Glorious... "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" Isaiah 55:8-9 The Heavenʼs declare the Glory of God Photoʼs; complements of Hubble telescope. This past Christmas I received a book from friends, The Heavens Proclaim His Glory created and compiled by Lisa Stilwell. It is a spectacular view of creation through the lens of the Hubble Telescope. I was captivated, awestruck and to tell the truth, cognitively challenged at the shear magnitude of the universe we are part of. The universe is big. Really big. See if this excerpt from a sermon by Peter Budd, (2009) helps stretch your perspective. We live on a modest planet circling a modest star off one of the spiral arms in the Milky Way galaxy. Our sun is one of perhaps 200 billion stars in the Milky Way. If we could travel at the speed of light, it would take us 100,000 years to cross our galaxy. And 2 1/2 million years to reach the next one - Andromeda. And there are probably more than 100 billion galaxies in the observable universe. Wow, the universe is really, really big. Trying to contemplate all that is, and all that has been created gives rise to the big question: How big must God be? Reading through the first chapter of Genesis, the Bible tells step by step how God spoke it all into being. Our amazing, awesome God is so big, so powerful that what He utters, happens! During this season of Lent, this time of renewal, letʼs bask anew with awe and wonder, in the magnitude and incomprehensibility of a God whose thoughts and ways are higher - as the heavens are than the earth. May He lead our hearts to Worship Him. Spiral Galaxy M100 The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant, all that remains of a tremendous stellar explosion. Observers in China and Japan recorded the supernova in 1054 NGC 3603, a prominent starforming region in the Carina Spiral Arm of the Milky Way, about 20,000 light-years away God spoke this reminder to us through the prophet Isaiah 55:8-9, as well as to His people Israel declaring that His ways are not our ways. We are finite and bound by limits of time, space, understanding. He is above all power; majestic and limitless. We are sinful and our thoughts are tainted by imperfection. He alone is Perfect and Holy in all His ways. John Macarthur speaks to the answers found in Genisis 1: "God made it all. He spoke the heavens and the earth into existence. Their vastness, their complexity, their beauty, and their sheer number all reveal the glory and wisdom of an all-powerful Creator. And they remind us how amazing it is that such a great Creator would lavish His grace and favor on the human race." We know that Lent is a time for renewal and repentence. Romans 12:2 tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. "Yet many facets of God expand beyond our comprehension. He cannot be contained in this world, explained by our vocabulary, or grasped by our understanding" Francis Chan; Crazy Love. God is holy, distinct from us. "And because of His set apart-ness, there is no way we can ever fathom all of who He is." Isnʼt it a comfort to worship a God we cannot exaggerate? The Hubble photos are a testimony to Psalm 19. The heavens donʼt speak Russian, Chinese, or English, but there is no language where they canʼt be heard. Deuteronomy 29:29 tells us "the secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of the law." To gaze at the photos from the Hubble is a bit like spying on the glories of heaven. King David ascribed glory to God in his psalm of thanks, found in 1Chronicles:16:26, 27 "...Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy in his dwelling place." God revealed Himself to David and promises to reveal Himself to us - who seek him with our whole heart and soul (Deut.4:29). Godʼs wisdom can be known to the human heart only through revelation by Holy Spirit (Acts 2:10.14), through scripture reading and prayer. When the heart is responsive to Godʼs voice, through Scripture, the Holy Spirit makes even the deepest Bible truths meaningful, (regardless of a personʼs background.) Jesus as our Lord and Savior has given the Holy Spiritʼs help to all who ask for understanding and revelation of Himself in the Bible (John 14:17). The Holy scriptures along with the Holy Spirit guide us into all Truth. "Come let us worship and bow down, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker" (Ps. 95:6). Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness" (Ps. 29:2). Gals of Grace, letʼs give ourselves permission to take the time to meditate on the words of our Lord - by standing, kneeling, or bowing in silent submission before a mighty fearsome God, whose tremendous worth becomes ever more apparent as we contemplate the bigness of His thoughts and ways - higher and loftier than the observed and unobservable heavens. Submitted by; Gale Berry   Hymn for the Month Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Composer Reginald Heber 1783-1826 was a Bishop in the Church of England. He wrote the hymn Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty in 1826 for Trinity Sunday celebration. After Heber's unexpected death at age 43, his wife found the song amongst some of his writings, and passed it on to noted musician John B. Dykes (1823-1876), who composed and arranged the hymn for publication. Heber wrote the lyrics for 57 hymns. During his lifetime his most famous hymn was "From Greenland's Icy Mountains," which exhorted missionary efforts to be made in the more difficult and remote cultures and climates. The hymn that has stood the test of time on earth, and whose words echo the ongoing worship of heaven, is the beautiful Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in Three Persons, bless'd Trinity! Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be. Holy, holy, holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see; Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee, Perfect in power, in love, and purity. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise Thy Name, in earth, and sky, and sea; Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty! God in Three Persons, bless'd Trinity! "And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." (Revelations 4:8)   Book Review... The Table Experience by Devi Titus §  Are you looking, maybe even longing, for deeper, more meaningful relationships? §  Has the pace of life got you and your loved ones running in too many directions? §  Do you find yourself living in a house with strangers? The Table Experience will help you transform your home to a place of peace, a place where love lives, where relationships thrive and flourish. Psychologists know that the table is an important factor to deeper relationships. Devi Titus has effectively merged academic research with historical biblical research to reveal why eating at the table makes such a difference in relationships. Her deep insights and practical applications will stimulate your intellect and inspire your creativity. When you apply the principles from the Table Experience, table get-togethers will become times when supernatural power deepens bonds and heals hearts, often in ways we don't realize. Let the legacy of your table be something worth passing on to future generations. School and work, your kids' practices and games, even church and community events keep us busy from the time we wake up until we fall into bed at night. We sacrifice our finances, time, and energy for the sake of family; but what price are we paying? Thankfully there is a place we can gather and enjoy life...TOGETHER. It's at the table!   Terrific Table Talk "Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." (Deut. 7:9). Talking at the table is where most of our meaningful conversation happens. Pass on values and principles, convictions and character, doesn't happen by just eating a few special occasional meals together per year. Meaningful, character-strengthening conversation should happen regularly during a lifetime of sharing everyday meals together. Conversation Starters §  What is your biggest dream? §  What is your biggest fear? §  What does being popular mean to you? §  What makes you smile? §  What mistake has taught you the biggest lesson? §  What has been the happiest day of your life? §  What do you think heaven will be like? §  How would you define rich? §  How would you feel if someone surprised you with a party? §  How do you like to spend your free time? §  How has God shown you His love? §  Tell about your favorite teacher? §  Tell a story about a grandparent. §  Tell about your salvation experience. §  Tell a favorite church memory. §  Define success. §  Describe a time when you were brave. §  Describe God. §  What is the first thing you would do if you were given a thousand dollars? §  If you could rename yourself, what name would you choose. Try some of these conversation starters and then create your own. Make your questions age-appropriate to those who will be eating at your table. You may ask your children to compose one question for the family and let them take lead in the conversation. Make your table a place of warm conversation, encouraging interaction, joyful exchanges, and loving acceptance.   