February 28 – Run a Good Race

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3 

Run that race to the finish line. Like Jesus to the cross—giving up everything. Like Paul—keep going without complaining. The finish line leads to heaven—to everlasting life with Jesus and with God the Father, Himself. What could be better? Nothing. Why is Christian life described as a race, not a stroll or a jog? We need to train, we have a goal—and there will be winners. A stroll may have a loose goal, but no hurry or winners. And likewise, a jog is more casual, with no real winner. There will be winners, finishers in this Christian race. Keep your eyes on Jesus the scripture tells us. He is the one we are to model ourselves after as we run this race. Keep Him in view…don’t let Him out of your site. And as the going gets tough—don’t give up, get tired or discouraged. Hang in there, persevere, and keep going.

Training Tip – Take your family out for a race. Kids love competition. Set a starting line and a finish line. You may even want to give prizes. Chocolate filled gold coins are always great. If possible, do a three legged race with the kids to give the littlest ones an advantage. Before or after the race read them this scripture in Hebrews and talk about how we need to persevere as we run a long race—keep going even if we get tired or discouraged.  

As we finish out this month of February look once again at your children’s character traits. Have you identified their strengths and weaknesses? Do you know what characteristics you need to help them develop? What changes do your need to make in your own character to help you be more like Jesus? 

Lord, help my children and grandchildren to persevere as they follow You through this race in life. Give them goals that are worthy to achieve and that would be pleasing to you.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 27 - Keep on Doing Good

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. Galatians 6:9 

Persevere—don’t get tired or discouraged. This verse also reminds us that we reap what we sow, as illustrated negatively in Job 4:8 NKJV…Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow trouble reap the same. Try to “plant” some good things, not trouble—so that you can reap or harvest good things like respect of friends and family, self-control, kindness, joy and self-respect. Those character traits will be evident to those around you…and will be taught to your children, without a lesson. Children learn what they live…and what those around them live. Remember how they are just little sponges, soaking up what they see and hear? 

Training Tip – Good Deed for Your Neighborhood. Find a spot along a safe road near your home. Determine if you need to get permission from some government agency before you start a family clean-up project. 

Provide gloves and a garbage bag for each of your family members. Go to your “clean up” spot and walk along picking up the litter and trash that has been discarded. When the kids get tired, encourage them to keep working. Remind them how good the roadway will look when you all are finished. Keep on working until they are ready to drop…and then encourage them not to give up. Don’t use a bribe of a treat to persuade them to continue picking up the trash. They need to learn the value of hard work for work itself. 

Afterwards look at how good the roadway looks and praise them for their good work. Praise God that He has given you all strength to do this helpful task for your community. After an essential hand washing effort, is a surprise trip to your favorite ice cream shop a worthy treat for their community service? When they’ve finished the clean-up project, tell them that they reap what they sow…a good treat in return for their good work. I’m sure the kiddos will be in favor of that!  

Lord – Sometimes we get tired. Tired of helping others. Tired of just doing good at home, school, and work. Give us perseverance to finish what we start and to continue to do what You would want us to do. Good work.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 26 – Love Gives Hope

… we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 

Characteristics like Jesus—for that is what we are striving. God never promised that life would be easy…Jesus’ life wasn’t easy. But we have been promised joy and hope that can encourage us to persevere—to keep on going when the struggles in life seem overwhelming—when it seems like others don’t care. Those “tribulations” and trials are opportunities for us to persevere. Remember that even though we may want life to be about “ME,” it is not. It is all about HIM—about Jesus—for us to be like Him. This scripture tells us that when we persevere, we develop proven character—that is the character of Christ Jesus. God’s love is the key. He is willing to fill us with the Holy Spirit—just ask God to give you more of the Holy Spirit to help you through your trials and temptations. Is God first in your life today, or are you still wanting to sit on your own throne and being King or Queen of your own life? 

Training Tip – Does your child know what it means to persevere—to keep going when under stress?

