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Hello and Welcome!
Life is tough, but God is good. God’s Word is a strong foundation that is indeed practical and relevant in our world today. Scripture surely molds and changes us as we integrate it into our hearts and lives. Paul’s example in I Thessalonians demonstrates spiritual fruit that remains. I want these same elements to characterize my life to:
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A personal relationship with Christ is the most exciting element for daily living. He came to give us an abundant life! (John 10: 10). He loves us and wants us to experience the fullness of His grace, joy, and peace. A joyful heart is good medicine (Proverbs 15: 13). I pray that you’ll find encouragement and hope through my writings and that God will bless you abundantly as you seek His face.
Warmly, Fran
THIS MONTH'S MESSAGE
When Little Becomes Much
By Fran Caffey Sandin
“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4: 19 NIV).
When I answered the telephone, my jaw dropped at my husband’s words, “Honey, go buy furniture. On-base housing is now available but it is unfurnished!” “Jim, are you serious?” “Yes, a house is available on base, and this is our opportunity.” “But we are new here and I don’t know where to look, and we don’t have much money.” “I know. Just do the best you can.”
I hung up the phone, threw myself across the bed, whining, crying, and thinking, this is not what I had in mind. I wanted to plan for my dream house—not shop in a strange town and buy a houseful of furniture in one afternoon! How thoughtless of those men to ask this of me! Married for one year, we had no furniture. Jim was a newly-commissioned Air Force captain, and after arriving on assignment we were living temporarily in a motel room. We had searched for housing in Lincoln, Nebraska, but could not afford it, so we were hoping to find furnished quarters on base.
My pity party lasted about an hour; and then I decided to dry my eyes and head out. At that time Lincoln was basically on one main street. I parked the car and started walking on the worst end of town, looking at the pawn shops and second-hand furniture stores. Nothing appealed to me. Sadly, I continued looking all the way up the long street. Finally, I reached Hardy’s Furniture Store, the nicest one in town where they were having a BIG SALE. Now that is what I had in mind! Surely God had directed my steps.
When Jim and I got married we made a decision to tithe 10%, save 10%, and live on the rest which wasn’t much as I was a newly-minted nurse and Jim was an intern at the University Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. However, our savings grew through the year. The Bible says “Dishonest money dwindles away, but he who gathers money little by little makes it grow” (Proverbs 13: 11 NIV). While driving to meet Jim and take him to Hardy’s, I thought about how we had disciplined ourselves to save a little bit each month. Would that be enough to buy furniture?
Living room, dining room, and bedroom sets in hard rock maple with matching accessories would fit our needs perfectly. Jim and I agreed it was good quality at an excellent price. Sure enough, we were able to buy it all that day with our savings. We even got a queen-size bed and mattress (because Jim is 6’ 4” tall ).
That furniture was one of the best investments we ever made. After we used it, we passed along portions to our children and other family members for more than thirty years, and the Spanish mission is still using some of it. We recycled before the term became popular.
I love telling this story because it illustrates how God provided our needs, and it gives me an opportunity to emphasize the blessing of tithing. Everything belongs to God, and giving to His Kingdom’s work on earth is a privilege. Through the years, He has rewarded us in many ways. We are thankful.
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you are true to your Word. You will supply all of our needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Help us to be faithful stewards as we know everything belongs to You and we want to be wise managers of the money in Your pocket. In Jesus’ name, A-men.
THIS MONTH'S RECIPE
CHICKEN-GREENBEAN CASSEROLE
1 ½ cups boned chicken (either fresh cooked or canned)
1 cup long green beans (either fresh, canned, or frozen-cooked)
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can water chestnuts, drained and sliced
½ or 1 tsp. curry powder (depending upon your taste)
¼ tsp. poultry seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
1 can (regular size) French fried onions (save for topping)
Mix all ingredients and save ½ can fried onions for topping.
If mixture seems too thick, add 1-2 Tbsp. chicken broth.
Place in deep casserole dish and bake 375 degrees for 45 minutes.
Sprinkle remaining French fried onions and continue baking at 400 degrees
for about 10 minutes
Or until brown. GOOD!
