Sunday, July 31, 2016

Are You Living a Deedless Faith?

(The following post was originally posted a few years ago - it's was worth restudying)
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by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo SundayDeeds_zpshblcchqn.jpg

Are You Living A Deedless Faith?

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.  If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well;  keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.'  Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.  You believe that there is one God, Good!  Even the demons believe that - and shudder. 
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?  Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.  And the scripture was fulfilled that says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'  and he was called God's friend.  You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?  As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."    James 2:14 -26

I'm always quoting the saying "actions speak louder than words."  Today we will be studying our faith in action.

Now, it is true that to be saved all we have to do is believe that Jesus died for our sins and accept God's wonderful gift of eternal freedom through Jesus Christ.  However, what follows this change in belief should and must be a change in our actions.

Let's first look at the meaning of "faith" - "is confidence or trust in a person, thing, deity or in the doctrines or teachings of a religion or view." (Wikipedia)  , "firm belief in something for which there is no proof, belief in something that you cannot see, complete trust" (Merriam-Webster).

When one believes in something with all their heart not only do their thoughts change to follow that belief but their emotions and actions also change.  You are fooling yourself if you say that you have become a Christian but continue living the way you did before that change of faith.  As it says in the verses above:  "....faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."  Those people around us see more of who we really are through our actions than what they hear through our words.  Any non Christian is watching you more than listening to you.

I want to clarify - I do NOT believe that you can lose your salvation.  As it says in John 3:16  "..that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."  That decision to believe takes a second but our "Christian Walk" takes a lifetime.  We are all sinners, even after we have become a Christian - the difference is that now (as believers) when we sin we acknowledge that sin, we ask for forgiveness, strive to never commit that sin again and try to be more like Jesus in word & in action everyday.

James used two examples from the Old Testament in the verses above.  I want to talk about Abraham & Isaac - If you recall God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.  Abraham had such trust in God - not understanding why God would ever ask such a thing but trusting & believing that there was a good reason.  Abraham took Isaac to the altar & there God intervened & saved Isaac - Abraham's faith was tested & he passed with flying colors - God called Abraham His friend!!!

There will be hardships and tragedies in our life but we must continue to follow Jesus without understanding why certain things happen.  We might not know the reason for these life problems until we get to heaven but we still must continually act by faith.


Are you living a deedless faith?  Or performing faithless deeds? Instead strive to live a deedful faith.


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Saturday, July 30, 2016

Featuring the JULY 2016 "Highest CLIMBers"

We still have 2 days left to link up your amazing blog posts to the July CLIMB LinkyParty!
See the July features below:
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by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo CLIMBweek1_zpsrmdd1zwn.jpg
WELCOME to the final weekend of the July 2016 Chain Linky CLIMB where we feature the Highest CLIMBers!

It's the month long Networking Blog Hop where Cohosts & Guest Cohosts are added each week for ultimate exposure! 

Networking means helping each other grow!! 
If you want to promote a CLIMB link, then use #ChainLinkyCLIMB on Twitter or Google+ so that we can all help each other grow!

Here's how the Giveaway & Guest Cohosting works - the hosts, cohosts & Guest cohosts from the previous month's CLIMB will have the opportunity to participate in a Giveaway during the next CLIMB - that gives co-hosts 2 months in a row of blog growing fun!!  (If you would like to guest cohost please sign up at the end of this post using the last "Linky")
We have 2 permanent cohosts for week#2, 3 permanent cohosts for week#3 and eventually we will have 4 permanent cohosts for week#4 making a grand total of 11 hosts/cohosts each month & that's not even including Guest Cohosts!
God’s Growing Garden
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Highest CLIMBer Features for JULY 2016!!

Each permanent host & cohost has picked their favorite link from the previous month CLIMB!
Remember - all Highest CLIMBers are pinned to the
ChainLinkyCLIMB Pinterest Board
(click to view or follow)
Checkout 9 Highest CLIMBers featured in JUNE 2016:
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo CLIMBerG_zpsij327zos-1.jpg
Sunflower Summer Table by Fabby's Living
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo CLIMBerS_zpscetx9fbf-1.jpg
Fresh Fruit Popsicles by One Little Project
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo CLIMBerC_zpsdli4syvz-1.jpg
Repurposed Old Sled by Redo It Yourself Inspirations
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo CLIMBerB_zpstmkvf0q3.jpg
Repurposed Sewing Table to Phone Stand by Down Sprigg Lane
The Myrabev Life
Bench Makeover by Redo It Yourself Inspirations
 photo CLIMBerCo_zpskkalujye.jpg
Homemade Lip Balm by 
One Little Project
Lincluden Cottage Life
Deep South Beauty by Chronically Content
by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo CLIMBer1_zps03ixrzbl.jpg
10 Plant Based Foods to Prevent Inflammation by Healthy Helper
The Lady Prefers 2 Save
Easy DIY Whiteboard by One Little Project