Have your child hold out their arms and then pile heavy books on their arms saying with each one—“This is one problem…and another problem. Keep hanging on…don’t drop them. Can you hold one more?” When they can’t hold another book…say, “Jesus will help you with your problems, because He loves you.”  

Then take the books away one by one…maybe even saying something like…”Ask Jesus for help” or “He cares about your big problems and your little problems.” “God loves you.” “Keep on looking to Jesus for help—don’t give up.”  

Lord – Thank you that You love us enough help us keep on, keeping on—to persevere. May Your character shine through us as You fill us with the Holy Spirit and give us hope.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 25 - Rewards

…do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. Romans 2:4-8

 

For Christians the reward of perseverance in unselfishly seeking and serving God for His glory and honor is eternal life! Selfishness has its own greedy reward and this passage tells us that the reward is wrath and indignation. Whoa! No one in their right mind seeks to get God’s wrath. Are they so blindsided by their own selfish goals that they just don’t see the road that it is leading them down? Look around you—where are you headed? Make sure that you are choosing the narrow way that is described in this passage from Matthew 7:13-14: Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it. If life is too easy and you are always getting your own way…then look again, you may be headed down the wide path. 

Training Tip – Go back to the board game you created from the February 20^th Training Tip. Use it again to emphasize the importance of making good choices and that people will be rewarded for their deeds. 

Lord – You are worthy of all glory and honor—not us. Help us to make good choices that bring You honor and glory.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 24 – Fruit with Perseverance

But the seed in the good soil, these are the ones who have heard the word in an honest and good heart, and hold it fast, and bear fruit with perseverance. Luke 8:15

Persevere – to persist and continue to deal with stress in our lives, not giving in to weakness or compliancy. For Christians this means to continue pressing on so we can accomplish what God has called us to do.

When the seed, or God word, falls on you as in the parable that Jesus told in this Luke passage, is it falling on good soil—a healthy heart where it will produce good works of the Spirit? 

Training Tip – Plant some seeds with your children putting some in rocky soil, some in some dirt with thorns, and for a little science lesson some in sand and some in clay, and lastly, some in good soil. Watch the seeds as they grow and discuss the parable that Jesus told about the sowing seeds in the different soils (Luke 8:4-15). Help them to understand that the good soil represents the heart of an honest person—one who keeps on being kind to others even when faced with challenges and disappointments.

 

Dear Lord, help my children and grandchildren to want to serve you and to be persistent about doing things Your way when things don’t go their way. Bless them in all they do today and help them to make good decisions.  

Happy Birthday, Debbie.

You are highly valued because of your great character and strength.

May God continue to richly bless and guide you

as you seek and serve Him wtih love and grace.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 23 - Throw Off the Old Sinful Nature

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy. So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. Ephesians 4:21-25 NLT

Jesus cannot lie. It isn’t that He doesn’t choose not to lie, it is impossible for God to lie as it says in Hebrews 6:18. God wants us to be like Jesus—that is our goal, to have a character like Jesus.

Paul was so descriptive. The New American Standard Bible translation says to “lay aside the old self”, but I can really see action in the New Living Translation…“Throw off your old sinful nature.” See yourself throwing your old way of life—that sinful nature—just like a rock into the deepest depths of a lake or the ocean. Heave-ho. Give it your best—chuck it way out there so it won’t come back. As your mind and your thoughts are renewed by the Holy Spirit, you can rejoice that your new nature will be pleasing to God—honest, kind, good, holy and righteous. Tell others about the change that God has made in your life. 

Training Tip – Take your family to a lake, river or the ocean. Talk about how God wants us to give up sinful or bad ways in our lives, including telling lies. Give each person a rock and have them write their name and a bad habit or bad character trait on it. If they are too young to write, you can write it for them. Then throw your rock into the body of water…and have each person one at a time throw away their sinful nature. After everyone has thrown their rock, pray and ask God to fill your hearts with good things--opposite of those thrown away..Sing a praise song to God.

