Take a look at her blog and see what other tips she has to offer.

Bear Rabbit Crafts - Are Your Eggs Bad?

I absolutely loved this last post called Are Your Eggs Bad? by Bear Rabbit Bear Crafts.  This is the most informative post about checking on whether your eggs are fresh or not.  It made me laugh, and I have since told everyone how you check to make sure that your eggs are fresh.  This is a great one, check out Melanie's blog, and take a look for yourself.


Now onto my post for the day.  It is a Jasmine Scented Oil that I use in place of perfume.  I hope that you like it as much as I do.

Jasmine Scented Oil (replacement for perfume)

I was really excited to start making scented oils.  I am severely allergic to perfume, and when I started making my own beauty products this was something I was really excited to try.


I love the smell of Jasmine, actually I love the smell of Star Jasmine.  In all of my research I found that Star Jasmine is not actually Jasmine, but I did find a Now Jasmine Fragrance which is close in smell to my Star Jasmine that are blooming in the pots in front of my house.  The great thing is that I am not allergic to this form of essential oil.  So I tried using it to make a Jasmine Scented Oil and it smells fabulous.  I love it.  I have tried Jasmine Absolute, the grandflora, but I do not love this smell as much.  I have not yet found a Jasmine Sambac, so if you have that essential oil you could give it a try. 

I use jojoba oil because it is absorbed by your skin better then some other oils, so it will not leave you feeling oily.

Now I know this is really hard, but I think all of you will be able to manage, since there are only two ingredients in this recipe.

Jasmine Scented Oil

2 oz jojoba oil
40 drops Now Jasmine Fragrance oil

Put the oil in a small bottle with a dropper lid.  Add the essential oil, put the lid on and shake.

That's it you are done.  Put it at your wrists and behind your ears, and you are set to go.

Please send me comments about how you like this scented oil.  I would love to hear what you think.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Natural Honey and Oil Deep Conditioner

Since I dye my hair, I am 54 with lots of grey, I need to deep condition my hair.  In my quest for natural products, I decided that I would make a deep conditioner for my hair.  I have squirt bottles that I bought at the grocery store for $1.00 per bottle.  So it was easy to mix this up quick and put in my hair.

I decided on several ingredients, the first being natural raw honey.  Honey is a natural humectant and it is great for your skin and hair so this definitely made the list of must have ingredients.  I also wanted to use olive oil since it is a great conditioner for both hair and skin.  The last ingredient that I decided to use was macadamia nut oil for its penetrating capabilities.  It also helps with damage from the chemicals of dye and pollutants in the environment.

I must tell you that this is the first time I used this.  It is very sticky and you have to carefully work it into your hair, but it is worth the trouble.  My hair feels amazingly soft and looks great and this is 7 days later.  I really recommend this to anyone who wants to deep condition their hair.

Natural Honey and Oil Deep Conditioner

2 oz natural raw honey (heated so it is melted about 30 seconds)
2 oz olive oil
1 oz macadamia nut oil
plastic shower cap or trash bag
headband

Whisk ingredients together and pour into a squirt bottle.  Squirt into hair a little at a time making sure you get your hair well covered with the honey oil mixture.  Work it through hair as well as possible.  Then cover your head with the shower cap or trash bag and put headband around your head to keep the heat in created from your head.  The heat from your head will help this conditioner work better.  Let it sit in your hair for 30 minutes and then wash your hair with your regular shampoo.  You may need to wash it a second time to make sure you have all of the deep conditioner out, then use your regular conditioner.

I was amazed at how great my hair felt after doing this deep conditioning treatment.  My hair normally feels good, but this took the softness to a whole new level.  I kept saying to my husband, feel how soft my hair is.  He just does what I ask and shakes his head.  Anyway, it still feels great and I did this treatment six days ago, so give it a try.

Let me know what you think of this Natural Honey and Oil Deep Conditioner.  I would love to hear from you, and what you use for a deep conditioner.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Bible Study Week 5 - Sharper Then a Two-Edged Sword

 

Link to buy Andrew Wommack's book Sharper then a Two-Edged Sword

Good morning everyone.  This weeks Bible Study on on Chapter 4 of the book Sharper then a Two-Edged Sword, You've Already Got It.  I am so happy to have you with me this week.  If you have not yet purchased the book,  I have posted a link to Amazon.com for you to be able to buy the book.  I hope that you are going to join us in our Bible study this week, or anytime that you happen to read this blog.  I am happy to have people join anytime.  I am always ready to answer question, or learn something new from you.  Let's start the Bible study.

