Sent From Heaven

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance-an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold-though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.

You love him even though you have never seen him.  Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls. 

This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ's suffering and his great glory afterward.

They were told their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this good news has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven.  It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
~1 Peter 1:3-12 (NLT)

I prayed to God for this week's post and this is what he gave me. 

In 2016 I read the bible. I have started to read it two other times before and I never got past the first few books.  But, in 2016 I read the whole thing (my success came from not starting at the beginning, I started in the books of Wisdom). After I read it, it was impossible not to share it.  Jesus Christ has called me into a relationship and this is a collaboration with Him.  Guided daily by my Father, all glory and honor are his.  

Sherry

Ringing In the New Year

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.   

Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.  Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17 

I prayed to God about what to write in my new year's message and this was what he gave me. I asked him several times to tell me more but, he wants me to tell you in my own words.

How to apply the Armor of God:

1. Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.  Jesus told him,"I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No on can come to the Father except through me."  John 14:6  
This is the "Belt of Truth."

2. Be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  

But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children. And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, "Abba, Father." Now you are no longer a slave but God's own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.   Galatians 4:4-7    
This is the "Breastplate of Righteousness."

3. Accept a mindset of peace.

Say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong and do not fear, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you."  Isaiah 35:4  
This is the "Shoes of the Gospel of Peace".

4. Have faith like a child.

Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it."  

Luke 18:17.  
This is the "Shield of Faith." 

5. Stay fixed by faith in the eternal world (salvation).  
The hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.
Hebrews 6:19
This is the "Helmet of Salvation."
Satan attacks your mind.  So this helmet protects you from doubt, disbelief, fear, etc. 

6. Read the bible!  

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.  For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. During that time the devil came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread."  

But Jesus told him, "No! The Scriptures say,

'People do not live by bread alone.

but by every word that comes form the mouth of God.'"

Matthew 4:1-4   

Even Jesus used the Word of God to battle the devil.  
This is the "Sword of the Spirit."

That is my experience of The Armor of God.  I put it into my own words through scripture, because it speaks the truth.

May you have a blessed 2017!  The time is now to come to God. 

Sherry

Tea in Review 2016

It is time for the year end tea review.  This is where I post my favorite teatimes for each month of 2016.  In January I posted a Cozy Cottage Tea.  

In February I shared my true love in All Kinds of Love. 

In March I had a book review and shared that in Tea with Jane Austen.  Such a popular girl with us tea drinkers! 

In April I shared The Splendor of Spring. 

In May I went outside and had Tea in the Garden.

In June I started a new monthly series with this June Visual Tea/Garden Journal.

These type of posts were inspired by Instagram and Edith Holden's books. This was the July Visual Tea/Garden Journal.

In August nothing would do for the visual journal but sunflowers, in the August Tea/Garden Journal.

For the beginning of fall, the September Tea/Garden Journal.

For October, the 23rd Psalm was featured in this post, He Restoreth Me.

In this November tea, I share to beware of the hunters in The Fall Hunt.

And, for December I shared a Festive Tea.

Wishing everyone a fabulous 2017 from The Charm of Home! 

Sherry

Home Sweet Home #252

The clock is ticking!  Happy New Year and welcome to the last Home Sweet Home party for 2015!  Wow, that was a year. Here is hoping 2016 treats me like a veteran to this wave of change.  

The only post I got out this week was Year End Tea Review 2015.  This is where I review my favorite tea posts from each month last year.  I didn't have a party last week so let's get right to the linking.

I am really lucky to have all of your amazing posts because, it is you who make the Home Sweet Home party so special!  You are all so talented and share such wonderful posts! Thank you to everyone who joins me at Home Sweet Home!  It is wonderful to have you here!

Sherry

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Follow me where I really enjoy the visual aspect of blogging on  Tumblr

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party: 

Attention: To link up you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or you won't be featured.

Link up anything from your home or garden.   I love seeing home tours and neat shops too!

