The past few weeks we have been blindsided by a whirlwind of world and life-changing events that has and will affect all of us  forever.  As the twenty year 9/11 commemoration of the Twin Towers approaches, Larry and my memory bank explodes replaying that fateful day---the defining moment--- that changed our lives and the future for us and everyone. The reality of the word "freedom" is under attack.  Unless we, as Christians in America, desperately get on our knees to pray, we will lose our freedom, be controlled and it's not gonna be 'pretty'! 

Brothers and sisters in Christ, it's up to us to gird up, pray up, stand up and be bold for righteousness.  So many of our friends and partners are writing us and crying "How can we cope through all of this Covid, nation tragedies and world catastrophes?"  If you are also feeling some of this same anxiety and asking the same question, I would encourage you to check out our COFFEE & CONNECT video below in which I share a message on  "How  to cope when everything is falling apart ."  I pray that it will be an encouragement to you to keep pushing, keep going, and keep praying because God is faithful.  He will never leave you nor forsake you.  Also, below the video is a message from our recent newsletter that I hope will remind you the Lord is near.

DO YOU NOT REMEMBER I HAVE PROMISED?

"How could this be? No God, not another crisis!" The warm tears spilled down my cheeks, softly falling on my now tear-stained Bible. I was crushed. I felt like I could hardly breathe due to the emotional trauma and pain. I cried out, "God, haven't we been through enough? Are you trying to teach me a lesson? Am I that slow to catch on? Whatever happens, God, please don't abandon me!"

This event happened years ago in the midst of a road tour. I felt all alone. Even though we have many friends and family, I still felt the agony of being alienated from everyone and God. There is something about "pain," whether it be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual that separates and sucks out the very life from us. After I pulled myself together, I picked up one of my Bibles and I flipped open to the front cover. On the inside page, I had written a quote from author Alan Redpath. I had forgotten that I had written it there years earlier, evidently when I was going through a difficult time. Sometimes I question, "How many crises will we have to face in life? Shouldn't there be a limit--a time when we can exhale in relief—guess not!"  This quote I am sharing with you was my lifeline that night:

"There is nothing—no circumstance, no trouble, no testing—that can ever touch me until, first of all, it has gone past God and past Christ right through to me. If it has come that far, it has come with a great purpose, which I may not understand at the moment. But as I refuse to become panicky, as I lift up my eyes to Him, and accept it as coming from the throne of God for some great purpose of blessing to my own heart, no sorrow will ever disturb me, no circumstance will cause me to fret, for I shall rest in the joy of what my Lord is—that is the rest of victory."

I read that over and over. God spoke to my heart, "Do you not remember I have promised I would never leave you nor forsake you? Do you not remember I am walking beside you? If you stay close to me, not ahead of me, not behind me, but right by my side, you will make it!"

I love the verse in Isaiah 41:10 that speaks truth when my circumstances have clouded my vision, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Please let me encourage you—don't give up, don't fall, but hold tight to the Savior for He will never leave you nor forsake you. That is His promise and "All the promises of God in him are yes, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us." (2 Cor. 1:20)

Gloria

America to your knees! Your only hope is prayer;

The world is filled with strife, confusion and despair,

But God is still in Heaven, His power is over all;

America to your knees in supplication call.

America to your knees! Night shadows lengthen fast,

Soon judgment will descend, the day of mercy passed;

Our only hope is God—on Him we must rely;

America to your knees! He will hear our cry.

America to your knees! Your forefathers of old, loved God

And served Him faithfully—for righteousness were bold;

They read and lived God's Word, honored the Sabbath day;

America to your knees! Confess your sins and pray.

America to Your knees! Now is no time for pride;

In humble pleading call on God that He be on our side.

We've sinned and disobeyed, we've wandered far astray;

America to your knees! Return to Christ today.

– Esther Kerr Rusthoi

RECIPE

As the gardens are producing their harvest, there is an abundance of vegetables and this is such a yummy and easy way to prepare them! You can mix and match to your delight!

Roasted Vegetables

Step 1   Chop vegetables into approximately the same size. Place on rimmed baking pan (a dark pan often works a little better for roasting). Spread evenly, not overcrowding.

Step 2   Toss with olive oil and your choice of seasoning. Some seasoning options are: salt and pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, curry powder, fresh/dried herbs, citrus, sesame oil, taco seasoning and whatever else you think you might like!

Step 3   Spread across baking sheet and roast in oven at 400-425 degrees. Spread evenly so vegetables cook evenly and roast 20-25 minutes. About halfway through, toss/mix vegetables. If adding tomatoes, add them the last 10 minutes. Vegetables are done when tender.

You can roast just about any vegetable. Just use the same simple method – chop (things such as green beans and asparagus just leave whole), drizzle with oil, season, toss and roast. Toss once or twice through baking. Just keep in mind different vegetables take various amounts of time so roast vegetables with the same cook time together (or give more firm root vegetables a head start then add others later on)