 

Lord, we want to be more like you, honest and true. Help us to be good witnesses, too, telling others about the good things that You have done for us.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 22 – Truthful Like George

Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may appear unapproved. For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we ourselves are weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, that you be made complete.  2 Corinthians 13:7-9

The story of George Washington chopping down his father’s cherry tree—and then admitting, “I cannot tell a lie, Pa...” was taught to children as a lesson in morality from American History. Ironically this tale may have been fabricated by Washington’s biographer Parson Weems. How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? Job 6:25 This scripture from Job illustrates that we need to be careful what we hear, as well as what we speak. 

Training Tip – Play the game of “gossip” with your family. While everyone is seated in a circle one person reads a message and whispers it to the person next to him. Then around the circle everyone whisper what they heard to the person next to them. The last person says what they heard aloud and it is compared with the original message. This game illustrates that words spoken may not always be what is hear. Although each person is trying to honestly repeat what they heard, it may not be what was true. Honesty is truth in action. We can’t get caught up in gossip and still be honest. A double lesson.  

Lord God, help us to do no wrong, to speak no wrong against others. May Your love and truth shine through us. 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

What could be more appropriate for the dinner table tonight than Cherry Pie. This time of year there won’t be any fresh cherries available, so you’ll have to use frozen or canned cherries. So did George Washington really chop down a cherry tree?

Frozen Cherry Pie with Tapioca

Ingredients:

4 cups frozen unsweetened cherries (thawed and very well drained)

3/4 cup sugar (or ½ cup honey)

1 tablespoon plus 1 ½ teaspoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons quick-cooking tapioca

½ teaspoon almond extract

1 teaspoon half-and half cream

2 -3 teaspoons sugar

Two-crust pastry pie shell (use coconut oil instead of shortening for a healthy pie crust) 

Directions:

Set oven to 425 degrees. Prepare a glass 8-inch pie plate.  Roll out one pastry into about a 9-1/2-inch circle. Gently fit into bottom of the pie plate. 

In a bowl combine the well-drained cherries, 3/4 cup sugar (or honey), cornstarch, tapioca, and almond extract; toss gently to combine. Spoon the cherry mixture into the pie crust. Top with remaining pastry. Press edges of bottom and top pastry together, then trim and flute. Cut a couple of steam vents in the top pastry. Brush the top of the crust with half and half cream, then sprinkle with 2-3 teaspoons sugar. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch spills. 

Bake at 425 degrees for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 375 degrees, continue to bake for about 45-50 minutes longer or until crust is golden and the pie is bubbly (cover edges with foil if necessary to prevent browning). 

Cool pie on a rack, before slicing. Enjoy! 

Happy Birthday – George Washington!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 21 – An Honest Handshake

Sinners in Zion are terrified; Trembling has seized the godless. "Who among us can live with the consuming fire? Who among us can live with continual burning?" He who walks righteously and speaks with sincerity, He who rejects unjust gain and shakes his hands so that they hold no bribe; he who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking upon evil; he will dwell on the heights, his refuge will be the impregnable rock; his bread will be given him, his water will be sure. Your eyes will see the King in His beauty; they will behold a far-distant land. Isaiah 33:14-17  

This scripture describes a person who is living right before God (righteous), honest and his handshake shows his honesty. If a person has a wad of money for a bribe in his hand, then he can’t openly shake hands with another person. No bribe was necessary for the honest fellow. 

Training Tip – Teach your kids that the reason for handshake was originally to show a gesture of peace and that neither person held a weapon. Handshakes are important in sports for showing good sportsmanship, in greeting friends, and in business. Show your children the value of a firm handshake. Give them a fishy, limp handshake, then an overly enthusiastic hard gripping handshake, and lastly a nice firm handshake. Encourage them to always give a nice firm handshake and to look people in the eye as they shake their hand. 

