April 30, 2009

Thursday Recipe 2

Spaghetti Alla Puttanesca



Makes: 6 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Monday, December 17, 2007
When the same old spaghetti dishes become tiresome, this flavor-filled dish will come in handy. Use your noodle and combine black olives, capers, garlic and tomatoes together for a palate-pleasing Puttanesca sauce.

Ingredients
1 lb. spaghetti
1 tsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
One 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup brine cured Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
1 tbsp. capers
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 1/2 tsp. anchovy paste
1 tsp. dried basil
2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley


Methods/steps
Cook spaghetti. Meanwhile, heat the oil in the saucepan. Saut the garlic until it turns golden, but not brown. Stir in pepper flakes and cook for 1 minutes longer. Add the remaining ingredients except for parsley. Simmer this sauce until pasta is ready (at least 10 minutes). Drain the pasta, put it in a serving bowl and toss in the sauce and parsley. Add Parmesan cheese if so desired.

Thursday Recipw 1 (sorry I've been MIA - bad pc probs)

Best Baked Stuffed Shrimp



Makes: 5-6 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 21, 2007
It's the stuff that seafood dreams are made of. These baked stuffed shrimp are loaded with goodness -- crushed crackers, parsley, lemon, cheese, garlic, seasoning and more!

Ingredients
24 jumbo shrimp
50 crackers, crushed
1 1/2 potato rolls, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup butter
3 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed
3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 1/2 tbsp. Miracle Whip
3 1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning



Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Shell, de-vein and butterfly shrimp. Rinse under cold water. Melt butter in medium saucepan. Add garlic and cook until softened. Add the entire dry ingredient to the pan first and stir. Pour lemon juice all over mixture and then add Miracle Whip. Cook in pan until all ingredients are completely combined. Stuff shrimp and place in shallow baking dish. Bake shrimp for 16 minutes.

Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min

April 29, 2009

Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration

April 29

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 6-7; Luke 20:27-47

Today's Thoughts: How to Have a "Quiet Time" with God

The following is taken out of our Daily Disciples Prayer Journal & Daily Disciples Building Divine
Devotional Time Book.

Many of us struggle to find time in our busy schedules to do one more thing, but spending time with the Lord should be a priority not a "one more thing." Finding time to be alone with God must become a part of our daily lives, a habit, a routine, like taking a lunch break. The rewards far outweigh and outlast anything else that we can do.
Here are some of our ideas to help you make your "quiet time" a habit...
Choose a time and stick with it...whatever time you choose, make it a priority. You can put up sticky notes to remind yourself on the bathroom mirror, car dash board, by the telephone or even on the refrigerator. It takes 21 days of doing something consistently to make a habit.
· Morning--set your alarm 15 minutes early
· Lunch--eat lunch with the Lord, maybe in your car or at a park
· Afternoon break--spend that 15 minutes with your Bible and journal
· Evening--go to bed earlier just to read and pray
Choose a place...some place where you can be alone and not distracted. Choose a consistent place where you can keep all your materials. And you want a place that you go to often.
· Your office, Your car, Any room in your home, Maybe outside
Open with a prayer ...start talking to God and asking Him to hear your heart.
· Refer to "How to Pray" for tips on praying on http://www.dailydisciples.org/ website
· Be honest with the Lord and tell Him how you are doing
· Focus on Him first, then on your needs
· Keep your time frame in mind, if you are limited for time
Open your Bible...depending on your available (try not to short cut this time), pick a reading plan that you will follow everyday
· A daily Bible plan is recommended (Yearly Bible, Chronological Bible)
· Try to read slowly and meditate on the words
· Look for those key words or verses that "pop out" to you
· Pray as you read
Keep a Prayer Journal...write down any notes on the verses and your prayers
· Write down your thoughts, questions, personal insights
· Dates and times are recommended
· Notebooks and bound journals are recommended instead of loose-leaf papers
· Do this routine daily for one month and the habit should be well established.

We encourage you to have a quiet time with God. That is how your relationship with God will grow. Be sure that you listen with your eyes as you read the Word and then be quiet before Him as your ears will hear His voice. If you are looking for more instruction, we have Bible studies, CDs, DVDs and wrote a book called, "Building Divine Intimacy with God." They are on our e-store at www.dailydisciples.org.

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.

Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - The Python and the Chihuahua


Tuesday, April 28, 2009


Today's devotion is adapted from a recent entry on Greg's Blog. Click here to read more from Greg's Blog.


The Python and the Chihuahua

But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent.--2 Corinthians 11:3


I read about a large python that ate a family's dog, a silky terrier-chihuahua crossbreed. The children, ages 5 and 7, watched as the snake finished his meal.
This is sad, but also odd. The local zoo owner, who eventually came and picked up the snake, said, "The family that owned the dog had actually seen it in the dog's bed, which was a sign it was out to get it."
"They should have called me then, but (the snake) got away . . . and came back," he added.
We can be like that with the Devil. He has essentially plopped himself right in our bed, and we pay him no mind. "Oh, he won't be back," we think to ourselves.
But just like that python, he is stalking you! Don't underestimate his power, and don't leave your mind open to his attack.
As a snake, Satan attacked Eve's mind. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:3, "But I fear that somehow you will be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ, just as Eve was deceived by the serpent."
Why? Because it is here in "command central" that we reason, contemplate, and fantasize. Your mind can reach into the past through memories, and into the future through imagination.
You need to train your mind to think properly and biblically. We read in 2 Corinthians 10:5 that we should cast down "arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (nkjv).
We, as believers, need to learn how to think more clearly.

Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.


For more relevant and biblical teaching from Pastor Greg Laurie, go to www.harvest.organdto listen to Greg Laurie's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com, click here.

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This life will have its sorrows
God loves us
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God can be glorified through human suffering


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You can have your own copy of Hope for Hurting Hearts by Greg Laurie in appreciation for your gift to Harvest Ministries this month.

April 27, 2009

Monday Recipe 1

Easiest Barbecue Pork Chops Ever



Makes: 6 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, March 13, 2008
Can't stand the heat? Then stay in the kitchen for as little as possible with these palate-pleasing pork chops. Two ingredients come together for one great taste.

Ingredients


8 pork chops

1 (18 oz.) bottle of your favorite barbecue sauce

Methods/steps
Spread a thin layer of your favorite barbecue sauce on the bottom of a crock-pot. Alternately layer pork chops with barbecue sauce, pouring the last of the bottle over the top of the final layer of pork chops.
Cook on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, or all day on LOW setting.

Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - Comprehending God's Goodness

Comprehending God's Goodness
Dr. R. C. Sproul

As a child, the first prayer I ever learned was a simple table grace. It went like this: "God is great, God is good. And we thank Him for this food." At the time, I did not realize that a single biblical word captured the twin ideas of God's greatness and His goodness. The single word is holy.
The earliest traceable form of the Semitic root of the word holy, reaching to a Canaanite source, carried the meaning "to divide." Anything that was holy was divided or separated from all other things. This meaning pointed to the difference between the ordinary and the extraordinary, the common and uncommon, the average and the great.
In religious terms, the word holy divides God from all other things to put Him in a category that is sui generis (in a class by Himself). The Holy One is the One who possesses the supreme perfection of being. He transcends or is divided from all things creaturely. He is the most majestic, most exalted, most awe-provoking being. Since He is both marvelous and wonderful in His very essence, the creature--when contemplating the Holy God--responds in marvel and wonder because of His greatness.

Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God

Take time in prayer today to thank God specifically for His goodness to you.


For Further Study

Psalm 31:19: "Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!"

Psalm 86:10: "For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God."

Psalm 92:5: "O Lord, how great are Your works!"
The mission, passion and purpose of Ligonier Ministries and Dr. R.C. Sproul is to help people grow in their knowledge of God and His holiness. For more information, please visit http://www.crosswalkmail.com/qslrttnqrn_zrsvvnnstfv.html or call them at 800-435-4343.© R.C. Sproul. All rights reserved.

