God Knows My Name

When I'm studying, I sometimes get confused with the names, finding it difficult to keep everybody straight. But, names like Rehoboam and Jeroboam, Balaam and Balaak, Abijah and Ahijah, Pehakiah and Pekah, and how about this one, Jeroboam and Jeroboam II (ruling in the Southern and Northern kingdoms at the same time!), REALLY get scrambled in my mind (those of you who know me can imagine my issues).


In dark days, I'd wander if God had forgotten that I existed. He wasn't answering my prayers. Had I gotten lost in the shuffle? Did my prayer get confused with some other Nikki's?

Well, here's the thing:

1. God knows you by name. I The Lord Lord, which call thee by thy name", am the Lord God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3

My name may sound similar, or be the same as someone else's, yet it sounds distinct to my Father in heaven. Rest assured that He has not forgotten you. He doesn't ever slap his head and say, "uh, uh, by the way, what's that child's name, Holy Spirit?" He does not need the Holy Spirit to bring all things to His remembrance. He knows you by name. Isn't that interesting? Even as we act as if we have forgotten His Name (Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, El Elyon, etc), He still knows who we are.

2. He has imprinted you upon the palms of his hands. See, I have tattooed your name upon my palm. (Isaiah 49:16)

It's worth looking at the words that precede this verse:  Yet they say my Lord has deserted, He has forgotten, us (Isaiah 49:14)

Does that sound familiar, that feeling of being in a place of forgetfulness and oblivion, the depressing emotion of "God hasn't come through for me? God reassures you and me in this passage that He is like a mother and child. He has birthed us in pain and with a prize and therefore no matter how bleak your life may seem, He cannot forget you. No matter what the game the enemy is playing with your mind, tell him "God remembers my name!"

RECIPE: Puff Pancakes with 5 Variations

Puff Pancakes with 5 Variations

2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
2 1/3 cups Bisquick baking mix
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup vegetable oil (or melted shortening)

In small mixer bowl, beat eggs on high speed until soft peaks form. Stir in milk. Stir in Bisquick and sugar until mixture is thoroughly dampened. Gently fold in oil. Drop batter onto medium-hot ungreased griddle. Cook until puffed and bubbles begin to break. Flip and cook other side until golden brown.



VARIATIONS:

BACON PUFF PANCAKES: Fold in 8 slices bacon, crisply fried and crumbled.

BLUEBERRY PUFF PANCAKES: Fold in 1 cup blueberries.

CORN PUFF PANCAKES: Fold in 1 cup cream-style corn or drained whole kernel corn.

HAM PUFF PANCAKES: Fold in 1 1/2 cups ground or chopped cooked ham.

SPICY PUFF PANCAKES: Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon each allspice, cloves and
nutmeg.

Makes 12 pancakes

There is the most ridiculous "game" sweeping playgrounds across the country. It's called "sack-tapping" and boys play by slapping or punching each other in the groin. Out of 100 urologists surveyed, 30% have treated boys for testicular trauma, some requiring surgery. This game is not always voluntarily, teens sometimes ambush unsuspecting individuals.

Nikki B's Photography

Herbs: Peppermint

This herb grows crazy if planted in the ground. If you don't mind that then this is the herb for you. It's also great as a container herb for the porch or kitchen. If you live close by, I'll be glad to give some of mine. They are extremely hardy. They die off at hard frost and come back SUPER strong in the spring. LOL.

According to the American Botanical Council Peppermint is helpful in assisting people with general indigestion and non-ulcer dyspepsia and makes for a soothing and warming after dinner tea The essential oil in peppermint teas relieves the pain associated with colitis and colic.

For best results, add simmering water to a cup of peppermint leaves (dried or fresh).

Hand Sanitizer Gel

1/2 cup Aloe Vera Gel (You can get this at Raisin Rack or your grocery store)
1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon fragrance oil, optional

Mix ingredients together. Pour into a pump-style bottle or a squeeze bottle.
Use a quarter sized dollop and rub hands together. Wipe residue off of hands
with a paper towel.

Baking supply list

Baking supply list

RECIPE: Amish Sour Cream Apple Pie

Amish Sour Cream Apple Pie

1 c. sour cream
1 egg
3/4 c. sugar
2 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp.vanilla
2-1/2 c. diced apples, peeled
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

CRUMB TOPPING:

1/2 c. brown sugar
1/4 c. butter
1/3 c.flour
1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix until crumbly

Instructions:

Beat cream and egg together. Add flour, sugar, salt and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Stir in apples. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and spread with crumb topping. Bake 20 more minutes.

Wanted Dead or Alive!!

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Eph 6:12).

In the old west it was common to see a poster on the wall of the town jail or post office with a man's picture below the words: Wanted: Dead or Alive! These were the most notorious criminals who posed the greatest danger to society.

Let me ask you a personal question. Is there a "Wanted: Dead or Alive" poster in hell with your name on it? Are you a real danger to hell? Do you cause problems for Satan's legion of demons? Are you pushing back Satan's agenda on planet earth?

Are the unsaved in danger of receiving salvation through you? Will someone receive healing because you dared to pray for them? Will someone's life be impacted because you chose to pray for them in your workplace during a difficult time? Will a city be impacted for Jesus Christ because of you?

Millions of believers sit on the sidelines everyday having no impact on the Kingdom of darkness. Their names will never appear on a Wanted poster in hell because Satan sees that they are no threat. However, God wants you to be a threat to Satan's kingdom.

What are some things you can do that will pose a threat to Satan's agenda? Perhaps you can begin praying for one of Satan's most notorious talk show personalities. Or maybe you are called to visit an elderly home to bring the love of Christ into a lonely place. There are many ways you can earn a reputation in hell.

Are you willing to be a force to be reckoned with by Satan's legions?