Lord – Help us to always reject unjust gain or bribes and to show our honesty in our actions, rejecting evil for we want to see You—the King in all Your beauty.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 20 - Choices for Honesty

A Psalm of David. O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart. He does not slander with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend; in whose eyes a reprobate is despised, but who honors those who fear the LORD; he swears to his own hurt and does not change; he does not put out his money at interest, nor does he take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things will never be shaken.  Psalm 15:1-5

Just like David—if we want to dwell with God, we must walk in integrity—honestly before the Lord. No slander, no evil, but honoring God and those around him. 

We have dear friends who were missionaries in Africa for many years. We love hearing them tell stories about their life there. One of her favorite stories is of her husband refusing to pay a bribe—and that is just what he did again when he and my husband went to Peru on a mission trip to show the Jesus film. He refused to pay for a movie projector to clear customs. For people in other countries bribes are just a way of life—but for honest Christians and Americans, that is not normal, honorable or necessary. Our friend is above reproach—a man of highest integrity. He would neither pay, offer nor require a bribe. He speaks the truth with God’s love.  

Training Tip – Choices. Make a small board game with questions for choices that people/kids make. Reward good choices with tokens or additional spaces around the board. Poor choices could result in having to go back spaces. The winner is the one who gets around the board first…with the most tokens, if used. 

Lord – Help us to make good choices that show our honesty.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 19 - Honesty

… Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need--one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.  Hebrews 7:24-26 NIV

Honest—doing and saying what is right and true. Being accurate with facts. Being straight with others and with God. Honest as the day is long…and in the summer, that can be a long time. Jesus was honest…and never lied. He expects the same of us. That is why He responded to the question, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” by saying to keep the commandments, including the one…“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.” Exodus 20:16 Bearing false witness is plain and simple lying. Lying doesn’t bring honor to the person doing it, or to their family or even to their friends. It is not a quality of which anyone could possibly be proud—although that is a gang trait that some have to go through to be accepted.

Honesty is a quality that is so very important to instill in your children. I remember as a child having to take my youngest brother back into a store to return some candy that he had taken. He was only about four years old, but it was still wrong, and my mother insisted that he return the candy. At least he hadn’t opened or eaten it yet. It was humiliating to have to go to the store owner and give it back, but I took him by the hand and the storekeeper was gracious enough to take back the candy. I was watchful of my brother so that we didn’t have to go through that humiliating act again. He never helped himself to another candy treat, or anything else without paying for it. Now he is well respected for being honest and hard working. Through that lesson our mother taught us all the importance of honesty.    

Training Tip – What can you do to instill honesty in your children? First of all pray for them that they would have self-control. Trust God that He will work in their lives. Even though you do trust God, you are still accountable for your children. Teach them by example. As always in any character development, your actions speak louder than words. Watch their actions. Reward good behavior. Calmly and quietly discuss any unmet expectations.  

Lord – Help_______(my child or grandchild) to be self-controlled, honest and pure (Titus 2:6-8). Guide them as they make decisions today. May all of our lives be pleasing to You.  

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 18 – Holding Up Our Friends

Then Amalek came and fought against Israel at Rephidim. So Moses said to Joshua, "Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek. Tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand." Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought against Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set. So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.  Exodus 17:8-13 

I love this story of Moses, Aaron and Hur. Moses’ arms must have gotten so tired. All the Israelites want to win their battle, but if Moses lowered His arms, God allowed the Amalek’s army to win. So his friends held up his arms and the Israelites. That is true loyalty and friendship—standing there with your friends to support and encourage them. Would you do the same for your friends? Imagine a hot day—friends trying to do some life threatening task. Or maybe it’s you—would your friends stand up for you…hold up your arms?  

Training Tip – Read the story of Moses, Aaron and Hur. Have one member of your family hold up his (or her) arms like Moses and see how long he can hold up. Cheer him on—encourage him. Then have two others step in and hold up his arms for a few more minutes. How does each of them feel? Discuss the loyalty those helpers showed by holding up “Moses” arms. 