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When you subscribe to Tabletalk, you get a tool that helps you grow in your knowledge of God and in your love for His Son and His people. Each month is packed with more than 60 pages of focused, practical Bible study and insightful commentary by today's top Christian thinkers. Learn more about the magazine.

04-27-09 Trusting God for Daily Supply

Trusting God for Daily Supply

Matt 6:31-33
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?
or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
{32} For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
{33} But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.
------------------------------------------

Dear Friends in Christ,
Are the words of Scripture just so many words? or are they really promises of a Loving God Who is really there? Are His promises trustworthy and worthy of entering into during the crises of our lives, or just so many empty platitudes?
When one is down and out and there is no food and no money for rent and no one seems to be there to care or to be able to offer a helping hand, does God know your needs?, does He care?, can He supply my needs and those of my family? These are issues millions of people in all parts of the world must deal with every day. You may be dealing with them right now. There is an old saying, that says:

If you give a man a fish you feed him for a day;
But if you teach a man to fish,
you feed him for a lifetime.

The verses of this devotional are here to teach us how to fish, as it were. You must mix these verses with faith, and make them real in your experience. We must learn to stop whining and complaining that we dont have this or we dont have that, or be envious of the person up the street because they have more than we have. We have a God of infinite resources who loves us with an infinite love and cares for is in our every circumstance. We just need to humble ourselves before Him ,and call on His infinite mercy for our needs (and not our luxuries, by the way), and believe that He hears and will supply. And when He does supply, dont forget to thank Him and tells others of His Goodness and Kindness.

God Bless you as your ponder these things.
In Christ..brother bob...<><
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(Mat 6:7-11 KJV)
But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do:
for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
{8} Be not ye therefore like unto them:
for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
{9} After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
{10} Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
{11} Give us this day our daily bread.....

(Mat 4:4 KJV)
But he answered and said,
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

(Psa 37:23-28 KJV)
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD:
and he delighteth in his way.
{24} Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down:
for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.
{25} I have been young, and now am old;
yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken,
nor his seed begging bread.
{26} He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed.
{27} Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore.
{28} For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints;
they are preserved for ever:
but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.

(Heb 4:1-2 KJV)
Let us therefore fear,
lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest,
any of you should seem to come short of it.
{2} For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them:
but the word preached did not profit them,
not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.

(Luke 1:49-53 KJV)
For he that is mighty hath done to me great things;
and holy is his name.
{50} And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.
{51} He hath showed strength with his arm;
he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
{52} He hath put down the mighty from their seats,
and exalted them of low degree.
{53} He hath filled the hungry with good things;
and the rich he hath sent empty away.

(Mat 6:24-34 KJV)
No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one, and love the other;
or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.
Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
{25} Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life,
what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink;
nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on.
Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
{26} Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns;
yet your heavenly Father feedeth them.
Are ye not much better than they?
{27} Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
{28} And why take ye thought for raiment?
Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
{29} And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
{30} Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field,
which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven,
shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith
{31} Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink?
or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
{32} (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:)
for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
{33} But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you.
{34} Take therefore no thought for the morrow:
for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

(James 4:1-10 KJV)
From whence come wars and fightings among you?
come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
{2} Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain:
ye fight and war,
yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
{3} Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss,
that ye may consume it upon your lusts.
{4} Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God?
whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
{5} Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?
{6} But he giveth more grace.
Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
{7} Submit yourselves therefore to God.
Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
{8} Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.
Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
{9} Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep:
let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
{10} Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord,
and he shall lift you up.

(1 Tim 6:6-11 KJV)
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
{7} For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
{8} And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
{9} But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare,
and into many foolish and hurtful lusts,
which drown men in destruction and perdition.
{10} For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
{11} But thou, O man of God, flee these things;
and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

(Deu 8:1-14 KJV)
All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do,
that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers.
{2} And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness,
to humble thee, and to prove thee,
to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.
{3} And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger,
and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know;
that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only,
but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
{4} Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.
{5} Thou shalt also consider in thine heart,
that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.
{6} Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God,
to walk in his ways, and to fear him.
{7} For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land,
a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills;
{8} A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates;
a land of oil olive, and honey;
{9} A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness,
thou shalt not lack any thing in it;
a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass.
{10} When thou hast eaten and art full,
then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.
{11} Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God,
in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments,
and his statutes, which I command thee this day:
{12} Lest when thou hast eaten and art full,
and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein;
{13} And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply,
and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied,
and all that thou hast is multiplied;
{14} Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God,
which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage;

(Phil 4:11-13 KJV)
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned,
in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
{12} I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound:
every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry,
both to abound and to suffer need.
{13} I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

(Psa 33:18-22 KJV)
Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him,
upon them that hope in his mercy;
{19} To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine.
{20} Our soul waiteth for the LORD:
he is our help and our shield.
{21} For our heart shall rejoice in him,
because we have trusted in his holy name.
{22} Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us,
according as we hope in thee.

(2 Chr 7:13-14 KJV)
If I shut up heaven that there be no rain,
or if I command the locusts to devour the land,
or if I send pestilence among my people;
{14} If my people, which are called by my name,
shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face,
and turn from their wicked ways;
then will I hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin,
and will heal their land.

(Mal 3:8-12 KJV)
Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me.
But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee?
In tithes and offerings.
{9} Ye are cursed with a curse:
for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
{10} Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse,
that there may be meat in mine house,
and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts,
if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,
that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
{11} And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes,
and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground;
neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.
{12} And all nations shall call you blessed:
for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

(Phil 4:19-20 KJV)
But my God shall supply all your need
according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
{20} Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
For further study, Check out these archives of past devotionals:
(Note: the devotionals may be under the headings of "discussions" "files" or "pages" )
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-part-2?msg=new&lnk=gcis&hl=en
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web?hl=en
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive/web
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-archives-part-3/
http://groups.google.com/group/ixtheus-devotionals-archive-4
IXTHEUS CHRISTIAN GROWTH DEVOTIONALS
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Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com

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April 26, 2009

Sunday Recipe 1

Bean & Potato Pot



Makes: 4 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Potatoes can be so bland when they're not properly prepared. Keep your eye on the bowl with this bean and potato pot dish that's reminiscent of great country cooking.

Ingredients
2 oz. bacon
½ lb. green bean
4 potatoes, peeled and cut in quarters
Pearl onions
3 oz. of butter
Salt and Pepper


Methods/steps
Boil the potatoes until just about soft. Add some frozen pearl onions, fresh green beans. Add the bacon that has been previously fried. Boil until soft, as you want, strain, add a touch of butter, salt and pepper.

Additional Tips
Ready in 30 min

Sunday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration

Week of April 26
God's Promises

"You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." ~Hebrews 10:36

God purposes the timing and manifestations of His promises. Though some seem a long time coming, they are not. Though the wait may feel like God has forgotten, He has not. God's timing is perfect, and His patience is great.

Consider Elizabeth and Mary. Despite their great difference in age, both women were pregnant with promised sons simultaneously. The timing of each pregnancy was purposed according to God's plan as was their children's destinies.

What has God promised you? Has He delivered yet? How's your faith?

2 Peter 3:8 says, "a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."

Perseverance in obedience is the key to receiving the promises of God. And when we get off track, repentance is key.

In Psalm 119, we see that God gives us hope through His promises (vs. 49). He preserves our lives through His promises (vs. 50). He supplies us with grace according to His promises (vs. 58). And we are to meditate on and rejoice in His promises (vs. 148, 162).

God's heart within us and the fulfillment of His promises allow us to forgive those who disappointed us on a greater level. When we expect people, not God, to fulfill promises only God can fulfill, we must repent and release them to Him. False expectations can hold us in bondage and cause us to miss God's very best for our lives.