Practical Proverbs THE FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM Proverbs are "nuggets of truth" many written by King Solomon of Israel in the book of Proverbs, David's son Solomon wrote them to teach his people how to live and how to act in every circumstance, for he wanted them to be understanding, just and fair in everything they did. "Know wisdom and instruction. Take hold of instruction; let her not go. Guard her, for she is your life." Proverbs 4:13 "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Romans 12:2 A renewed mind is the mind of Christ. And, we get the mind of Christ by reading His word, talking to Jesus, and asking Him for wisdom. "Wisdom is the ability to view life as God perceives it." Chuck Swindoll "How does a man become wise?" By complete submission to God's instruction. To trust and reverence the Lord! Only fools refuse to be taught. "The works of His hands are truth and justice; All His precepts are sure. They are upheld forever and ever; they are performed in truth and uprightness. He has sent redemption to His people; He has ordained His covenant forever; Holy and awesome is His name. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding has all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever." Psalm 111:7-10. "The fear of the Lord is to hate evil." Proverbs 8:13 "For the evil man has no future; the lamp of the wicked will be put out" Proverbs 24:20. "A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing." Proverbs 6:12-15 The Proverbs teach us to discern between good and bad influences... "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old" Proverbs 23:22. "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand" Proverbs 19:20-21. "God ordained the family not just to be fruitful and fill the earth with people, but to fill the earth with instructed people and taught people. The family is the place where the next generation is born and where the next generation learns how to live." John Piper Teach your children practical proverbs...God's wisdom to right living......   "Daughters of the King" Progressive Dinner Night Moms and daughters of Grace had a royal evening last month at our "Daughters of the King" progressive dinner. The evening started out in one of three host homes (thank you Judy Dyrud, Karen Floan, Jessica Pillman), where our ladies dined on a hot lasagna supper. Our cheerful volunteers waited on us hand and foot, and some of them even put of royal costumes for the occasion! There were games, and around the table discussion on what it mean to be a princess. There were lots of ideas on what makes a princess...Is it where she lives? Her clothing? Her honor guard? Her crown? We learned the most important thing that makes a royal princess is WHO she is related to...the King! It was time for our progressive dinner to keep moving, and everyone ended up at the AFLC campus chapel, where the dining room had been transformed into a glowing, candlelit reception. Mothers (and some grandmothers) and daughters had special pictures taken together before sitting down to be served delicious delicacies from the kitchen staff. Evening activities included a princess story, "The Princess and the Kiss," read by Miss Elizabeth Lackey, jewelry making, and a special message by Mrs. Joyce Erickson. Our heart was to make every activity focus on our position as daughters of Christ, and what it means to shine for Him in purity and commitment. One of my favorite comments from the evening came from Lily..."Thank you for teaching me how to be a princess." The truth is, the evening was a great reminder for me too... I'm a daughter of the King of Kings and I can look on all the details of my life from a different perspective because of Who I am related to. Many thanks to the fabulous team of women who put many hours of work into organizing, feeding, cleaning, decorating, writing, thinking, and praying for this event. It was a success in every way, and a special memory for our girls to carry for many years to come. Christie Friestad   Rubies Grace girls (ages 8-12) Sunday, March 18, 4:00-5:30 p.m. Christie's house in Plymouth. Join us for tea time with cookies, a Bible study, and a surprise activity. Please let Christie know if you can come, and if you have questions! Keep Loving Jesus best, Mrs. Christie Friestad CHRISTIE.FRIESTAD@gmail.com.   Recipe of the Month How to Make Authentic Tamales Tamales are one of the heartiest, healthiest, cheapest foods one can make. Things You'll Need * Masa dough or dried masa flour * Corn oil * Garlic powder * Salt * Meat * Chile sauce, bottled or canned * A large food steamer or a large kettle with a broiler rack. * A large pot This recipe makes about 3 dozen. 