Lord – Once again I declare my loyalty to You. Like Aaron and Hur I would hold up Your arms in any battle. There is a spiritual battle going on unseen. Please hold me up as well.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 17 – Loyalty through Loyal Deeds

Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my loyal deeds which I have performed for the house of my God and its services. Nehemiah 13:14 

Loyal deeds for the church—providing support for the pastor, staff and others at church. In Nehemiah’s day this was about caring for the Levites and the singers—who when they weren’t provided for had to go out into the fields and gather their own food, so they weren’t in the synagogue taking care of the Lord’s business. God had prescribed exact duties for the Levites and they were to be taken care of with the tithe. We recently visited a church in South Carolina, The Cathedral of Praise, and the pastor gave an excellent sermon on tithing—giving a tenth of our income to the Lord. That hasn’t changed since the Old Testament days. Even Jesus said that we are to give. That is one way of expressing our faith and loyalty to God. He promises to bless us IF we return a tenth of our income (gross, not net) to Him. 

Nehemiah asked that the Lord remember Him. As we worship and serve the Lord we can again recall that He has promised to never leave or forsake us. How can He forget us if He is always with us? No worries. God will not forget you or your deeds. 

Training Tip – With your family make a list of your loyal friends and family. Make a list of those to whom you are loyal. Compare the lists—who are in common to both lists. What qualities in their character draw you to want to be loyal to them? What character qualities do you have that make others want to be loyal to you? What are you doing to encourage those traits in your children and grandchildren? 

Lord – Remember me for the things I have done for You, Lord. Show me new ways that I can serve You and express my loyalty. 

Finishing up the Random Acts of Kindness Week—how did you show kindness today? 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 16 – Loyalty to God, Family, Friends and Yourself

Many a man proclaims his own loyalty, but who can find a trustworthy man? ... Loyalty and truth preserve the king, and he upholds his throne by righteousness. Proverbs 20:6, 28  

But Peter said to Him, "Even though all may fall away because of You, I will never fall away." Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you that this very night, before a rooster crows, you will deny Me three times." Peter said to Him, "Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You." All the disciples said the same thing too.  Matthew 26:33-35 

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 

Three, actually four, examples of loyalty in scripture. People proclaim or declare their loyalty—like Peter and the other disciples, “I won’t deny you.” With our friends, we say—I’m here for you. In the marriage ceremony we declare our love, faithfulness, and loyalty to our spouse—until death do us part. When we dedicate our children to the Lord, we declare our devotion and loyalty to God and promise to raise the children that He has blessed us with for Him. In baptism we declare our belief in Jesus, as well as devotion and loyalty. One of my favorite verses in the Bible God promised, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5. Claim that promise now and always. I do.  That is a promise of God’s loyalty to us—He will never leave us or forsake us.  

Training Tip – Make an acrostic as you discuss what it is to be loyal.

            L – loving

            O – others

            Y – yourself

            A – always

            L – lasting 

Lord – Just as You have promised to never leave or forsake me, I promise to never leave or forsake You. Help me to instill this loyalty in my children and grandchildren. 

Continuing with the Random Acts of Kindness Week—to whom did you show kindness today? 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 15 – Find Life - Hide & Seek - Tasty Pie Crust

He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness and honor. Proverbs 21:21 

Pursue – to follow, seek, chase, hunt. Look for something intently. When you find loyalty in your own heart—instill it in your children or grandchildren’s hearts. Loyalty to God, to family, friends, their school, and themselves. According to this verse when a person finds loyalty then they get life, righteousness and honor. Can we assume that to be eternal life? Eternal life only comes through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Seek Him and give Him your loyalty…then eternal life will be yours. Righteousness is simply right living before God. That happens when a person accepts Christ as their savior and makes a change in their lifestyle—in their very personality and in their character. Loyalty results in righteousness and honor.  

Training Tip – Change up the game of Hide and Seek.  Write out the word “LOYALTY” on a piece of paper. Then hide the paper and let everyone try to find it. Repeat the game until everyone has had a chance to find the hidden “LOYALTY.” 

