Nancy’s Kitchen

I’m not talking about having a scripture always on our tongue, though always in our mind is good.

I’m not talking about Bible Studies on office time, though Bible study is good.

I’m talking about bringing the Kingdom of God into the marketplace in all our thoughts, words, and doings. Not religious talk. Not “Christianese.” Many of us need to learn a new language… doing away with all the typical jargon of the church. We also need to do away with any “superior” or “know-it-all” attitudes we may have picked up. Psalm 139:23-24 should be our constant prayer and underpinning: “Search me, O God,and know my heart, Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.” We cannot be the image of Christ to the world if we are offending them by our attitudes.

The business world, the marketplace, the everyday world, is where Jesus lived. He lived where we live. He ministered where He was, whether in the religious meetings or at the restaurant (think “woman at the well”), walking down the street, or at a dinner party. It didn’t matter. Jesus was Jesus, never changing, always constant in love and truth. Sure, He had some strong words for some people, but He “only spoke what He heard the Father speak”… He did not launch into a self-righteous tirade - ever.

In his letter to the Ephesian church, Paul says it well: “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing forbearance to one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-2)

Whether a business-owner, an employee, or a customer, business-as-usual can certainly be business-as ministry. This is Richard’s heart’s desire as a business-owner. He is constantly in a “place of ministry” as he represents Christ to his employees, his consultants, and his clients. Please keep him in prayer. Thank you.

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Richard & I recently visited our friend and brother, Carlos Jiménez and his wife, Lissette, and their four children (Carla, Nehemias, Benjamin, & Juan Carlos). We had a lovely week-end with them. One evening, Lissette made the most wonderful warm punch! Here is the recipe, but of course you have to add a large measure of Love to make it really taste just right!!

In a large pot, covered with water, cook:

3 apples, cut in half

2 pieces of ginger root, cut in half length-wise

5 or 6 sticks of cinnamon

Cook until apples are soft but still together, and cinnamon sticks are unwinding.

Pour liquid into warm mugs. Squeeze 1/2 a lime into each mug, and sweeten to taste… about 1 large tablespoon of honey. Stir well and serve steamy-hot.

Mmmmmmm…… Thanks, Lissette!

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