1.     Cook your meat, about three pounds of meat. Use any kind of meat you want inside them. Some common meats are pork, turkey, chicken, and beef. Boil the meat in a large pot for about two hours until it's tender. You want the meat come apart extremely easily and fall off the bone. After the meat is completely cooked, let it cool, and pick it apart by hand in a large bowl. Be extra careful and make sure to remove any fat or bones. Save the broth. You will use it for the dough. Keep it warm if possible. 2.     Add chile sauce to the bowl of shredded meat. Do not use chunky salsa. The best sauce is completely pureed and contains tomato, onion, chile peppers, and garlic. When adding the sauce, add about 1/2 cup at a time. You want to add enough sauce so the meat is moist, usually about 2 cups for 3 lbs. of meat. 3.     Soak your corn husks in your sink in hot water. Put them in the water for about 20 minutes then carefully separate them, then leave them in the water for about an hour more. Move them around occasionally and re-heat the water as necessary. 4.     Measure out about two pounds Maseca or equivalent corn dough flour. Not Cornmeal. Add about a teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of garlic powder; mix well. Then add two cups corn oil. Mix in oil, then add 2 quarts of the broth that you saved from the meat-cooking step. Add it in eight one-cup increments to control the consistency of your dough. Add liquid until the dough is spreadable, approximately the consistency of peanut-butter. You will probably have to add small amounts of hot water during the tamale-making process to re-moisturize the dough. 5.     Separate your corn husks and choose ones are 5"-6" wide and viable. Spread a layer of dough on 2/3 of the corn husk, going right up to the edge of the wide end. Leave the narrow end free of dough as well. Add a spoonful of meat to the middle and roll the tamale up like a newspaper so you have a continuous envelope of dough around the meat. Fold the narrow end over and place the tamale in the steamer. Repeat until you run out of corn husks, dough, or meat. 6.     Steam the tamales for about two hours, making sure the water in your steamer never goes dry. (four or five inches of water in the bottom of your pot or steamer.) After two hours, remove a tamale and eat it; make sure the dough is cooked completely and slides easily off of the corn husk wrapper.   How to Make Mittens From Wool Sweaters Reuse an old wool sweater to make mittens. Wool stays warm even in the wettest conditions, shedding water better than most other fibers. Mittens are relatively easy to make, due to the rounded, simple shape. With a few basic sewing materials, making warm, snuggly wool mittens is a task that can be completed in less than an hour. Things You'll Need §  Tracing paper §  Marker §  Scissors §  Wool sweater §  Pins §  Sewing machine §  Thread §  Sewing needle §  Making a Pattern Place one hand (palm down) onto the surface of the tracing paper with fingers spread slightly. Trace around the hand and upper wrist, keeping the line rounded and about a half-inch away from the skin. Do not conform the line to the shape of the fingers; mittens have a rounded tip. End the line so that it reaches about two inches down the wrist. Cut out the drawn shape with scissors. This will be the pattern. Turn the wool sweater inside-out and place on a flat surface. Cut up the side seams of the sweater to create two flaps. Then, cut across the top of the flaps to remove the square of sweater from the bust and sleeves of the sweater. Lay the sweater pieces on a flat surface. Set the pattern onto one of the pieces with the thumb pointing to the right and pin it into place. Do this by pinning all around the inner rim of the tracing paper. Cut the first wool piece out by cutting around the pattern. Unpin the pattern and flip it so that the thumb is pointing to the left. Pin it on the remaining piece of wool in the same manner, then cut out the mitten shape. Repeat for the second mitten. Pin two mitten shapes together to create each mitten. Make sure the edges are aligned, then pin around the inner edge to hold them together. Both pieces of mitten should be inside-out. Ensure the appropriate needle is being used. For lightweight wool, use a 60/8 needle. Medium-weight wool requires a 70/10 to 80/12 needle, while a 90/14 needle is ideal for heavyweight wool. Sew around the edges of the mitten about a quarter-inch from the edge. Leave the end of the wrist open. Repeat this for the second mitten. Sew around the seam allowance edge of the mitten. The seam allowance is the quarter-inch of wool that extends past the sewing line. Stick the needle right above the sewing line, then bring it up and over the seam allowance. Then, stick the needle through the opposite side about an eighth-inch from the first hole. Repeat this until the entire seam allowance is finished for both mittens. Turn the mittens right-side out to wear.   