Lord – I am seeking You with all my heart, soul and mind.  

Continuing with the Random Acts of Kindness Week—how did you show kindness today? 

Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table

One of my Mom’s best recipes and long-time family favorite was her flaky pie crust. Originally it was from the cookbook that came with her range, but she tweeked it and prefected it to be her own over the years. So here it is for you to try for yourself. 

Mom’s Never Fail Flaky Pie Crust

3 cups flour, sift before measuring

1 ½ tsp salt

6 Tbsp cold water

1 cup + 2 Tbsp shortening 

Stir flour and salt together in a bowl. Take out ½ cup of this mixture and mix with water to form a paste. Cut shortening into remaining flour mixture until pieces are the size of small peas. Add flour paste to blended flour and shortening mixture. Mix with a fork until the dough comes together and can be shaped into a ball. Divide in half, rolling out both crusts about 1/8 inch thick. Makes a flaky two-crust pie. Fill with your favorite filling: apple, cherry, blueberry, or rhubarb and top with the second crust. Most fruit filled pies bake at 425 degrees F for 30-50 minutes depending if the fruit is canned, frozen or fresh. 

To bake for a single crust pie, crimp the edges of the pie in the pie pan and prick the bottom of pastry so that it will not bubble up. Bake at 425 degrees F for 12-15 minutes. Cool and fill.

 

It is easy to multiply this recipe and make three two-crust pies at one time. Bake one and freeze the other two for later use. 

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 14 - Loyalty

For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice, and in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 

 

Loyalty is remaining committed to God, those He has brought into our lives, or to ourselves even in times of difficulty. God puts people in our paths to serve Him—opportunities of service and sometimes a test of loyalty. Some other translations use the word “mercy” rather than “loyalty” for this verse in Hosea. God was looking for an attitude of mercy in the Hebrew people. They were performing a ritualistic religion, not really worshipping God, so He wanted them to change their attitude and be loyal to Him. To really know Him. Imagine that! He just wanted His chosen people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. God hasn’t changed. So what in new under the sun? Are people pretty much the same today? Each individual is accountable to God for the way he or she worships the Lord…if they do indeed worship God at all. To worship Him, they must know Him. So search your own soul and see where you stand with the Lord. Do you know Him? Do you want to know Him even more deeply?

What are you doing for Lent this year? Giving up TV, chocolate or sodas? Have you considered just spending more time with the Lord? Or..how about a change in your character traits? What change do you need to make? I personally need to be less critical--so I will work on being more positve and encouraging to others. Jesus was like that...He encouraged Martha to spend more time like her sisiter, Mary...worshipping Him! 

Training Tip – Loyalty is usually characterized by blue. Give your children each a piece of blue ribbon, about two or three inches wide and two or three feet long. Put on some praise music and let them do a ribbon dance to the music praising God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Focusing our time and worship on God shows our loyalty to Him. 

Lord – I delight in knowing You and may my attitude always reflect my loyalty to you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Birthday, KENDALL! May God continue to richly bless you!

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 13 – Walk in Integrity

Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is crooked though he be rich. Proverbs 28:6 

Walk in the paths of righteousness, for His name sake, like in Psalm 23. Rightousness—right living in God’s way, with integrity. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You.  Psalms 25:21 It is good to have integrity in life—to walk in an upright way before man and God. What good would it be to be rich if a person were not honest and upright, a person with integrity? His conscience wouldn’t allow him to truly enjoy his money, his riches. It is better to have a clear conscience and be poor, to live an upright and honest life, even in poverty.

Psalm 25:21 tells us…Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. Integrity and right living will preserve or save us…from harm and from stupid stuff or evil that would get us in trouble. 

Training Tip – In a sandbox or bucket filled with sand stand up some popsicle stick like people. Have some of them standing straight up and others falling over. Explain that those that are standing upright are the people of integrity who live right and please God. Those who are falling down are those who are weak and evil. Which do you want to be?   

Lord – May my children and grandchildren have the virtue of integrity in their lives that will protect them from evil. 