You've Already Got It

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen

Hebrews 11:1

I love this verse, because to me it says it all, but we will talk about this more in Question 2.

Question 1:  If God has already given me everything I need, then where is it?

• In the last lesson we talked about what happens when we receive the Holy Spirit.  We learned that when we receive the spirit we become a new creature like Jesus.  We learned that we can not feel what is happening in our spirit, only in our body and soul.
• Jesus could do all things.  He could heal, save. deliver, prosper, or give us joy and peace, so those were gifts given to us when we became born again and received the Holy Spirit

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17

• So when God gave us everything, we received it in our spirit, and we know from the last lesson that we can not feel what is in our spirit, the only way to know what gifts we have received is through the Word of God.
• We must know his word in order to know what we have received.
• When we have faith that we have received these gifts from God, then the gifts can become a reality.
• So in conclusion, we received all gifts from God when we were born again.  All of these gifts came to us in our Spirit.

Question 2: What does the "substance" of what I'm hoping for mean, and what does the "evidence" of things I can't see mean?  Can you give me a practical example?

• The Hebrews 11:1 scripture that I gave is the beginning is from my NKJV bible, but other bibles have different translations.  I am going to give a few of those, and maybe they will help with understanding.

Now faith is the realization of what is hoped for, the proof of things not seen.
Lexham English Bible Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the essence of things being hoped, the evidence of things not having been seen.
Literal Translation of the Holy Bible Hebrews 11:1

Now faith is the persuasion of the things that are in hope, as if they were in act; and [it is] the manifestness of the things not seen.

James Murdock New Testament Hebrews 11:1

• As you can see, there are several different versions and I feel some of these translations give us a different understanding of what "substance" and "evidence" mean.
• Substance can mean the realization of what is hoped for, the essence of things hoped for, or the persuasion of things hoped for.
• Evidence can mean the proof of things not seen, the evidence of things not having been seen, or it is] the manifestness of the things not seen.
• I also like this version:

Faith is the confidence that we hope for will actually happen; it gives us
assurance about things we can not see.

The New Living Translation Hebrews 11:1

• So the "substance" can mean that we have the confidence that what we need will actually happen.
• The "evidence" gives us the assurance about things that we can not see, will happen.
• God has given us all of the things we need in our spirit. IE: healing, prosperity, joy, peace, and deliverance, but in order to use these powers, we have to believe that God has given them to us, even we can not see or feel it.  Even if there is no evidence.

Question 3:  I know God has already paid for my sins, but what  about the ones I haven't committed yet?

 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, 

but also for the sins of the whole world

1 John 2:2

• When God became a man and died on the cross and gave us the Holy Spirit, all sin in the world was forgiven, for us, for others, past, present, and future.  He gave us the gift of salvation.

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once 

into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:12

• When Jesus died on the cross he reconciled all sin for us forever, even the ones we have not yet committed.
• It says this over and over in the Bible.  You can find more in Hebrews 10:10 and 10:12, for more reading on this subject.

Question 4:  How can I already have healing if my body is sick?

Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, 

should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
1 Peter 2:24

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows:

 yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  

 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: 

the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Isaiah 53:4-5

• These verses above state that God has given us the power to heal not only ourselves, but also others.
• God has placed within every born again believer the same power that raised Christ from the Dead.  That power is already inside all of us.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

Mark 9:23

• The Bible, God's Word, clearly states that all things are possible for those who believe.  If we thank God for healing us, and know that he has already done it for us then the healing can manifest from our Spirits to our bodies.
• When God says that it is already done, we need to have faith that it has been done.  I am again referring to 

Now Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1

 

 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law?

 of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.  Romans 3:27

• It isn't dependent on God, it is dependent on you believing that God has already done the healing for you, by your faith.
• These things do not always happen immediately.  Remember in the book of Exodus, the story about Moses.  God told Moses to go to the Pharaoh and say "Let my people go" and Pharaoh told  "no".  Moses went back to God and asked what he should do, and God told Moses to go back and again say "Let my people go".  Pharaoh's response was the same as before.  This happened 10 times.  After the 11th time Pharaoh let the Jews go, but then chased after them, and God closed the Red Sea over the Egyptians.  Darkness will come against the Light of God, so we must be persistent in our belief that it is done, even if it we do not see immediate results.  We just need to keep thanking God for doing whatever it is we need.
• I would love to hear from all of you as to what you think.

Question 5: What is the advantage to already having healing, prosperity, etc., in my spirit versus just asking God to give them to me when I am in need? 