A Good Cup of Coffee 1.     Clean your coffee pot thoroughly. Residue can burn and heavily affect the taste of your coffee. 2.     Use freshly roasted beans and store them properly. Only purchase what you need for a week or two. Store your beans in an air-tight container. Or seal them in a freezer bag and store them in the freezer. 3.     Grind only what you will use to keep the rest of your beans fresh until you're ready for them. 4.     Pour cold, filtered water into your pot in the measure that you need. The quality of the water you use is important. 5.     Use brown or gold filters that don't have dyes and other chemicals that can come out in the coffee. 6.     Measure about 2 tbsp. of coffee for every 6 oz. of water. 7.     Turn on the machine. When the brew is complete, drink your coffee immediately. Coffee starts losing its flavor minutes after it's brewed.   How to Use a Humidifier Safely Humidifiers are good for addressing physical problems such as dry skin, nose, throat or lips. Adding humidity to your home can prevent other problems, including furniture cracks, paint cracks, static electricity or peeling wallpaper. Although humidifiers are relatively easy to use, improper use of these units can lead to health issues such as allergy problems. 1.     Use "distilled" for your humidifier. Distilled water has less mineral content than tap water. Tap water minerals can increase the development of scale in the humidifier, which actually can serve as a breeding ground for microorganisms. 2.     If your humidifier comes with demineralization devices such as filters, cassettes or cartridges, use them according to the manufacturer's devices. Make sure no white dust appears on surfaces in the room in which you are using the humidifier unit, which likely means the demineralization devices are not removing the minerals. 3.     Unplug your humidifier from the electrical outlet and empty the unit's tank every 1-3 days so that microorganisms have a lower chance of growing. Use a brush to scrub any crusty deposits or film on the tank's sides and wipe the surfaces dry with a rag before refilling the tank with water. If you want to use a cleaning product on the tank, purchase a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. Thoroughly rinse the hydrogen peroxide out of the tank after you are finished cleaning it so that the chemical will not be released into the air when you restart your humidifier. 4.     Keep the humidifier away from children. Boiling water and steam can cause burns. Also, stop using the humidifier and contact your doctor if you begin to have respiratory problems linked to the times you are using your humidifier. 5.     Buy a hygrometer from a local hardware store to test the humidity level in your home. Do not use the humidifier if the house humidity level is above 50 percent, as the humidifier simply will produce more moisture that can lead to biological organism growth such as that of molds and dust mites. Watch to ensure water does not condense on walls, windows or pictures. Make sure curtains and carpets also do not become damp. If this occurs, use the dehumidifier less often or turn it down. 6.     Dry all parts of the humidifier before storing the unit in a dry location once you are finished using it. Discard any unused demineralization devices such as filters as well.   Opportunities for Women at Grace To grow through...PRAYER §  Prayer Chain ~via email and home §  Prayer Partners §  HCA Mom's in Prayer Thursdays, 1:45p.m. - Choir Room §  Friends of the Academy Prayer Group §  Prayer Warriors for Rubies To study the...WORD §  Women of Grace Monthly Bible Study (WMF); "Joseph" by Candice Johnson: Study March 20, 7:00 p.m. at Marilee Johnson's home. §  The Table Experience Book Study - Sundays 9:00 a.m. in Library. To develop...FRIENDSHIPS §  Book Club: Meeting the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. Katrin Winkelmann katrinwinkelmann@hotmail.com. To experience...ENCOURAGEMENT §  MOPS: Tuesdays, a 9:30 a.m. Solid Rock Free Lutheran. §  MOPS monthly evening Bible study the third Tuesday night of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Starbucks in Maple Grove. To receive...ENRICHMENT §  Rubies: for Grace girls ages 8-12, Sunday, March 18, 4:00 p.m. at