What have you expected and have not yet received? How are you handling the situation? Are you praising God throughout the process? Has your mind been on Him or on your circumstances? How about your heart? Do you know that God loves you enough to bring fulfillment, to be true to His word. Do you trust Him enough?

Have you asked God what His will is? Have you asked Him what you are supposed to complete before He fulfills His promise?

The fulfillment of God's promises points toward Him as the one true God. David's prayer in 2 Samuel 7:25-26 says, "And now, Lord God, keep forever the promise You have made concerning Your servant and His house. Do as You promised, so that Your name will be great forever. Then men will say, 'The Lord Almighty is God over Israel!' And the house of Your servant David will be established before You."

When God fulfills His promises, do we give Him all the glory? Is it all about Him? Is He first on our hearts?

Psalm 145:13 says, "The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made."

Jeremiah 32:19 says, "great are Your purposes and mighty are Your deeds. Your eyes are open to all the ways of men; You reward everyone according to his conduct and as his deeds deserve."

May we receive the full measure of God's promises by being obedient to His will.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Margaret D. Mitchell is the founder of God's Love at Work, a marketplace outreach purposed to share God's greatest power source - the love of Christ. Check out the new God's Love at Work Businesswomen Select program and the Women's Fellowship gatherings.

April 25, 2009

Saturday Recipe 1

Healthy Whole Grain Salad



Makes: 8 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Monday, December 10, 2007
Everybody needs their source of healthy whole grains. Now, you can get it from this scrumptious salad bursting with nutrients and flavor.

Ingredients
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup chopped shallots
1 cup brown rice
1 cup wild rice
1 cup wheat berries
2 cups water
2 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
3/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped dried apricots
1/2 cup dried currants

Dressing
1/2 cup sherry wine vinegar
2 tbsp. walnut oil or olive oil
Garnish
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted


Methods/steps
Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat; add shallots and saut until translucent, about 5 minutes; add brown rice, wild rice and wheat berries; stir to coat; add 2 cups water and 2 cups stock; bring to boil; reduce heat to low; cover and cook until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed, about 40 minutes; remove from heat; stir cranberries, apricots and currants into grains; cool to room temperature. Whisk vinegar and walnut oil sage in small bowl to blend; pour over salad and toss to coat; season generously with salt and pepper; stir pecans into salad and serve.

Saturday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration

April 25

What to Leave Children
"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him" (Proverbs 20:7).

Anxiety about our family is natural, but we shall be wise if we turn it into care about our own character. If we walk before the LORD in integrity, we shall do more to bless our descendants than if we bequeathed them large estates. A father's holy life is a rich legacy for his sons.

The upright man leaves his heirs his example, and this in itself will be a mine of true wealth. How many men may trace their success in life to the example of their parents!

He leaves them also his repute. Men think better of us as the sons of a man who could be trusted, the successors of a tradesman of excellent repute, Oh, that all young men were anxious to keep up the family name!

Above all, he leaves his children his prayers and the blessing of a prayer-hearing God, and these make our offspring to be favored among the sons of men. God will save them even after we are dead. Oh, that they might be saved at once!

Our integrity may be God's means of saving our sons and daughters. If they see the truth of our religion proved by our lives, it may be that they will believe in Jesus for themselves. LORD, fulfill this word to my household!

April 24, 2009

Friday Recipe 2

Fruit Sherbet



Makes: 1 gallon

Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 30, 2007
When life gives you lemons, oranges, bananas and pineapples, make sherbet. The homemade version of this fruity classic is a great way to chill out.

Ingredients
Juice of 4 lemons
Juice of 4 oranges
4 bananas, mashed
1 large can crushed pineapple with juice
3 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 cups water
2 envelopes plain gelatin


Methods/steps
Heat sugar and water and bring to boil. Soak gelatin in small amount of cold water. Add gelatin to boiling water and sugar mixture. Stir well. Cool. Add fruit and cool water to fill freezer canister.

Friday Recipe 1

Cucumber, Tomato and Mozzarella Salad
1 Serving
This simple salad is a version of an Italian standard. You'll find fresh, white mozzarella cheese in most delis or supermarkets - it's very different from the pale yellow, packaged mozzarella.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tbsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 cucumber, peeled and seeded
1 large Roma tomato, sliced
1 oz fresh mozzarella cheese
3 leaves fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:
Mix the balsamic vinegar, olive oil and garlic in a small bowl. On a salad plate, layer slices of the cucumber, tomato and cheese. Drizzle with the dressing. Sprinkle with the chopped fresh basil.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
137 calories
10 g total fat (1 g sat)
20 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
6 g protein
1 g fiber
27 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Friday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration

WHO ME?! JEALOUS?


Then Saul became very angry, for this saying displeased him; and he said, "They have ascribed to David ten thousands, but to me they have ascribed thousands." 1 Samuel 18:8

Have you ever noticed that there are certain sins people just don't like to admit are problems for them? Jealousy seems to me to be one of those sins. People will readily admit to having struggles with worry, lust, fear, unbelief, pride, or selfishness. but not with jealousy and envy.

As one envious man defensively told me in a meeting one day, "Well, I KNOW that I am not jealous!" Oh really? To quote William Shakespeare, "Me thinks thou dost protest too much."

SAUL AND DAVID

Saul was green with envy over David. He hated the women's song, "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." Big question: Do you think Saul would have admitted he was jealous of David? NEVER! Why is that?Admitting jealousy reveals a great insecurity and a very rotten heart. and no one really wants to admit to having that kind of heart. Our pride kicks in at the thought of being jealous and we say, "Who me?!! No way!" The truth is that many of us struggle with jealousy. and pastors can be the worst offenders.

THE JEALOUSY TEST

1. Is there someone in your life (a friend, a sibling, a co-worker, a classmate, a teammate, or a "competitor") whom you always seem to compare yourself to, resulting in pride (YES, I am doing better than you are) or depression (CRUD, you are doing better than I am)?

2. Is there someone in your life who always seems to get the breaks. and it just makes you sick because you never seem to get them?

3. Is there someone in your life whom you secretly desire to see fail and fall flat on his face?

4. Is there someone in your life whom you have anger towards because people are singing louder and longer for him than they are for you?

5. Is there someone you have great trouble rejoicing with when something good happens for him? Could it be that you, like Saul, are (dare I say it?) jealous?

OVERCOMING THE GREEN MONSTER

By nature, I am a very competitive person. In everything I do, I want to win. If the women of Israel are going to sing a song about slaying the Philistines, I want to be the one slaying ten thousand, not one thousand. I want to be David, not Saul. How about you? My competitiveness can easily lead to jealousy if I am not careful.

When I catch myself failing the jealousy test, I must quickly do the following to rid my heart of that poison:

1. QUIT COMPARING! I am not to be concerned with being THE BEST. I am to make sure I always do MY BEST. Do you see the difference between these two things? In Matthew 25, Jesus told a great parable of the talents. The King was going on a long journey and entrusted his talents (a large sum of money) to his three servants. One man got five, another got two, and another got one. Obviously, the guy who started with one could NEVER outdo the guy who started with five. He could not be the best and the biggest producer in that parable. But he was not in competition with the other two guys. The Lord was concerned about the one talent guy doing his best, not being the best. At the end of life, the big questions from the Lord will be simply this: What did you do with what I gave you? Did you do your best and step out in faith? Did you use that one talent to the full, to the glory of your God. or did you bury it in the ground, grumbling the whole time that you never get a break, that others always get more than you do, and that God is just not fair? My friend, quit comparing and start using what you have been given. Do your best and leave the results with God.

2. START REALIZING! Your job on this earth is to please God, not to be the undisputed champion in every field of competition. When you focus on pleasing God, you keep your eyes where they should be: on God and off other people. And when you really focus on pleasing God, you do your best and forget about being the best.