• The advantage to having healing, prosperity, joy, and peace in our spirits is that we do not have to ask for those things and then wait for them to happen.
• Since we already have them in our Spirit, we just need to thank God for doing what we needed done, and have faith that he has done it.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us 

with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:
Ephesians 1:3

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, 

according to the working of his mighty power,  Which he wrought in Christ, 

when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand 

in the heavenly places,

Ephesians 1:19-20

• Faith works not by asking God for something that you already have, but by thank him and acknowledging him for what you already have.
• He has already given us anything we will ever need in our spirit, we just need to know his word, acknowledge what he has done for us, and then thank him.

Question 6: Why can't I feel how much God loves me all of the time?

• We have discussed that we can not feel what is in our Spirit, we can only feel what is in our bodies and souls.

Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law

Romans 13:10

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, 

while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

• To know what is in our Spirit we must know the word of God.  It is the only way to know that he loves us without question.
• We can not make God love us, he has already done that. There are no work or deeds to earn God's love.  He gives it to us unconditionally and freely.
• Jesus tells us:

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: 

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:

and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

John 14:6

• Whether we can sense God's love, we must have faith and believe that he love us.
• Our bodies and souls can not know his love for us, it is our spirit that knows his love.  Our bodies and souls are our flesh, and our flesh does not know God.  Our Spirit knows God's love for us and so even if we can not sense his love, we have to believe what God says about his love for us, above how we are feeling.

Question 7: Why don't things that God has already manifest automatically?  Why do I have to do something to receive from God?

• All of the gifts from God are readily available through our Spirit.
• The act of believing that these gifts can come from the Spirit and manifest themselves in our lives is the act that we play in receiving these gifts from God.
• Our part of receiving God's gifts is the act of believing, and we can only know what gifts we have received through his Word.
• So the one thing that you must do to receive blessings from God is to believe.

Terri Blackstock - Restoration Series

First book in the Restoration Series Last Light

There are four books in Christian author Terri Blackstock's Restoration Series.  This is a series of books that I really enjoyed.

What would happen if everything stopped working?  If planes fell from the sky, cars stopped where they were, all electricity stopped, all phone, all refrigerators, everything that we take for granted stopped working.  What would you do?  You can't call anyone to find out what has happened.  You can't turn on the TV, and all radios stopped working also.  Life as we know it would be over.  That is what happens in this series of books from Terri Blackstock.

We are introduced to Deni Branning who is coming home to plan her wedding with her family.  Plans are quickly changed as life as everyone knows it comes to a standstill.  Deni is on her way home from the airport with her father who has just picked her up from the airport, when everything just stops.  They have no idea what has happened, and no way to find out.

Follow Deni, her family, and her friends through these four books while they try to understand what has happened to their world, and what they need to do to survive.  In book two they learn what caused the power outage,  but they have bigger problem when people are so desperate they will steal food just to survive.   How a global catastrophe affects the whole world.  What these people will need to do to survive in those perilous times.

Terri Blackstock has woven a wonderful story about this family's courage and faith to go on when everything in this world seems lost.  The one thing that they still have is their faith in God, and that he will help them survive.

I am posting links to the books and to the review of these books, and also to Terri Blackstock's website to learn more about this series of books.


Terri Blackstock Website - Restoration Series

I hope that you will take a look at these books and let me know what you think.  I really enjoyed them and I hope you do too.  Please leave comments and let me know if you have already read them and what you thought of the books.

Enjoy!!!

Debi

Anti-Aging Face Cream - Update

Updated Skin Firming Cream Recipe 6/2/12

I just wanted to give an update on this recipe.  I did not feel that there was enough DMAE in the recipe to see results.  I have increased the DMAE to 20ML for this recipe.  It made so much that I have my separated into 3 different containers of equal size.  I have added and additional 5ML to one of my containers, so this would increase it in the whole recipe to the 20ML.  I am hoping that this is enough, but I will keep you posted.  DMAE is a natural nutrient found in fish like salmon.  It helps firm skin and reduce fine lines in skin.  It is supposed to be a 3% solution with the rest of the ingredients.  After I made the moisturizer, I realized that I had not added enough DMAE.

Also,  if you are happy with your moisturizer or do not want to make a moisturizer, you could add DMAE to your own moisturizer.  You would need to figure out the percentage to add, but my research has shown that 3% is about the right amount.

There are also those of you out there who are intimidated by this recipe.  I know it can seem overwhelming.  It is really not that hard to make, and you can leave out some of the vitamins if you do not have them available.  The most important added vitamins are the Kelp, DMAE, and carrot seed essential oil.