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Also, our CLIMB GIVEAWAY!
Please enter below -one person will win:
- $10 Paypal cash from Eclectic Red Barn
- Your choice of 2 month small Ad spaces OR 1 month large Spotlighting Ad Space (for Blogs or Online Shops) on Butterfly in the Attic- $30 value
- 1 Sidebar Ad Space (for Blogs or Online Shops) on God's Growing Garden - $10 value
- 1 "Petoskey" Stone Necklace - $20 value
 photo CindyJuly16_zps2ole5hvo.jpg
"Petoskey" Stone Necklace
"It is a 30 inch stainless steel made-in-USA bead chain with Lake Michigan Petoskey stone"


by ShorelineDesigned
Total prize value is $70!!



CLIMB Giveaway Rules & Conditions:
- this is open worldwide (void where prohibited)
- You must be 18 years or older to enter
- You MUST have a blog to win the Ad spaces (otherwise these will become second place prizes)
- You MUST have a valid PayPal account to win the Paypal Cash (otherwise this will become a second place prize)
- You MUST have a mailing address in the lower 48 states of the USA in order to win the necklace (otherwise these will become a second place prizes)
- facebook, google & all other social media are NOT responsible for any part of this giveaway
- This Giveaway is open from July 1st, 2016 until July 31st, 2016

- Winner must respond to email within 48 hours or a different winner will be chosen
- Giveaway Hosts, Cohosts & Guest Cohosts can NOT enter this Giveaway!, however - JULY 2016 CLIMB blog hop co-hosts ARE allowed to enter this Giveaway (provided they are not also part of the Giveaway)
- correspondence is done through email and the winner's email addresses will only be used to deliver or set-up e-prizes.  Email addresses will NEVER be sold or shared.
- All prizes will be delivered by the contributing Bloggers/Shop Owners.
- if you have any questions or concerns about this Giveaway please email one of the hosts:




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Now onto the CLIMB (blog hop):
There are many ways to follow us:
Angie @ God's Growing Garden
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by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo ClimbRules_zpsoye4lmso.jpg
By participating in this blog hop your understand that your link might be featured &/or promoted on our blogs & social media.  Also, by participating in this blog hop your email address will be added to our CLIMB list & you will be sent an email reminder next month. 

CLIMB by Angie Ouellette-Tower for godsgrowinggarden.com photo ClimbLink_zpsf527c076.jpg

Remember - If you Guest Cohost you will receive a free Weekly Sidebar Ad and your blog button will appear on both Angie's blog & Angel's blog!!

(The Ad will run live a few weeks after you have co-hosted)


We are looking for amazing Bloggers like you to Guest Cohost the CLIMB! 
Please click the purple button below to sign up to Guest Cohost or click HERE!

God’s Growing Garden

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(Checkout this month's wonderful Sponsor!) 

Great Lakes stones & planet earth nautical jewelry - beautifully Handmade!
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Shoreline Designed HANDMADE at Amazon
Find out more about this amazing artist CLICK HERE

Friday, July 29, 2016

Freezing Goji Berries for Use in Winter Smoothies

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF7967_zps1hbfcznu.jpg

Freezing Goji Berries

Goji berries are not the best tasting berries out there but because they are so full of antioxidants my husband and I decided to start growing them a few years ago.  Goji berries are considered a "superfood".  They are packed with antioxidants and are said to help improve our vision, mood, immune system and so much more (again, I'm NOT a doctor - see my disclaimer at the end of this post).  These berries are also a good source of fiber & protein.

I freeze these berries to use in smoothies during the winter.

Wash, drain and "destem" (take the stems off) your goji berries. Spread your prepared berries on a wax paper lined cookie sheet.  Place them in a freezer for about 3 to 4 hours (or until goji berries are frozen).  Freezing the berries first will help prevent them from sticking together in the bag.

Now fill your baggies with the frozen berries. I use a vacuum packer but using ziploc baggies is also an option.  

Then seal each bag according to the manufacturer's instructions. Label and then it will be ready for winter usage. 