KING SAUL, KING BUST

Saul's life was a tragedy of epic proportions because jealousy consumed him. He could have had a great reign, utilizing a gifted champion like David to the full in his kingdom. Instead, he spent the vast majority of his 40 year reign as a jealous despot, living a life full of misery, anger, bitterness, paranoia, and distance from God. What a sad picture of the ravaging effects of jealousy. Don't let jealousy eat your lunch as it ate Saul's. Quit comparing, start realizing, and enjoy a life lived for His glory and the fame of His name!


Love,
Jeff Schreve

Pastor

www.fromhisheart.orgjeff@fromhisheart.org

1-888-811-8203


Jeff Schreve is Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. He and his wife Debbie have been married for over 20 years and are blessed with three wonderful girls. Jeff began From His Heart Ministries, a radio and television ministry, in January of 2005. This ministry is completely listener/viewer supported. It continues only through the faithful and generous gifts of people like you. Pastor Jeff takes no salary from this ministry. All gifts go to further the broadcast.

April 23, 2009

Thursday Recipe 2

Red Potato Salad
6 Servings
Potato salad isn't just for picnics – this sophisticated version can be used as a side dish for even the fanciest meal. Instead of mayonnaise, we use mustard and wine combined with vinegar and a moderate amount of olive oil. The result is a sharply flavored mix for the potatoes. Small red potatoes, or new potatoes, are better suited for this dish because they have a firmer texture after boiling than the commonly used russets or baking potatoes. They also have a lower glycemic index than russets. Remember to remove any sprouts before cooking. If you find very small red potatoes, you can leave the skin on and cut them in half.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds red potatoes, organic if possible
1/4 cup Dijon or Dusseldorf mustard
1/4 cup dry white vermouth
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 tbsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 yellow onion
2 stalks celery
2 tsp capers
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
Chopped fresh dill to taste
1/2 lb. steamed green beans, cut in 1-inch pieces (optional)

Instructions:
1. Boil potatoes in their skins, covered, just until they can be easily pierced with a sharp knife.

2. Meanwhile, prepare dressing in a jar, combining mustard, vermouth, vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper to taste; shake well.

3. Drain potatoes, let cool enough to handle, then peel and cut into thick slices. Place in a large bowl.

4. Pour dressing over the potatoes while they are warm, tossing well.

5. Add chopped onion, sliced celery, capers, finely chopped parsley, dill and, if you like, other chopped vegetables (red bell pepper, radish).

6. Correct seasoning. Chill until served.

7. If desired, you can toss in lightly cooked fresh green beans as a good last-minute addition.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
154 calories
5 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
24 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
250 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Thursday Recipe 1

Sweet Apple Dip



Makes: 5 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 22, 2008
Caramel apples are on tap for tonight's dessert. This sweet apple dip is simply sinful. Feel free to also dip strawberries, cherries or bananas, in addition to apples.

Ingredients
1/4 cup of milk
2 chopped apples
1/2 can of Lechera (sweetened condensed milk)
1 tsp. of ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. of apple spice


Methods/steps
First chop the apples and put them into a small bowl. Next, pour the milk and the 1/2 can of Lechera in bowl of an electric mixer and mix well. Then add the cinnamon and apple spice, mix well. Last, take the apples and mix them in by hand. Leave the dip for 30 minutes before serving.

Thursday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration

Living Proof

Listen to Audio (right click to save)

We were adding onto our little house, and we were getting some help from good old Chuck. He's been a part of adding to our house; actually, he did most of the work. He's a wonderful Christian brother. He's a skilled builder and handyman. He's like an everyday genius - which I am not. Now the days were pretty long and we'd been leaving the house earlier than Chuck got there and returning home after dark. So, I didn't get to see him much. But every day that front porch was noticeably farther along than it was when we left that morning. I actually did get to talk to Chuck on the phone one day, and I told him that, in a way, he reminded me of the Lord. I don't actually see him, but I see the difference he's made!

As the song says, "People need the Lord." That's people you're around all the time. But they can't physically see Him, of course, to realize how real, how loving, and how powerful He is. God's plan for introducing Himself to them is that, much like our friend's building work, they see the difference God makes in you.

In 1 Peter 2:12, our word for today from the Word of God, Peter says, "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they may accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God..." Here are people who may even be hostile toward you and toward your Lord. But they see such impressive living proof of the Jesus-difference in your everyday life - in your "good deeds" - that they end up glorifying God!

Jesus made this same point in the Sermon on the Mount when He said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). There it is again. They can't see your Lord, but they can see your good deeds that are there because of His life in you. And that living proof can turn them to Him. Especially in a world that's more skeptical than ever of religious pitches, religious systems, or religious pitchmen.

Notice, God doesn't say they'll be impressed with your arguments or your persuasive words. It will be your persuasive life. The random acts of kindness, the words of encouragement, your temper under control, the cleaned up mouth, the way you treat and talk about your mate, or your children, or your parents, your unselfishness, or the way you just put others ahead of yourself. One clarification: You can't just show them the Jesus-difference. You do have to tell them Who is making the difference! They're not going to guess that Jesus is the difference unless you tell them! The business of taking people to heaven with you is actually, well like first grade - show and tell.

That's why Peter says, right before his statement about them seeing your good deeds, that you are "belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness and into His wonderful light." They need to see it, but then you need to tell them. They'll never guess Jesus died on the cross for them unless you tell them.

Our friend is a carpenter that I may not actually see, but I can see each day the difference he makes. You belong to a carpenter named Jesus, and whether or not the people around you will ever know Him may depend on whether or not they can see the difference that Jesus is making in you!

Copyright © 2008 Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.

April 22, 2009

Wednesday Recipe 3

Old New Mexico Casserole



Makes: 6-8 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Mexican food lovers -- this casserole is for you. With a laundry list of flavorful ingredients, this dish is filled with spice and everything nice. You'll go from saying ole to oh yay!
Ingredients
1 lb. ground pork sausage
4 scallions, diced, reserving 2/3 of the diced green tops
2 (7 oz.) cans diced mild green chilies
6 slices approximately sourdough French bread
1 1/2 cups Colby Monterey jack cheese
1 small roma tomato, seeded, diced into 1/4-inch dice
10 eggs
1 cup half-and-half


Methods/steps
Fry sausage until browned and almost cooked through. Add scallion bottoms along with 1/3 of the green tops and cook until meat is thoroughly cooked and turn off heat. Add chilies and mix well. Spray a 9X13 inch-baking dish with cooking spray. Place the bread slices into the dish to cover bottom and pour sausage mixture evenly over bread. Spread cheese evenly over sausage and sprinkle reserved diced green scallion tops and tomato over cheese. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and add half-and-half and pour over casserole. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and bake casserole for 35 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil and continue to bake another 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Additional Tips
Ready in 1½ hour

Wednesday Recipe 2

Mediterranean Tuna Steaks
2 Servings
The Mediterranean flavors of the colorful topping in this recipe are a perfect complement to the flavor and firm texture of the fish. A cast-iron grill pan is best for this dish. Be sure to season a new cast iron pan well before using it for the first time and preheat it each time you use it. Spinach sautéed with garlic is an excellent side dish for this recipe.

Ingredients:
2 tuna steaks, 6 ounces each, about 1 inch thick
2 teaspoons quality extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 medium ripe tomato, finely diced
6 green olives, pitted and chopped
1 tablespoon scallions, chopped
2 teaspoons capers
1 clove garlic, mashed
Pinch of dried whole oregano

Instructions:
1. Rinse the tuna steaks under cold water and pat dry. Brush them with 1 teaspoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

2. Preheat grill or broiler. Meanwhile, mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Grill or broil the steaks on high heat, about 2-3 minutes per side or until desired doneness.