I can post an easier recipe if any of you would like that.  This recipe is what I came up with after months of experimenting.  I have some easier ones, that I can put out there to try.   Hopefully, I will hear from some of you, and I will make an easier recipe for you.

Thank you for reading this post.  Please send me your comments.
Enjoy!!!
Debi

Original Post - Below
 
Sunday was my day to make new moisturizers, shaving creams, face and hand wash, and shaving soap for my son. I love making all of these products.  I make everything with natural ingredients.

It seems like I am allergic to most face moisturizers, perfumes, and many makeups.  I was using a very expensive face cream called Creme De La Mer for a very long time, because it was the one cream that I was not allergic to.  Well because of the downturn in the economy  I did not feel I could spend money on this moisturizer any longer, and needed to try something else.  Again, I tried a new cream, which of course I was allergic to.  I had hives all over my face.  One night I had two friends over and one of them suggested that I make my own moisturizer, I must say I think I looked at her like she was nuts. I have made many things in my lifetime, but face products seemed out of my reach.  Anyway, I looked online for recipes and low and behold there were many recipes to choose from.  Then I bought several books, so that I would understand what different ingredients do, and since that time I have been experimenting with different recipes. 

Today I am going to share the recipe for my newest face cream.  I am loving this stuff.  I have used lots of ingredients that are great for nourishing you skin, and oils that will help these ingredients penetrate your skin to get great results from all of the vitamins and minerals.  The ingredient looks like a lot, but it is fairly easy to make, and they all keep for quite a while.

New Skin Firming Cream

Skin Firming Cream Recipe

2 TBL rose hip oil
1 TBL sesame oil
1 TBL avocado oil
1 TBL macadamia nut oil
1 TBL almond oil
1 TBL evening primrose oil
2 TBL raw unfiltered honey
1 oz  or 2 TBL beeswax
2 TBL coconut oil
1 TBL cocoa butter
1 tsp lanolin
9 TBL distilled water
2 TBL vegetable glycerin
1/2 tsp borax
2 capsules Marine Greens Sea Algae formula ( opened up and poured out)
5 ml DMAE
2 capsules ubiquinol ( cut open and squeezed into oils ) (you can use COQ10 if you don't have ubiquinol)
1 tsp liquid vitamin C
4 droppers full of vitamin E
2 capsules niacin ( opened and pour out)
1 tsp lecithin
1 dropper liquid B12
8 drops carrot seed essential oil
12 drops jasmine fragrance oil

Put all of the oils, honey, beeswax, coconut oil, cocoa butter, and lanolin in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until everything is melted.  It is important to take the pan off of the heat once everything is melted, so that the potency is not removed from some of the ingredients.  Cool for a few minutes and then add DMAE, oil from ubiquinol, vitamin E, niacin, lecithin, B12, carrot seed essential oil, and jasmine fragrance oil with a whisk and stir well.  I then put ice in a large bowl and put my saucepan in the bowl and whisk all of the ingredients until they are thick, like a salve.  Then put all of these ingredients into a blender.

In another pan add water, glycerin, borax, and Marine Greens and heat on low and stir with a whisk until well blended and borax is dissolved. You can do this while you are melting the oils.  Let this cool off of the burner while you are whisking the ingredients in the other pan.

After you have put the oils in the blender, you will use the hole in the lid to add the liquid from the other pan.  Turn the blender on and slowly start adding the liquid.  You will see the cream begin to thicken immediately.  You will also have to stop and push the cream from the side of the blender, and stir a little.  You may have to make a hole in the middle of the cream so that the liquid can get to the bottom of the blender to mix with the oil.  Keep doing this until all of the liquid has been added. 

This makes a thick cream for your face and neck.  It feels absolutely wonderful. You only use about a pea sized amount two times a day.  It helps with your fine lines, crows feet, and sagging.  I will post pictures in a couple of weeks of the results.  I have already seen a difference.  I took pictures about 10 days ago, and will take more in another 2 weeks to show the  results in before and after shots.

This makes a lot of cream.  I ended up with about 3 four ounce containers of moisturizer. 

I will post the other recipes over the next few days for some of my other homemade items, but for today here is a link to the Homemade Shaving Cream from the blog Frugal Granola.  My whole family loves this stuff.  We use several different essential oils in it.  Either Jasmine for me, or Spearmint and Lavender for all of us, or bergamot and lemon for the guys.

I would love to hear what you have to think about the moisturizer, or any questions you may have.

Have fun creating.

Debi

The Encounter - Movie Review

Link to Christian Cinema website for the movie The Encounter

This movie came out in May of 2011, but it is a favorite of mine, so I wanted to review it for any of you who have not seen it yet.