ENJOY!! 

Freeze before vacuum packing! - If you seal before freezing then you will have mushed gojis and juice all over the counter and inside your vacuum packing machine (and the bag will not seal properly).


by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8028_zpsumzvddtd.jpg

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo DSCF8029_zpsghmzyxk2.jpg

Click HERE if you would like to read:
How To Grow Your Own Goji Berry Plant From a Cutting

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Linked to:
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(Checkout this month's wonderful Sponsor!) 

Great Lakes stones & planet earth nautical jewelry - beautifully Handmade!
(click on the button below to visit her shop)

Shoreline Designed HANDMADE at Amazon
Find out more about this amazing artist CLICK HERE

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Weekly Thankfulness & Growth Report #24

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyTitle_zps5l1xvjx6.jpg


#24 - Weekly Thankfulness & Growth Report

If you were following this blog in 2015 then you will be familiar with my "365 Days of Being Thankful" challenge.  I have missed reporting on my thankfulness since I finished my challenge back in November so I decided to at least give a weekly Thankfulness Report & include a Growth Report also.  Growth in our Christian walk, growth in the garden & growth on this blog.  Finally, I am also including a "Posts From the Past" feature - ENJOY!

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyT_zpstrtwftz3.jpg
This week I have been thankful for cooler weather - even though it's still in the high 80's it's still much better than the high 90's - I am so thankful for a 10 degree difference.  I am also thankful that God heals and comforts in times of need.

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyCW_zps0mxvvxni.jpg
"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field.  When he came near the house he heard music & dancing.  So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on.  'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'  The older brother became angry and refused to go in.  So his father went out and pleaded with him.  But he answered his father, 'Look!  All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders.  Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.  But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home , you kill the fattened calf for him!'  'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me and everything I have is yours.  But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again;  he was lost and is found.' "  Luke 15:25-32
I did a two part series on The Prodigal Son a few years ago - this post boils down to forgiveness.
Read: The Prodigal Son - The Son Who Stayed Home

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekG_zpsvjqyntdx.jpg
So far, this year has been a good year for cucumbers.  For about the past 3 or 4 years we had a cucumber virus but so far this year I have not seen signs of that problem.

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeekGB_zpsfzke6lhk.jpg
- Here are my Follower stats:
GFC (Google Friends Connect) - 2,267

Bloglovin - 4,109
Twitter - 6,046
Pinterest - 5,476
Google+ - 2,288
Facebook - 4,420

Linky Followers - 108
Networked Blog - 1,203

Activate - 574
That's a grand total of 26,491 followers in some form or another (that's up 7 from last week!).

by Angie Ouellette-Tower for http://www.godsgrowinggarden.com/ photo WeeklyPFP_zpsqkg3jhiu.jpg
(click on the title to view the entire post)
Four years ago I shared with you one of my many zucchini creations:
Strawberry Zucchini Coffee Cake


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Linked to:
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Take Up The THANKFULNESS Challenge!
I challenge you to thank God for something everyday for one year!  Either write it down in a diary OR share with us on a blog.  If you have a blog & would like to share your THANKFULNESS posts with us, then please fill out this form: 365 Days of Being THANKFUL form - click HERE and you will be added to the THANKFULNESS page.

THANKFULNESS Challenge


Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Welcome! Wake Up Wednesday Linky #131

Welcome to another Wonderful #WakeUpWednesdayLinky! #131
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 Wake Up Wednesday "Linky" Party
@ Sew Crafty Angel

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We are so excited to have so many amazing bloggers party with us.
Check out this weeks Featured linkups.


Thank you so much to all those who share your blog in our party. 

 Wake Up and be happy, get excited and have fun with us! 
We want to be inspired, entertained, laugh and have a good time!


Your link will appear on the blogs of

Please take time to visit your hostesses.




            


               

                    


               

          

                  


                  


Interested in Co-Hosting Wake Up Wednesday?
Email me and I will be in touch with you?
sewcraftyangel@gmail.com


This weeks 
Featured Bloggers

HELLO KITTY BENTO LUNCH
Totally The Bomb

You know what was really annoying when I was a kid? Sandwiches. Sandwiches, every single day for lunch, unless it was one of those rare occasions that I managed to convince my parents to give me money for Friday Pizza Day. If you want your kids to grow up without a lingering resentment for anything that’s served between two slices of Wonder Bread, you’ve got to change it up once in a while. And if you’ve got Hello Kitty fanatics in your family, then you need to give this Hello Kitty Bento Lunch a shot!