4. Top the tuna steaks with the tomato-olive mixture.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
262 calories
9 g total fat (1 g sat)
76 mg cholesterol
4 g carbohydrate
40 g protein
1 g fiber
450 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Wednesday Recipe 1

Green Tea Citrus Sangria

Welcome the warmer weather of spring with a pitcher of this deliciously refreshing creation. It’s easy to make and is the perfect beverage for BBQs, pool parties or any gathering.

Ingredients
• 3 cups water

• 4 Lipton® Green Tea with Citrus Tea Bags

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 3 cups sliced or whole berry fruit (kiwi, plums, raspberries, blackberries)

• 2 cups chilled white cranberry juice


Directions
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags; cover and brew 3 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in honey. In pitcher, combine tea with remaining ingredients. Makes 2 quarts.

• Chill at least 2 hours

• Serve in ice-filled glasses

• Also terrific with Lipton Green Tea Bags

Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration

Are you robbing God?
Jack Graham

April 22, 2009
"You shall not steal."
--Exodus 20:15

Today I simply want to ask the question, are you a giver or a taker? And I want you to think about that question in terms of your relationship with people and your relationship with God.
First, your relationship with people. When it comes to others, are you a giver or a taker? Think about the words you say. Does what you say build people up... or tear them down? Ephesians 4:29 says, "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Is your life marked by this verse?
Then think about your actions. Does what you do help people... or hurt people? Proverbs 3:27 says, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it." Are you letting this verse play itself out in your life?
Now I want you to think about your relationship with God. When it comes to him, are you a giver or a taker? Think about the life that he's given you through Christ. Are you showing thankfulness to him by living a life serving him, loving him, and worshipping him? First Corinthians 6:20 says, "You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."
As followers of Christ, you and I have been bought and paid for by the blood of the Lord Jesus and who we are and what we have belongs to Him. We are purchased as His own possession!
That means when we withhold our lives and gifts from Him... when we sit on the sidelines and do not participate in the work of the ministry of Christ on earth... we are taking from God what's really his. We're robbing him! And the same is true when we don't bring him our tithes and offerings.
So today my encouragement is this. No one, not you or me or anyone else, is a giver 100% of the time. We're all selfish to some degree. But don't let that keep you from striving to give yourself completely--to others and most of all... to God.

WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD, ARE YOU A GIVER OR A TAKER?

For more from PowerPoint Ministries and Dr. Jack Graham, please visit www.jackgraham.org and click here to listen to Dr. Graham's daily broadcast on OnePlace.com.

OUR THANKS TO YOU!

Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out
Dear Friend,
Do the words rested... peaceful... and refreshed describe you today? Or do the words stressed... rushed... and pressured better describe your way of life?
If you're like most Christians, you'd probably have to admit those last three words more accurately describe your life most of the time!
The good news is that it doesn't have to be this way... even when your life is one big pressure-cooker. And in my new book, Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out, I'll show you why.
Based on the principles from Paul's letter to the Philippians and Psalm 23, Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out will help you find true peace and rest in a world that is anything but peaceful and restful. It's the perfect "pause" button you need!
So please request your copy of Pause: Resting in God Instead of Stressing Out when you give online today! --Jack Graham

April 21, 2009

Tuesday Recipe 3

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

Reynolds® Cut-Rite® Wax Paper
24 large fresh strawberries
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate morsels
2 teaspoons shortening (do not use butter or margarine)

LINE a cookie sheet with Reynolds Cut-Rite Wax Paper. Rinse strawberries; pat dry.
PLACE chocolate morsels and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Stirring every 30 seconds, microwave on HIGH until chocolate is melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
DIP half of each strawberry in melted chocolate. Place on wax paper-lined cookie sheet. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

Number of Servings: 24
Nutrition Information:
(Per Serving)
calories 54
grams fat 3
milligrams cholesterol 0
milligrams sodium 0
grams carbohydrates 6
grams fiber 1
grams protein 0
grams sugar 5

Tuesday Recipe 2

Dill Pickle & Gravy Roast



Makes: 6-8 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 21, 2008
Where there's a dill, there's a way! This perfectly prepared pot roast relies on the tangy dill taste to carry the dish. It's sure to tantalize your tastebuds.

Ingredients
3 lb. beef arm or blade pot roast
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. dill seed
1/4 cup dill pickle juice
1 cup water or more as needed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour


Methods/steps
Combine flour, salt and pepper. Dredge pot roast in mixture and brown in oil. Pour off drippings. Sprinkle dill seed over meat. Add dill pickle juice and water. Cover tightly and cook 3 to 3 1/2 hours or until tender. Thicken liquid for gravy if desired.

Additional Tips
Ready in 3 ½ hours

Tuesday Recipe 1

Miso Soup
4 Servings
Miso soup is the Japanese version of chicken soup – a combination soul food and comfort food. It is traditionally eaten at breakfast in Japan as a daily staple. Miso is a paste made from fermented soybeans, and is full of antioxidants like vitamin E, as well as protective fatty acids. It's healthful and delicious, and the Japanese say that the linoleic acid in miso promotes soft skin. The soybeans miso is made from also contain isoflavones and other elements that provide protection against some forms of cancer. To preserve these properties, miso should not be boiled. Add it to a soup after it has been removed from direct heat.

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons canola oil
3 slices fresh ginger root
1 large onion
2 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
4 cups coarsely chopped cabbage
5 cups water
4 tablespoons miso (dark or light, available at natural-food stores)
Scallions
Sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat canola oil in large pot. Add ginger and onion, thinly sliced. Saute over medium heat for 5 minutes and add carrots, celery, and cabbage. Stir well.

2. Add water, bring rapidly to a boil, then lower heat and simmer covered till carrots are tender, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Place miso in a bowl, add a little of the vegetable broth, and stir well into a smooth paste. Add more broth to thin the mixture, then add to the pot of soup. Let rest for a few minutes.

4. Serve in bowls with chopped raw scallions. You may wish to remove the sliced ginger before serving, and you can add a few drops of roasted (dark) sesame oil to each bowl, if desired, for a smoother nutty flavor.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
108 calories
6 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
13 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
675 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration


April 21, 2009

Don't Dance Around a Cactus
Glynnis Whitwer

"You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!" Matthew 5:21-22b (NLT)

Devotion:
We were all straining to see over the heads of other cheering bystanders at the start of the race. My husband and middle son were among those waiting to start the half-marathon, and the rest of the family sought a glimpse as they took their first steps across the starting line. Being tall, I managed to find a place where I could see, and tucked a child in front of me. My youngest daughter found a landscaping rock just a few steps back and planted herself on top of that.

As I took turns looking at her and then back at the starting line, I realized she had turned the rock into a dancing stage. Completely oblivious to the race, she now took little jumps and turns on the rock. I wasn't worried about her falling off, because the rock was only six inches high. But I was worried about the Saguaro cactus next to the rock. In fact, she had noticed it too, and stopped dancing long enough to try and touch the cactus. I called her name and told her not to touch the cactus. She began to watch the race.

By that time, the starting gun had sounded and hundreds of racers crossed in front of me. My attention was focused on finding my husband and son, and I caught a glimpse of them as they passed by. Before I could turn around, I felt a tug on my sleeve and looked down to find my daughter holding out a hand with a few cactus spines sticking out of it.

Thankfully, I removed them easily. But instead of letting the matter go, I just had to ask what happened. I said, "Why did you touch the cactus after I told you not to?"

"I didn't touch the cactus," she answered. "I was just dancing."

Her answer made me think about the times I had danced around something dangerous, confident in my safety because I wasn't "touching" it. In reality, there is injury that can happen even when I'm not taking the wrong action. I've caught my mind wandering to a wrong place many times, and sometimes even settling on those wrong thoughts. Even though I may not commit the deed, in Jesus' words, I've done wrong.