The movie The Encounter is about a group of people who by God's intervention end up at a diner called The Last Chance Diner.  There is a teenage runaway girl, a young woman on her way to get engaged, a couple who are on the verge of divorcing, and a business man.  When they enter The Last Chance Diner they are met by the owner, whose name is Jesus.  You can only imagine their reactions.  The story goes on from there.

How does Jesus convince you that he is Jesus, even when he is standing right in front of you?  There are so many people in this world that cry out to God "give me proof".  Would we believe him if he did?  Would we believe that miracles can happen now, even if we were to see them, or would we just think it was a trick?  Are we listening when God speaks to us?  Do we really want to hear him?

I believe this movie touches on all of that.  The cast is amazing with Bruce Marchiano playing Jesus, Sting plays the business man, and Jaci Velasquez is a young believer who must wrestle with want she wants versus what Jesus wants for her life.

This is a definite must see movie.  I hope that all of you will watch it.

Please let me know what you think about The Encounter.  I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Favorite Friday Blog Links of the Week #3

I love putting out Favorite Friday Blog Links of the Week.  There are so many wonderful and creative people pouring their hearts and souls into their writing.  I wake up each morning looking forward to what beautiful thoughts I am going to read, what handy tips are being offered that day, and what creative and wonderful designs and ideas are going to help me over the next week.

So the drum roll please!!! Tah Dah!!! This week blogs are:

Michelle and her husband Calvin

I have often talked about Frugal Granola on my blog.  Michelle is the author of Frugal Granola, and her tips and recipes are wonderful and easy.  This week though I wanted to post a link to Michelle's post from last Friday called Frugal Granola - A Heart Journey.  Michelle and Calvin have a 2 month old baby boy named Haven, and this story is heart wrenching and uplifting all at the same time.  Their faith that in God's plans for Haven is inspiring and beautiful.  I hope that all of you will take a look at Michelle's blog, and possibly reach out and give this beautiful family the love and support that they need at this time.

Carrie Raab - The Young Oil Lady

This next blog is written by Carrie Raab, and her blog is called The Young Oil Lady - Fun In The Sun.  She has shared a recipe for a natural homemade sunscreen.  This is a great recipe, and she has all kinds of other helpful and natural information on her blog also.  Take a look for yourselves and learn about all of the research she has done to keep her family living naturally.


Blog number three this week is written about grace.  It is a beautiful, thoughtful, and thought provoking.  The link to Chatting to the Sky - Why sinking is the only way to float.  Emily is married and a mom and has had her blog for 5 years.  When I was reading this post, it touched my heart and spirit, I am posting a link, because I am hoping that touch your heart and spirit also.  Take a look and meet this inspirational woman.

Natalie at Hungry Hippie

And last, but not least I am posting a link Natalie at Hungry Hippie.  She creates fun, easy to make, and always funky clothing.  It is fun to see what she is up to in her blog postings.  The May 27, 2012 post about patching her jeans is so cute and fun.  This is something I have been doing for years, but never thought about writing a blog about it.  I also love her June 13, 2011 blog.  The shoes and coat are so beautiful, when you see the pictures, you see spring.  I am posting a picture of the shoes, because I love them.  I don't know if I could walk in them, but they are beautiful.  Anyway, take a look at this fun blog, I hope that you enjoy it as much as I have.

It would be great if you could post this link somewhere in your post I am a featured blogger at Adorned From Above's Favorite Friday Blog Links Week 3

I hope that all of you have a great weekend.  Please leave comments and let me know what you think of this weeks blogs.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake Recipe - Family Favorite

This recipe for Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake is one of our family favorites.  We love this cake.  It is moist and chocolatey and outrageously good.   It is a great Sunday Dinner Dessert.  I have been on a diet for a long time.  Flour and sugar to not agree with me, but every once in a while, I need to have something really, really yummy.  Okay so enough of that. This cake is so easy anyone can make it, and you probably have all of the ingredients in your house.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cake

1 box devils food cake mix
1 16oz container sour cream
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
box devils food pudding
4 eggs
1 12 oz bag chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and spray a bundt pan with cooking spray.  Spray well because chocolate chips can stick.

Pour cake mix and pudding into a mixing bowl and stir.  Add add water, oil, sour cream, and eggs to cake mix and beat with mixer until smooth.

Once smooth stir in chocolate chips.  Pour into bundt pan

Bake for 55 minutes it should be done.  If not, check every 5 minutes with a tooth pick until it comes out clean.  This is a little tricky because of the chocolate chips.  As long as it is not doughie.