Continuing with the Random Acts of Kindness Week—how did you show kindness today?

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 12 – God—The Shepherd with Integrity

So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them with his skillful hands. Psalms 78:72

 

God is the shepherd with integrity—according to this scripture verse. From the most well known Psalm…The Lord is my shepherd…Psalm 23. He is one who cares deeply about His creation—man. He leads with love, honesty, truth, honor, and veracity those He “shepherds.” 

As we build and shape the character of our children and grandchildren we want them to be like Jesus…to walk in an honorable, trustworthy, honest, and dependable manner. But there is somehow more to integrity than that—there is a level of respect that can’t just be conjured up or created—it is inherent. If it a natural or inborn quality, can it be taught? It certainly can be encouraged.  

Training Tip – Make up a song about integrity.

            Integrity is honesty—I will always tell the truth.

            Integrity is trustworthy—You can always trust me, too.

            Integrity is dependable—I will do what I’m told to do.

            Integrity is part of me—that is how I want to be. 

Lord – You are my shepherd. I look to You to guide me in Your paths of righteousness and walk as You walk with integrity. 

Continuing with the Random Acts of Kindness Week—what are you doing today to show kindness?

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 11 – No Wrong

You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measurement of weight, or capacity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin; I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt. You shall thus observe all My statutes and all My ordinances and do them; I am the LORD.  Leviticus 19:35-37 

 

Integrity—what you do when no one is looking. It is such a combination of elements working together. Small qualities that make up the whole. Integrity is another of those virtues in which you want to treat others like you want to be treated. Honesty. Truthfulness. Dependability. Those with high integrity are those who you want to model your life after. Just like Jesus. The word “integrity” is never really used to describe Jesus in the New Testament—but He is the epitome of integrity.

We’re only human. God expects those who love and follow Him to “do no wrong” in their business dealings. That is what the “measurement of weight or capacity is all about. How do you feel when you buy 5 pounds of apples and get only 4 pounds? Cheated. How do you think it makes you look if you sit at your desk for 8 hours and only actually work 7 hours of that recorded time? Your next performance report likely will reflect that, and it may mean that you don’t get a raise or bonus that you expect. 

Training Tip – Make a game of “Integrity” with three boxes that contain bad, good and great items. The Box Number 1 (“Bad” Box) could have broken, rotten or burnt things. The Box Number 2 (“Good” Box) would have unbroken things, while Box Number 3 (“Great” Box) could hold special treats. Let the children draw cards and then reach into the corresponding box to choose something. Let them express what they expected, got, and liked best. Just like those items, people have qualities. We want to be the best—so we need to be honest, truthful and dependable—people of high integrity. 

Lord – Show us if we have any flaws in the integrity of our character. Then help us fix whatever is wrong in our lives.

 

This is the beginning of the Random Acts of Kindness Week (February 11 – 17). What will you do for others this week…this month…this year?

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

February 10 - INTRGRITY

These are the records of the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his time; Noah walked with God. Genesis 6:9 

Integrity appears 27 times in the New American Standard Version of the Bible, but only in the Old Testament. Integrity is the obedience to the moral values of honesty, truthfulness, and reliability.  Noah was judged by God Himself to be a man of integrity—even when no one else was honorable. Remember the story of Noah—only he and his family were spared when God destroyed all the people of the world because they had become so evil. God had standards and must have instilled those values in the hearts of all the people of the earth—but they chose to live in wicked ways. Several hundred years later He gave the Hebrew people His laws, in the form of the Ten Commandments, so they would know how to live to please Him. 

 We still have those guidelines to live by—and if we live honestly—then we will be considered people of integrity. 

Training Tip – Explain or discuss the word integrity with your children. Ask them who they think are honest people who live the way God wants us to live. We all need to have models or mentors in our lives. Be that mentor to your children. Determine to live a life of integrity and raise your children in that way. 

Lord – Help us to be like Noah—and like Jesus. People of integrity.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.