Matthew 5 contains what I think is some of the hardest teaching in the Bible. Jesus is calling His disciples to a higher level of obedience, one that holds us accountable for our thoughts. In verse 22, when Jesus says we face judgment for being angry, I'm convicted. I know Jesus is talking about anger that wishes another harm. Based on His teaching in Matthew 5, He's saying I'm just as guilty as if I had committed murder when I have those thoughts. I can apply that lesson to other areas of my life too.

The reality for me is I can't "dance" around sinful deeds, thinking I'm safe because I haven't acted on them. Jesus is calling me to stay far away from sin ... in my actions and in my thoughts. If I dance around a cactus long enough, I will eventually get stuck. And if I dance with sin long enough in my mind, I'll get stuck too. And while forgiveness and healing is available through Christ, that kind of stuck leaves scars I don't want.

Dear Lord, thank You for giving us warnings about sin. I sometimes think I have no control over my mind. But I know that's not true. You have offered me help to take thoughts captive. Please reveal those areas in my thought life that need to change. I want to bring honor and glory to You in all areas of my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Women's Devotional Bible (NIV)

What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst

Consider joining or forming a Gather & Grow Group for accountability.
Visit Glynnis's blog

Application Steps:
Is there an area of your life where you have been dancing around sin? Identify one area that might be a danger point and confess it in prayer. Then commit to tell someone about it for ongoing accountability.

Reflections:
What are some practices you can implement into your life to keep your thought life pure?

Read 2 Corinthians 10:1-5. What hope and help do we have against the pull of the world?

Power Verses:
2 Corinthians 10:5, "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ." (NIV)

Matthew 12:25, "Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.'" (NIV)

© 2009 by Glynnis Whitwer. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org

April 20, 2009

Monday Recipe 2

Candied Ginger Pumpkin Pie



Serves: 8

Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, December 8, 2007
Candy is dandy. So it only makes sense that this candied ginger pumpkin pie would be simply divine. Ready yourself for a slice of heaven.

Ingredients
1 15-oz. can unsweetened pumpkin puree
1 14-oz. can fat-free sweetened condensed milk
4 large eggs
1 9-inch graham cracker pie crust
1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
pinch of salt
1/3 cup chopped candied ginger

Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk in eggs, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Pour filling into graham cracker crust and bake 30 minutes. Sprinkle chopped ginger on top and bake 25 to 30 minutes more, or until knife inserted in side of filling (not center), comes out clean. Cool and refrigerate 3 hours, or overnight.

Monday Recipe 1

Citrus Salad Dressing
4 Servings
This tart, sweet salad dressing is wonderful on dark, leafy salad greens like romaine or leaf lettuce tossed with orange segments, black olives and red onion slivers.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:
Whisk all the ingredients together or combine in a small jar and shake well. Keeps in the refrigerator for 2 days.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
43 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
3 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
0 g fiber

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration



April 20
The World's Answers to Suffering

For reading & meditation: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18

"For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief." (v.18)


Today we look at the various answers - so called - which the world has offered in relation to the problem of suffering. Omar Khayyam, the poet, looked upon the world of suffering and said:
To grasp this sorry scheme of things entire Shatter it to bits - and then remould it to my heart's desire.
His answer was to remake the world with the possibility of suffering left out. Another answer is to accept the fact of suffering and meet it with resigned anticipation. You say to yourself: "I knew it would come, I was not caught unawares, for everything I hold can be taken away." This is the attitude of disillusioned cynicism.
Then another response is to give way to self-pity. Those who follow this method of dealing with suffering get pleasure out of feeling sorry for themselves. And many exaggerate their troubles in order to increase the possibility of gaining others' sympathy. Yet another way is the way of stoicism. This is the attitude of accepting the fact of suffering and steeling oneself against it. I read about an Indian tribe in South America who teach their children: "You are born into a world of trouble. Shut your mouth, be quiet and bear it." You can see how this type of thinking produces the stoical Indian. The Eastern religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, have complex answers to suffering, but they, along with the others, lack one important thing - there are no wounds that answer our wounds, no death that will answer our death. Christ and Christ alone gives us the final answer to suffering.

Prayer:
O God, as I move from day to day in search of an answer to the problem of unmerited suffering, I see clearly that the world has found no satisfying solution to this problem. My trust and confidence is in You. Lead on, dear Father. Amen


For further study:
1 Peter 4:1-13; Job 11:16; Psalms 30:5

1. How are we to face suffering?

2. What is the assurance we have?

April 19, 2009

Sunday Recipe 2

Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie

6 Servings
Traditional Shepherd's Pie is usually made with ground meat and white potatoes. I like this one because it has sweet potatoes mixed in and omits the meat filling. The curried lentil filling is sandwiched between two layers of creamy potato filling sitting on a crouton crust baked on top of sweet zucchini. I serve this as an entree with a simple chopped tomato salad.

Ingredients:
2 medium or large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
6 medium or large white potatoes, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

CURRIED LENTIL FILLING:
3 1/4 cups purified water
1 bay leaf
1 cup lentils
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 cup sliced onions
2 cloves garlic
1 cup sliced shiitake or button mushrooms
1/2 cup broccoli florets
1/2 cup yellow or red bell pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2/3 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 zucchini, cut in rounds (about 2 cups)
1 cup bread crumbs or premade croutons

GARNISH:
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions or green onion

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop the cubed sweet and white potatoes into the water and simmer for 45 minutes. They should be easily pierced with a fork. Strain the potatoes, reserving 2 cups of the water. Pour 1 cup of the water back into the pot and mash the potatoes using a potato masher or a large fork. Add the olive oil, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning and mash again until seasonings are completely blended into the potatoes.

3. Meanwhile, cook the lentils: Bring 3 cups of the water to a boil. Add the bay leaf, lentils, and Cajun seasoning and cook for 45 minutes. Remove from heat when completely cooked and let cool briefly. Drain off any liquid.

4. Saute the onions, garlic, mushrooms, broccoli, and bell peppers in the olive oil in a large sauce pan until the onions are transparent and limp, about 4 minutes. Add the reserved cup of potato water, nutritional yeast, salt, and curry powder and stir until everything is blended in. Add to the cooked lentils. Dissolve the cornstarch in the remaining 1/4 cup water and stir it into the lentil and vegetable mixture. Continue to cook for 3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat.

5. Line the bottom of a casserole dish with the zucchini rounds. Sprinkle half of the bread crumbs or croutons on top of the zucchini. Spoon out 4 cups of the mashed potatoes and spread across the zucchini rounds. Spoon out 2 cups of the curried lentils and spread on top of the potatoes. Spoon the remainder of the mashed potatoes and smooth them out on top. Sprinkle the rest of the bread crumbs and the scallions or green onion on top. Bake for 50 minutes. Let cool for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
503 calories
7 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
92 g carbohydrate
23 g protein
22 g fiber
350 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Sunday Recipe 1

Steak Scampi


Serves: 2

Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Try this "surf and turf" take on the classic scampi recipe and it will be surely be a culinary delight. You'll have the best of both worlds with both steak and shrimp.

Ingredients
4 large shrimp, shelled and deveined
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/2 oz. lemon juice
1 1/2 oz. dry white wine
1 Tbsp. freshly chopped parsley
1 strip steak
1 oz. blackening seasoning

Methods/steps
Dredge shrimp in flour and place in a medium saut pan. Add garlic, lemon juice, wine and parsley. Saut over medium heat, frequently shaking pan. Cook each side of shrimp until they turn light pink, about 2 minutes. Dredge steak in blackening seasoning; broil to desired temperature. When the steak is ready, plate it and top with the shrimp. Pour remaining shrimp pan sauce over the steak.