Let cool in pan for 15 minutes on a cake rack, and then turn onto cake rack and let cool.

Put on cake plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar  Serve


Serves 12 to 16 pieces

I would love to hear what you think about this recipe and if you enjoyed it.  Please let me know what your favorite easy dessert is.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

Now for my Natural Brown Sugar Body Scrub

I came up with this recipe for my natural Brown Sugar Body Scrub in March.  This stuff is good enough to eat, but don't.  This body scrub just melts into your skin.  Use it at the end of your bath, and your skin will be exfoliated and silky soft.  It leaves your skin so hydrated that you will not even need to use a moisturizer after your bath.

Brown Sugar Body Scrub

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup raw sugar
8 TB coconut oil ( melted )
2 tsp cinammon ground
2 tsp cloves ground
2 tsp nutmeg ground
1/4 tsp vanilla or 20 drops vanilla essential oil

Mix brown sugar, raw sugar, cinammon, cloves, and nutmeg in a bowl.  In another bowl melt the coconut oil and then mix into the sugar mixture, also add the vanilla.  Once mixed put the scrub into a 1 pint mason jar.

To use:  Get a small amount in your fingers and rub your hands together, and then rub on your body.  Rub into skin until melted away.  The raw sugar will not be totally gone, but the brown sugar will be gone.  Rinse with water and you are good to go

This Body Scrub is great for gifts or yourself.  I would love to hear what you think of this recipe, and what can be improved upon.  Let me know what you think.

Enjoy!!!
Debi

Bible Study Week 4 - Sharper Then a Two-Edged Sword

Good Morning Everyone.  I pray that all of you have a great Memorial Day.  For anyone out there with family members who are in the armed services or who have lost a family member in the armed services, I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU.   My family understands how hard this is on your families.  We have a son who is a marine and has done two tours in Afghanistan.  We are just waiting for him to get out of the marines and come home at this point.  Hopefully that will be next Sunday, June 3rd.  We await anxiously for the signed paperwork, so that we can go and get him and help him move.  Again, I would like to thank every family out there for the sacrifices that you have made, I know that they are great.

So for today's Bible Study.  We have moved on to chapter 3 (Spirit, Soul, Body) in the book Sharper Then A Two Edged Sword by Andrew Wommack.  I will post a picture of the book and the link to Amazon to be able to buy the book, in case you do not already have it.

Link to Sharper Then A Two-Edged Sword

I love this scripture in 1 Thessalonians, and wanted to post it for you.  I believe that it says so much to our hearts.
 

And the  very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit

and soul and body be preserved blameless unto coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

Question 1: Which part of me becomes new when I am born again?

• Because we can see our bodies, we know that the physical part of us does not change when we are born again.  We can see that it is still the same as before we were born again.
• We also know what our soul is doing.  We still have the same feelings and thoughts that we had before we became born again.  If we are happy, we are still happy, that is something that we can feel, same with depression or irritability, those things have not changed.
• I believe from what the Bible tells me that my spirit is what becomes new.

Jesus said, "God is a spirit; and they that worship him in the spirit and truth"

John 4:24

• When we become born again your spirit becomes a new creation, a new creature. Scripture says that you become a new creature in the scripture below.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature;

old things are passed away, all things become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

• The all things that become new can only be our spirit.  Our bodies and souls still remain the same.

Question 2: What happens in my spirit when I become born again?

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:17

• God gave us a spirit identical  to Jesus when we became born again. It tells us that in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and also in 1 Corinthians 6:17
• In 2 Corinthians 5:17 it says that you are a new creature, this is not your body or you soul.  For your.  For your emotions and personality traits to change you would have to renew your soul.
• It also does not say that you will become a new creature someday, it says that you will become a new creature now.  

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature;

old things are passed away, all things become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

• The transformation of your spirit is complete and total and takes place immediately.

Question 3: Is my spirit affected by the sin nature?

• I believe that our spirits are not affected by the sin nature.
• If our spirits are like Jesus, then your spirit would be righteous like the spirit of Jesus.

Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness

in the day of Judgement; because as he is so are we in the world.

1 John 4:17

• There would be nothing of this world in our spirit, no negativity, depression, rebellion, fear, deception, or sin.  Our spirit is pure.

Question 4: If nothing can damage my born-again spirit, then why can't I just live however I want and not worry about it?  Won't god still love me?

 And you put on the new man which was created according to God,

in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24

• God loves and relates to us in the spirit.
• We received holiness when we were born again and God loves us.
• God is not dealing with the sin of our flesh, he is dealing with our spirits, which is pure and holy.