Blueberry Pie Filling Recipe
Ann's Entitled Life

Make your own blueberry pie filling with this tasty, easy to make blueberry pie filling recipe. These simple step by step instructions will make your blueberry canning a breeze! Make blueberries pies, blueberry crumbles, bars and more using a delicious homemade blueberry pie filling that you made yourself.


Crockpot Baked Potatoes
Frugal In Florida

It's summertime here and MAN IS IT HOT OUTSIDE!
Like, sweltering hot!

So, rather than turn on the oven and make the kitchen hotter than it already was, I opted to make the baked potatoes in the crockpot.


ARE WE STARVING THE HEARTS OF OUR CHILDREN?
Deep Roots at Home
My heart is breaking for the souls of our children. I am thinking there might be a negative reaction from readers on this topic. I need to speak the truth, for what is the use of a blog if not to influence our culture? Please do not confuse this with me thinking I have all the answers. I know I don’t, but there is trouble already in the making.



Frozen Raspberry Cheesecake
Lou Lou Girls

Every Sunday we have family dinner with all our kids that are available and we try out new recipes that we can share with you. It has been crazy, hot around here! That makes me crave anything cold and fresh! Because of this, I decided to make a frozen raspberry cheesecake, and boy am I glad that I did!


burlap container gardening
Master"pieces" of my life

we all know burlap has been trending for.ev.er now.  and i really like to marry it with natural elements so why not plants & flowers?


DIY Baby Diaper Wreath for Baby Showers
Sew Crafty Angel

It's seems like everybody I know is having a baby.
I've got 5 baby showers coming up.  Seriously!

I love to DIY so I started playing with the baby shower wreath idea.



Hang Onto Your Drawers | Thrift Store Decor
Petticoat Junktion

Today is Thrift Store Decor Day and the drawer was a thrifty find from my favorite thrift/junk store. I was using it to hold those small bottles of acrylic paint but it was better than that. Those bottles can sit in a box.



Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe
You Brew My Tea

This Blueberry Bread Pudding Recipe is one that comes from my long standing love of bread pudding, and my desire to somehow make it appear to be a healthier dessert by adding fruit into it.  Okay, so admittedly this is just totally not healthy in the least, but I love the combination of adding blueberries that I already love to the favorite flavors of bread pudding.



Hoosier Homemade
Cat Condo: Made from a Wood Pallet

It’s time to pamper our kitties a bit! This Cat Condo that is made from a wood pallet has a spot for feeding, relaxing, playing and scratching.




TRIED AND TRUE: BLUEBERRIES AND CREAM QUICK BREAD
Cooking in Stilettos

I absolutely love whipping up a quick bread for brunch – it’s easy to make and no need for me to face my irrational fear of all things yeast breads and the “OMG will it rise” conundrum.  One day I’ll face that baking bread from scratch fear – just not now.  I love that a quick bread comes together somewhat fast and for something that inspires me to turn on the oven in this summer heatwave, you know it has to be a recipe that is so worth me braving the heat (and the AC bills).



CUCUMBER BITES WITH SUNDRIED TOMATO RIBBONS
Whole Food : Real Families

There are times when you just don’t feel good about showing up empty handed. For example, when my neighbors invite us over to a barbeque. Or we’re invited for dinner with work friends for the first time. Maybe it is my southern upbringing, but when you know someone is going out of their way to be kind to you and your family, showing up with something in your hands to contribute to the table just feels right


Three Cheese Mini Macaroni Cups
Create With Joy

When you think of comfort food, what dishes come to mind? Chances are high that macaroni and cheese quickly rolled off of your tongue!
Did you know that macaroni and cheese has been on America’s top ten list of comfort food for decades and consistently ranks on the top ten list of favorite foods for children as well?

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Link up your funny stories, DIY posts, crafts, decorating, fashion, makeup, health & fitness, recipes, mommy moments -- anything at all, as long as it is family-friendly.  Please visit some other bloggers and make some new friends and say hello to old friends..
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Adding your link to this blog hop gives Sew Crafty Angel permission to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts.  Note- All features on Sew Crafty Angel And Co-Hosts will be linked back to the original source .Social media features are linked back to the linky party.




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Link up to the #ChainLinkyCLIMB blog hop! 
Don't forget to enter the great GIVEAWAY also!
The CLIMB is a month long networking Linky!
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Click HERE to link up your amazing posts



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