Sunday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration - Standing Firm

April 19

Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 6-8; Luke 15:1-10
Today's Thoughts: Standing Firm

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13

Daily Disciples Ministries says:
A couple of months ago, I shared my faith with my neighbor. The conversation went well (from my point of view). The next thing I knew she hosted a luncheon and invited all the neighbors but me. After hearing about the event I felt sad and discouraged. I thought about what I had said to her and wondered if I had offended her. As I prayed, the Lord spoke to my heart and reminded me that persecution comes in various forms. I am responsible to speak as the Lord leads me; but I cannot always expect the outcome to be as positive as I would like. The Lord softened my heart to pray for her and to ask for another chance to speak to her again, not in anger for being left out of the party, but in simple love for her.
It is not always easy to be strong in the Lord and to stand firm and not give up. Are you standing firm? We have to learn to praise God and share Him and talk about Him, especially when times are calm. Today we have the Holy Spirit and we have free speech. If we cannot stand firm for Him now when times are easy, how will we handle persecution leading to death when times become tough? God will protect you in His way with His results. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Do not allow your pain, pressures, problems or even persecution to separate you from pleasing Him.

Our mission is to evangelize the lost and awaken the saved to live empowered lives by the Work of God and His Holy Spirit. Daily Disciples Ministries makes a difference for the kingdom of God by teaching and training believers how to be in God's Word, how to pray and how to walk with Jesus every day, as His daily disciple.
Daily Disciples Ministries, Inc.

April 18, 2009

4 recipes

Many Steps Roll Pork


Makes: 3 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, February 17, 2008
Pork is the other white meat, but one taste of this roll and you'll say it's "the" white meat. Stuffed with cheese and prosciutto, there are plenty of layers to this dish.

Ingredients


2 pork tenderloins (8 oz. each)

4 oz. Boursin cheese

6 oz. prosciutto, 2 slices

1 tbsp. olive oil

2 sheets puff pastry

1 egg, beaten

1 tbsp. water

Methods/steps
Prepare tenderloins, trimming all silver skin and the thin tail at the end (reserve tail end for another use). Butterfly them for stuffing, making a 1-inch deep incision down the length of each - do not cut all the way through. Stuff each tenderloin with half the Boursin. Roll tenderloins in prosciutto. To do this, lay half the prosciutto slices in a single layer, overlapping them slightly. Place stuffed tenderloin at the base of the prosciutto and roll to cover. Do the same thing with the second tenderloin. Sear in 1 tbsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until prosciutto is brown and crisp on all sides, 5-8 minutes. Chill thoroughly. Thaw two sheets puff pastry and roll each to a 16 x 12 inch rectangle. Wrap pork and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Combine egg and water and brush wrappers with mixture. Then decorate with pastry vines and cutouts (leaves/stems). Cover with plastic; chill 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Preheat oven to 400 degrees with rack in lower third. Brush with more egg wash for good browning; bake tenderloins 30-35 minutes or until golden, to about 170 degrees. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing. To serve, trim off the ends (they're doughy), and then slice into 1 1/2 inch thick pieces.

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Super Chocolate Cookies


Makes: 1 serving

Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 22, 2008
Get your chocolate fix with these super sensational chocolate cookies. They're loaded with great taste and beat out the store-bought brands time after time. Your kids will thank you.

Ingredients
1/2 cup vegetable oil
4 oz. unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 cup powdered sugar


Methods/steps
Mix oil, chocolate, sugar and blend in eggs. Add vanilla, salt, baking powder and flour. Cover and chill several hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease your cookie sheets. Roll 1 tbsp. dough into a ball and roll around in powdered sugar to coat. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from baking sheet and cool.

Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min

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Ginger Bran Muffins

6 Muffins
This old-fashioned recipe makes a muffin batter that can be kept in the refrigerator so you can make 1 or 2 muffins at a time. Or you can make them all at once and freeze them. They thaw in just a few minutes if left on the kitchen counter.

Ingredients:
3/4 cup bran cereal (not flakes)
1/4 cup boiling water
2 tbsp olive oil or canola oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
2 tbsp raisins or other chopped dried fruit
1/2 cup unbleached flour
1 tsp baking soda

Instructions:
Pour boiling water over the bran cereal in a mixing bowl. Stir to mix and let stand 5 minutes. Add the oil, sugar, egg, buttermilk, grated ginger and raisins to the bran and mix well. In a small bowl, mix together the flour and baking soda. Stir into the bran mixture and mix well. The batter can be kept tightly covered in the refrigerator for about a week.

To bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a muffin tin if you are making all 6 muffins or place a foil muffin cup in a custard cup if you are baking just one muffin. Don't stir the batter if it has been keeping in the refrigerator. Fill the muffin tin or muffin cups 2/3 full of batter. Bake the muffins for 12 - 14 minutes or until the top springs lightly back to the touch.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
136 calories
6 g total fat (1 g sat)
36 mg cholesterol
19 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
3 g fiber
258 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

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Salmon and Edamame Salad

1 Serving
This pretty pink and green salad can be made from leftover cooked salmon or canned salmon. Serve it on a bed of dark, leafy greens or in a whole wheat pita. Edamame are whole green soybeans that are a favorite snack in Japan. Organic edamame are now readily available in the freezer section of health food stores. They're often available both in the pod and already shelled; you'll need the shelled version for this recipe.

Ingredients:
4 oz cooked or canned salmon
1/4 cup cooked, shelled edamame
2 tbsp sliced scallions (green onions)
2 tbsp chopped red bell pepper (optional)
2 tbsp Tofu Mayonnaise

Instructions:
Cook the edamame according to package directions until they're barely done. Cut the salmon into chunks and mix all the ingredients with 2 tablespoons of the Tofu Mayonnaise.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
269 calories
11 g total fat (1 g sat)
59 mg cholesterol
10 g carbohydrate
33 g protein
3 g fiber
99 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

April 16, 2009

Thursday Recipe 2

Swiss Chuck Roast


Makes: 4 serving

Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
You can't miss with this Swiss chuck roast. Simply toss these tasty ingredients together, cook up the roast and serve with potatoes or rice.

Ingredients
1 tbsp. butter
1 (2 lb.) chuck roast, 1-inch thick
1 envelope onion soup mix
1 (4 oz.) can of mushrooms, drained
1/2 medium green bell pepper, sliced
1 (20 oz.) can of tomatoes, drained and chopped, reserving juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp. steak sauce
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1 tbsp. parsley flakes


Methods/steps
Coat center of large sheet of heavy foil with butter and place into a 13 x 9-inch dish; place meat across foil, overlapping each piece slightly. Sprinkle with soup mix, mushrooms, green pepper slices and tomatoes. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Mix tomato juice, steak sauce and cornstarch. Add enough water to make 2 cups liquid. Pour over meat mixture and sprinkle with parsley flakes. Cover with foil and bake at 375 degrees for 2 hours.

Additional Tips
Ready in 2 hours and 15 min

What are you afraid of? Encouragement. (from my pastor)

What are you afraid of?

(you can view Pastor Don’s blogs at http://www.donbrock.net/)

If you need a good shot of encouragement, find the verses where the Bible says "Don’t be afraid…" Here is one of my favorite:
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, "It’s a ghost!" But Jesus spoke to them at once. "Don’t be afraid," he said. "Take courage. I am here!" Matthew 14:22-27 (NLT)

Jesus first told them what to do. Then he told them why they should do it. He told his disciples to get rid of their fear. Did he tell them that there was no danger? No, the scripture states that they "were in trouble." Did he tell them safety is not far away? No, they were "far away from land." Did he tell them the storm was not a big deal? No, it was a big something… strong wind and heavy waves.

The disciples were already doing something. They were in survival mode. They were working the problem – "they were fighting heavy waves."

Jesus said "Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here."

Jesus told his disciples to let go of their fear and replace it with courage. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward in spite of the fear.

But here is the key to this passage. Jesus did not tell them "the storm will soon stop." He did not say, "Land and safety is much closer now." He told them to take courage. Why? Because of one thing. Himself! "I AM HERE!"