In him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, 

the gospel of your salvation; in whom also having believed

you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

Ephesians 1:17

• To sin at this point would be silly and stupid.  It would be allowing Satan a stronghold in your life.  Why would we want that for ourselves?  I don't think we do.
• God would not turn away from us, but it is possible for us to turn away from God.

The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy,

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10:10

• Why would we want to invite Satan in to destroy us?  We wouldn't, he has not good intentions for our lives.  Though God and Jesus came into our lives so that we can have eternal life. 

Question 5: What does renewing my mind mean?

For as he thinks in his heart, so is he "Eat and Drink"

says he to you, But his heart is not with you.

Proverbs 23:7

• This scripture means that it doesn't matter what your experience with God is.  The way you think is the way your life will go.  Until you change your thinking, your life will not change.
• The way you think is not instantly renewed or changed.  The only way to do that is to read the Bible and know the word of God.
• Just reading the Word of God is not enough, you must know it and understand it.
• The Bible says:

And be not conformed of this world: but be ye transformed by the 

renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good

and acceptable and perfect, will of God

Romans 12:2

• Things of this world will not renew your mind, only confuse it.  Reading, meditating and understanding God's word is what will renew your mind.

Question 6: You say I'm righteous as Jesus, but I can't believe that.  It's not possible if my spirit was identical to Jesus, I'd know it!  Wouldn't I?

• You can answer questions about your body and your soul.  You know if your body is tired or in pain.  You know what your body is feeling.
• You also know what your soul feels and thinks.  You know if you are sad, depressed, or even happy.
• But the Bible says there are not just 2 parts to us after we are born again.  Scripture tells us that there are 3 parts to us.  Specifically in the scripture below.

And the  very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit

and soul and body be preserved blameless unto coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

• We are told specifically in the scripture above that we have a body, a soul, and a spirit.  It is the spirit that we receive when we are born again. 
• We do not necessarily feel our spirit when we are born again.  This is something we have to work on.  We need to know the word of God to know the spirit.

Question 7: If I have the power and faith of Jesus in my spirit, then why do I need to bother renewing my mind?

• You do have the faith and power of Jesus, but you need to read the Word of God ( the Bible) in order to know the word, and you need to believe what it says.  You need to meditate about it to know your spiritual identity.

It's only the truth that sets you free.

John 8:32

• Your mind is like a valve and it has the power to release or obstruct the power of God. (This is from the Workbook for Sharper then a Two-Edged Sword)
• If your mind is focused on your body or soul you will not feel and experience God in your Spirit, but getting your mind in agreement with your spirit will open the full power of God to you.
• We need to renew our mind in God's word in order to come into agreement with God.
• Our Spirits are already perfect. When our mind aligns with our spirit we begin to see the ability of God that is in our Spirits spill over into our bodies and souls.  Our bodies will get healed, our emotions will be healed, and we'll see the anointing of God pour into our lives.  (This is from the Workbook for Sharper then a Two-Edged Sword)

Question 8: How is the word of God relevant to my daily life?

• If we do not know God's word, then we open ourselves to being deceived by false teachers and doctrine.
• How will we know what is true and what is not, if we have never bothered to learn God's word?

It is a lamp to guide our feet and a light to help us find our path through life.

Psalms 119:105

• The Bible is basically our instruction manual that God has given us on how to live our lives.
• God's word is how he speaks to most of us. 
• It is through his word that we get to know him and how he wants us to live our lives on a daily basis.

Question 9: How should I go about reading the bible?

• I believe that you should read the Bible systematically.  You should start with the new testament, and learn about Jesus and the redemption that God gave us through Jesus.  
• I believe that the first four gospels are really important for you to get to know Jesus, and then go from there.
• I always pray for wisdom, knowledge, understanding, and truth to be revealed before I start to read the Bible.  I believe that this helps with all of the distractions that try to come in and stop you from receiving the fullness of the Word.
• I believe that you should meditate and understand what has been written in the New Testament before moving on to the Old Testament.
• I believe that we need to know both testaments of the Bible.  We have lessons to learn from all of the Word of God.  I think that reading the New Testament first will give a better perspective on the Old Testament.  
• The Old Testament has the stories and the laws that God gave, but I believe that we need to know about our redemption through Jesus first, so that we understand that following the laws will not give us eternal life.  Only belief in Jesus and what he did for us by dying on the cross will give us eternal life.