My button for the party is under the button tab at the top of the blog, if you want to use it.   If you are new here I hope you will become a follower. Please don't link up more than two posts.  No Etsy link ups or direct advertising, please.  Please visit some of the other blogs and get some great inspiration.  Thanks.:)

Now let's see your beautiful home, delicious recipes, crafts, or whatever makes your home special!

 *If you are pinning a post submitted here, please pin from the original source. 

An InLinkz Link-up

Chocolate Pound Cake with Mint Icing

For New Year's day we had a Chocolate Pound Cake with Mint Icing.  It is a festive cake that was a nice change for the holidays.  I found the recipe in the Christmas Cottage Cookbook 2013.  This was a wonderful publication put out by Hoffman Media.  I used several recipe from this cookbook for the holidays at my house.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter, softened
3 cups sugar
5 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
Mint icing (recipe follows)
Garnish with Creme de menthe chocolate mints (Andes Mints)

Mint Icing:
1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar
4 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons creme de menthe
( If not green add two drops of green food coloring and mix well)

In a medium bowl, combine confectioner's sugar, cream, and creme de menthe whisking well until smooth.  If the icing isn't the right consistency add another tablespoon of cream until desired consistency.  Spoon over cakes and garnish with crumbled mints. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.  
In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar.  Beat at medium-high speed with a mixer until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each one.  Add vanilla to butter mixture beating well.  In a large bowl sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Gradually alternate flour and buttermilk mixture beating to mix well until all combined.  
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for one hour or until wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Let cool in pan for 10-15 minutes.  Then remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Spoon mint icing over cakes and garnish with mints.

Recipe adapted: from Christmas Cottage Cookbook.

Enjoy! 

Sherry

I will link this to:
 

Foodie Friday at Rattlebridge Farm 

Strut Your Stuff Saturday at Six Sisters Stuff 

Homemaking Linkup at Hope In Every Season 

Rooted in Thyme Simple and Sweet Fridays

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style 

The Best Blog Recipes link party

Happy New Year!

Were ringing in the new year here at The Charm of Home.

I am wishing you a healthy and...

Happy New Year!

Happy 2014!

Sherry

I will link to:

A Return to Loveliness  at A Delightsome Life 

The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict 

Share Your Cup Thursday at Have A Daily Cup of Mrs. Olsen

Home at Rose Chintz Cottage

Happy 2013!

Happy New Year!  I am using photos I took in 2010 for this post.  These were the very first pictures I ever took with my brand new 50mm lens.  I was in heaven when I used it.  Now two years later I am dreaming of my next lens. 

Here's is to many more photos and much more fun blogging!  Have a fantastic 2013!

Sherry

I will link to:
Domestically Divine Tuesday at Far Above Rubies

Home Sweet Home #47

Hello and Welcome to Home Sweet Home!  I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!  I am using some photos I took last year for New Year's Eve. 

May each and every one have a wonderful New Year!  Here's to 2012!

Now, I will highlight some of the posts from last week's Home Sweet Home.

Sylvia at Sylvia's Simple Life showed off her home and the way she celebrated Christmas.

Gina is so talented at Gina Ceramics, she showed how to create your own Toile de Jouy ribbon.

Holly, at Down to Earth Style showed off her home and family in a Christmas home tour.

Linda at Beautiful Ideas showed off a wonderful "Christmas Tea for Lucus."  Click the links to view.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home!  It is awesome to have you here!  

Sherry

I will join these ladies today: 

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground 

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Fridays Unfolded  at Stuff and Nonsense

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.  

Link up anything in your home or garden.  During the holidays, I'll love seeing neat shops too!

My button is on my sidebar for the party, if you want to use it.   If you are new here I hope you will become a follower. Please don't link up more than two posts.  No Etsy link ups or direct advertising, please.  Please visit some of the other blogs and get some great inspiration.  Thanks.:)

Now let's see your beautiful homes!