John MacArthur says it well: "We will never find ourselves in a place where Christ cannot find us; and no storm is too severe for Him to save us from it. He protects His own, whom He will never fail or forsake. Life is often stormy and painful, often threatening and frightening. Some believers suffer more than others, but all suffer at some time and in some way. In spite of that, the storm is never so severe, the night never so black, and the boat never so frail that we risk danger beyond our Father’s care."

For God has said, "I will never fail you. I will never abandon you." Hebrews 13:5b (NLT)

Thursday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration


A Job Versus a Calling

By Os Hillman
April 16

"Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant... as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matt 20:26-28).


My wife and I travel to my home town every few months to visit my mom in an elderly care nursing facility for Alzheimer's and dementia patients. We often comment that it is easy to distinguish those who see their work as a job versus those who see it as a calling.


There is one woman there we all love. Her name is Carolyn. We know that if Carolyn is on duty, our mom will be well cared for. Carolyn exemplifies one who is doing her job because she actually loves her work. Carolyn's job involves caring for difficult patients who often have little appreciation for what she does and often requires cleaning up urine and giving baths to invalid patients. When asked about her view of her job Carolyn's response was quite remarkable, "I enjoy it." What an amazing response. We were both taken back by her comment.


Carolyn was recognized by her organization as caregiver of the year. She didn't do her job because she wanted that recognition. Instead, it was the fruit of living out her calling to be a caregiver.


Carolyn is in sharp contrast to others who work at the same facility. It is often difficult to get them to do the basic necessities of care for your loved one. Requests are met with resistance. The attitude in which they do their job is compulsory instead of a motivation to serve. This attitude can be seen in almost any vocational area. Whether you go into a department store, speak with a customer service agent, or go to get your tires changed, it is easy to recognize those who are living out their calling versus those who are collecting a paycheck.


Which person are you in this story? Pray that you see your work as a calling and an avenue to express the life of Jesus through your work life.


Contact Os Hillman at www.marketplaceleaders.org.


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Thursday Quote of the Day

April 16, 2009

Quote of the Day
"Despise not small things, either for evil or good, for a look may work thy ruin, or a word create thy wealth. A spark is a little thing, yet it may kindle the world."
– Martin Farquhar Tupper

Thursday Recipe 1

Mushroom and Spinach Side Salad
4 Servings
This side dish makes four servings; it's perfect to keep in your fridge to add to stir-fries or pasta dishes. Use as many different mushrooms as you can find, especially the healthier varieties like shiitake, enoki and oyster mushrooms. The dried porcini or cepes really add a lot of flavor. You'll find them in little packages near the produce stands.

Ingredients:
1/2 oz dried porcini or cepes mushrooms (optional)
2 tsbp quality extra-virgin olive oil
1 lb mixed, fresh mushrooms
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp herb and spice blend
2 cups organic baby spinach leaves

Instructions:
If you're using porcini mushrooms or cepes, put them in a dish with enough hot water to barely cover and let them soak for about 20 minutes. Wash and slice the fresh mushrooms and remove any tough stems.

In a large pan with a cover, heat the oil and sauté the mushrooms, including the soaked porcini and the soaking liquid. Stir well, cover and cook gently for 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and herb blend, cover and cook for another 5 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.

Add the baby spinach leaves to the mushroom mix. Stir to wilt them briefly, and the dish is ready to serve, or to store in the fridge for later use. You may want to add salt and pepper to taste but most people find it's not necessary.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
110 calories
7 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
10 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
2 g fiber
18 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

April 15, 2009

Wednesday Recipe 2

The Best Turkey Gravy


Makes: 4 cups

Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, October 27, 2007
Take a ride on the gravy train. Polish off the perfect turkey dinner with this great-tasting turkey gravy that's downright delicious.

Ingredients
Turkey giblets, and neck bone
2 cups chicken broth
2 medium carrots, finely chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
2 large shallots, finely chopped
1/2 cup cornstarch
3 cups cold water
1/4 cup turkey drippings
2 tsp. chicken bouillon granules

Methods/steps
Place the giblets, neck bone, broth, carrots, celery & shallots in a large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1-1/4 hours.
Strain and discard giblets, neck bone and vegetables; set cooking juices aside. In another large saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth; stir in the drippings and bouillon until smooth. Gradually stir in the reserved cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Season with pepper.

Wednesday Recipe 1

Potato Gnocchi
4 Servings
Gnocchi (pronounced "nyo-kee" and derived from the German word for "knuckle") are tasty little dumplings, one of Italy's oldest pastas, dating back to the 12th century. Traditional ingredients vary from region to region, with recipes including potatoes, flour, semolina, ricotta cheese, spinach and even bread crumbs. My favorite base for gnocchi is the Idaho potato. Potatoes are packed with complex carbohydrates, plenty of potassium, vitamins C and B-6, and lots of great minerals. Potatoes convert to glucose in your body fairly quickly, triggering the release of insulin, which leads to increased levels of relaxing seratonin in your brain. When making gnocchi (a relaxing activity in itself), pinch each one to create an indentation, which holds the sauce. Immediately let it fall to the floured surface so you handle the gnocchi as little as possible. Cook them right away if you can. Toss the dumplings into the bubbling water and drink in the scented steam. They will emerge light and delectable.

Ingredients:
1 pound baking potatoes
1 3/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Dash paprika
Dash grated nutmeg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:
1. Peel the potatoes, cut in quarters, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and cook until tender. Drain and mash. You should have about 2 cups.


2. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, salt, a few dashes of paprika and nutmeg, and the chopped parsley.


3. Add the warm potatoes and turn out onto a floured surface. Knead just until dough is well mixed and not sticky. Let rest for 15 minutes.


4. Roll chunks of dough on floured board into logs about 1 inch thick. Cut into diagonal slices about 3/4 inch thick.


5. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Add gnocchi. After they rise to the surface, lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, uncovered.


6. Drain well and cover with your favorite pasta sauce.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
289 calories
1 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
8 g protein
3 g fiber
250 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com

Wednesday Quote of the Day

April 15, 2009

Quote of the Day
"Had there been no difficulties and no thorns in the way, then man would have been in his primitive state and no progress made in civilization and mental culture."
– Anandibai Joshee

April 14, 2009

Tuesday Recipe 2

Spaetzle


Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, December 13, 2007
Most people are under the impression that to-die-for dumplings are difficult to prepare, but that's not the case. Simply make the dough and drop them into the boiling water.

Ingredients
2 cups flour
3 eggs
Salt
Enough water to make a paste


Methods/steps
Mix flour, eggs, and a little salt. Add water until you have a paste consistency. Do not beat, just blend. Drop bit by bit into boiling salted water. Remove from water, keep warm and finish process with remaining dough.

Tuesday Quote of the Day

April 14, 2009

Quote of the Day
"There are two ways of exerting one's strength: one is pushing down, the other is pulling up."
– Booker T. Washington

Tuesday Recipe 1

Cottage Cheese Pancakes
1 Serving
These are high-protein pancakes and quite a treat!

Prep time: 10 minutes
Start to finish: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup lowfat cottage cheese
1 tsp canola oil
3 tbsp whole wheat flour

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, beat the egg with a whisk until creamy.


2. Push the cottage cheese through a wire strainer into the egg in the bowl. Mix well.


3. Add the oil and flour. Mix well.


4. Lightly oil a skillet and place over low heat. When the skillet is hot, spoon the batter into the skillet making four pancakes. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon. Cook 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly browned.


5. Serve with applesauce, apple butter or your favorite whole fruit jam.


Nutritional Information:

Per serving:
272 calories
11 g total fat (3 g sat)
217 mg cholesterol
20 g carbohydrate
23 g protein
3 g fiber
523 mg sodium

- Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com