Christie's. §  Teen Girls gathering - Sunday, March 25, 6:00 p.m. at Jennie Eurman's. §  WMF Women's Retreat - March 23-25 Theme: Jesus, Yesterday, Today, Forever - Hebrew 13:7-8. At the ARC in Wisconsin. Speakers: "Yesterday" - Faith Nelson "Today" - Esther Hylden "Forever" - Emily Nash *Skits performed by THE NEW IMAGE PLAYERS To be blessed through...SERVICE §  Baby Gift - We will be collecting monetary gifts toward the purchase of a double stroller for Todd and Joyce Erickson's new baby boy expected in March. If you would like to contribute please leave your gift with Mary Jo in the church office by March 31. §  Double Bridal Shower Sunday, April 15, following the Worship Service - For Holly Foy fiancee of Kyle Westlake and Lydia Franz fiancee of Dave Handsaker. §  Love INC donations - Personal Care and Hygiene items needed and phone center volunteers. §  Mission Focus of the Month - AFLC Ecuador §  Serving Committees - Sept. - May §  Grace Meal Ministry - gracechurchmeals@yahoo.com.   Lies Young Girls Believe Study By Nancy Leigh Demoss and Dannah Gresh For Junior and Senior High Girls Have you been lied to, have you been deceived? Through a nationwide survey and in-depth discussion groups, Nancy and Danna have listened carfully to the heart of your generation. And here are some things they've heard: §  "I know God should be the only thing that satisifies, but if it could choose between Him and my friends..., then I could be happy." §  "It seems like I have been struggling with depression forever. I alway feel like I am not good enough." §  "I tell myself that I don't really listen to the song lyrics, but once I hear a song a few titles and start thinking about what they're saying I realize that it's too late. It's already stuck in my head." This book has been written by friends who will help you find the Truth. Maybe it is in the attitute of your heart where you get off course. In this book, Nancy and Dannah expose 25 of the lies most commonly believed by your generation. Real-life stories are shared from some of the young women they have interviewed, along with honest stories about how they've over come and the lies they believed themselves. They get down in the trenches of the battle with you. Best of all, they'll show you how to be set free and know the Truth. Teenage girls are welcome to come to this study "Lies Young Girls Believe." March 25, 6:00 p.m. at Jennie Eurman's home.   Pearls for a Princess by Faylin Myhre 2012 WMF Bible Study This years study is a topical study that as you can see deals with "P" words that are associated with a princess. CHAPTER TITLES 1.     What is a Princess? 2.     Picked and Purchased 3.     Precious and Protected 4.     Provided For 5.     A Purpose and Power 6.     Princess Power 7.     Great and Precious Promises 8.     The Pearl of Prayer 9.     The Presence of God 10.   Peace, Passin' Through and A Place 11.   Praise The cost of the studies will be $10.00 each. This new study is available for small group and home Bible studies. The WMF group will begin this study in September. A group of ladies meet in the evening once a month for the Women of Grace Monthly Bible Study (WMF). We are currently studying "Joseph" by Candice Johnson. - Next Study: March 20, 7:00 p.m. Lesson 8 at Marilee Johnson's home. You are welcome to join us.   2012 ARC Women's Spring Retreat Jesus, Yesterday, Today, Forever March 23 - 25, 2012 Ladies are invited to attend the annual Women's Retreat at the ARC. This year the ladies will celebrate 50 years of the AFLC. Speakers are: Faith Nelson, Esther Hylden, Emily Nash. The weekend will include: A Silent Auction, Clothing Display from the past 50 years, Evening Banquet and Sunday morning Worship Service and more. Cost is $85.00. National WMF is collecting photos for 50th Anniversary events. A photo display will be put together at the ladies retreat in March and for the WMF Day at the Annual Conference in June. If you have pictures of any WMF ladies events you would like to share please contact: Phillis Peterson aimforlife@polarcomm.com         Gals of Grace Connection - February 2012

Can we pray for you? Do you have a prayer concern we can bring before the Lord? What are you Praising God for this week? If you would like to submit a tip, a word of encouragement or a prayer or praise request.simply reply to this email. We would love to hear from you. Learn more about the Gals of Grace...visit our web site: This email was sent to you by the Women's Ministry Department of Grace Free Lutheran Church. If you do not want to continue to receive this monthly email, simply reply and you will be removed.