This is the end of this weeks Bible Study.  I hope that it is helpful to you.  I would love to hear what you have to say, and what you would like to add.  Please send me any comments or questions.  I am never too busy to answer.

Enjoy your day!!!

Debi

Christian Fiction (Spotlight on Left Behind Series)

A Link to Barnes and Noble and the book Left Behind

My spotlight today is on the Left Behind Series by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins and how Christian fiction can play a part in bringing people to the Lord.

Christian fiction has played a big role in my life over the last seven years.  You see, in a small way, it was a big part of what led me back to Jesus.  I have a friend Karen who was reading this series of books with a book club in Denver about 11 years ago.  I noticed that she was reading these books, but did not pay a lot of attention, because I had converted to Judaism.  It is funny how this series of books led me back to Christ. 

My journey to Christianity has been fairly circuitous.  You see, I was brought up, probably like most of you, in a Christian family.  I was baptized Episcopalian as an infant.  We were not a family that went to church, but my parents did send my brother and I to an Episcopal school in Los Angeles.  My mom was Christian and my dad was Jewish, we celebrated all of the holidays of both religions, but not in a religious way.  They were just holidays. Christmas was about Santa and Hanukkah was potato latkas, these holidays were not about the birth of Christ or that one day of oil lasted eight days for the Jews.  They were just times for my family to spend together and they were fun.

Eventually, I had my own children, and my husband and I raised them the same way, you see he was Jewish and I was Christian.  Then one day our 12 year old son came to us and said he wanted to be Jewish.  So the three kids and I converted to Judaism.  We were practicing Jews for probably about 6 years, when my middle son came home and said he had gone back to Christianity, that he had gotten a bible and he had accepted Jesus Christ in his heart as his Lord and Savior.  This presented me with a dilemma.  How do we have a Christian and Jewish household again?  The rest of us were still practicing Jews. 

Unfortunately, I had never found fulfillment in being Jewish.  I always felt like something was missing.  When times were tough I didn't feel like my religion could help me through these difficult moments.  I felt alone and sad.  In the meantime my friend Karen was praying for my family to find our way back to Jesus.  One day, I was at Walmart and I saw a movie called Left Behind, and I remembered that was the book that she had read so long ago.  So I bought the movie and brought it home and watched it.  To my amazement,  I enjoyed this movie, and wanted more.  Amazing how God can touch you like that.  Once we have a little of him we want more.  I then went to the library and checked out the rest of the series in audio books.  At the time I was knitting a lot and I liked to listen to the books while I was knitting.

I devoured the Left Behind Series.  I think that I had listened to almost the whole series of books in about 3 months.  At that time I think that there were probably 10 books.  A funny thing happened when I was listening to these books.  I came to realize that what had been missing in my life was Jesus.  I had felt to empty when I converted to Judaism, and as I was reading this series of books I found my way back home.  I found what I had been looking for in my life.

It took me a least a year to tell my husband that I believed in Jesus again.  Not that he would be angry, but it just felt strange.  You see, when you convert to a religion like Judaism, you can't just convert to the secular part of the religion.  You have to follow the rules, become Jewish, not just make the food, and celebrate the holidays.  You have to go to synagogue and pray and live that life.  It is hard for Jews who are not religious to understand.  Well the same thing happens when you are Born Again.  You want to practice the religion, talk to God, have a relationship with him.  You don't just celebrate Santa and the Easter Bunny.

Through the Left Behind books I finally understood that I could have a relationship with God.  I could talk to him and pray, and he would hear me and answer.  To this day I believe that God is talking to all of us, but most of the time we are not listening.  Sometimes, it's that we don't want to hear God, because it might mean we have to give up doing something fun.  Sometimes, we hear him, but do not want to do what he is telling us to do.  You know that small voice that you hear in the back of your head, that's God talking to you.  He wants to have a relationship with us.  He wants us to hear him.  He wants us to turn to him in our time of need.  He wants us to love him the way he loves us, if only we would listen.  Well I am listening.  I am praying that you can hear him also.

I want to thank Tim Lahaye and Jerry B Jenkins for writing these books.  The first book Left Behind
actually has the prayer in it to invite Jesus into your heart.  I can tell you, it felt great to pray that prayer.  You see, I was a sinner with no way to be good enough to go to Heaven, but through Christ dying on the Cross, I am forgiven, and I will live with God forever.  What an amazing thing to learn from a series of fiction books.  I will forever be grateful to these two wonderful authors.

I pray that if you have not read these books yet, pick one up.  They are wonderful, fast paced, and exciting to read.  Please let me know what your favorite books are, and what books have made an impression in your life.  I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy!!!
Debi