6/30/09
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Staying in Step
"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3)
A while ago, I was having problems with my German shepherd whenever we went for a walk. If another dog came anywhere near him, he would go crazy and lunge out at the dog, even if it wasn't bothering him.
When I shared this with the people who gave him to us, they asked me how I was walking him. I told them how, a lot of times, I would take him out, turn him loose, and let him go wherever he wanted to. Sometimes he would chase rabbits. When he was done, I would take him home.
They told me I couldn't do that anymore, because I was letting him run wild. They said, "The problem is that he is too 'doggy.' " They went on to explain how he needed to be reminded of who his master was. They said I needed to get him on his leash and use a muzzle device.
I started using it, and I found that it did work. I would just pull on his muzzle a little bit and he couldn't go after that rabbit. He had to go where I wanted him to go.
After a while, I took the muzzle off. Now he no longer needs that device. I am the master and he is the dog. He just goes where I go.
We can be like that with God. We say, "Here is what I want to do, Lord. You come with me."
But God says, "That is not the way it works. I want you to be more like Me. I want you to get in step with Me. I want you to go where I am going."
When we do, we are living the Christian life to its fullest.
Copyright © 2009 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New King James Version, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000.
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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Multi-Grain Scones
Multi-Grain Scones
10 Scones
These scones are the perfect answer for the morning rush! Unlike a lot of low fat foods, which can be so loaded with sugar that you feel hungry soon after eating them, these are quite filling -- you can eat just half of one and still satisfy the need for morning sustenance. Plus, you'll get in a nice amount of bran for the day, an appropriate source of roughage.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons grapeseed or expeller-pressed canola oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons millet
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
Lemon Topping:
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk the egg, sugar, and oil together in a bowl. Mix the lemon zest and all of the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of them are evenly dispersed throughout. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg, sugar, and oil, and mix to create a thick dough. Add the milk and mix well.
3. Lightly grease a baking pan. Scoop up tablespoonfuls of the dough and drop them one by one in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between. You should have about 10 scones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the crust is barely golden brown and the dough is dry. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a fork mix the Lemon Topping ingredients until the sugar is completely melded in. Drizzle 1 tablespoon ever each scone.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
375 calories
10 g total fat (2 g sat)
23 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
9 g protein
5 g fiber
120 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
10 Scones
These scones are the perfect answer for the morning rush! Unlike a lot of low fat foods, which can be so loaded with sugar that you feel hungry soon after eating them, these are quite filling -- you can eat just half of one and still satisfy the need for morning sustenance. Plus, you'll get in a nice amount of bran for the day, an appropriate source of roughage.
Ingredients:
1 egg
1/2 cup sugar
5 tablespoons grapeseed or expeller-pressed canola oil
1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 cup oatmeal (not instant)
1/4 cup wheat bran
1 1/2 cups unbleached white flour
2 tablespoons millet
2 tablespoons poppy seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup milk
Lemon Topping:
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Whisk the egg, sugar, and oil together in a bowl. Mix the lemon zest and all of the dry ingredients together in a separate bowl and stir with a wooden spoon until all of them are evenly dispersed throughout. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the egg, sugar, and oil, and mix to create a thick dough. Add the milk and mix well.
3. Lightly grease a baking pan. Scoop up tablespoonfuls of the dough and drop them one by one in mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving 2 inches of space between. You should have about 10 scones. Bake for 15-20 minutes, just until the crust is barely golden brown and the dough is dry. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. With a fork mix the Lemon Topping ingredients until the sugar is completely melded in. Drizzle 1 tablespoon ever each scone.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
375 calories
10 g total fat (2 g sat)
23 mg cholesterol
62 g carbohydrate
9 g protein
5 g fiber
120 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Cookie-Coated Mallows
Cookie-Coated Mallows
Makes: 10 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, February 21, 2008 Description -->
Although they have all of the makings of a smore, it's so much more. Check out this scrumptious switch that uses the same ingredients in a different, flavorful fashion.
Ingredients
1 box Graham cracker crumbs
1 5 oz. milk chocolate bar, chopped
1 bag large marshmallows
Methods/steps
Pour Graham cracker crumbs into a large bowl. Using a fondue set or a double boiler, melt the chocolate bar. Roll the marshmallow around in the chocolate until it is completely covered. Then roll the chocolate covered marshmallow around in the Graham cracker crumbs and place on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. After making desired amount place cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour and serve chilled.
Makes: 10 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Thursday, February 21, 2008 Description -->
Although they have all of the makings of a smore, it's so much more. Check out this scrumptious switch that uses the same ingredients in a different, flavorful fashion.
Ingredients
1 box Graham cracker crumbs
1 5 oz. milk chocolate bar, chopped
1 bag large marshmallows
Methods/steps
Pour Graham cracker crumbs into a large bowl. Using a fondue set or a double boiler, melt the chocolate bar. Roll the marshmallow around in the chocolate until it is completely covered. Then roll the chocolate covered marshmallow around in the Graham cracker crumbs and place on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. After making desired amount place cookie sheet in the refrigerator for about an hour and serve chilled.
6/29/09
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Week of June 29
Unfulfilled Expectations
Do you have unfulfilled expectations? Is there an unmet need in your life, or has a dream been shattered? Sometimes in life we experience setbacks and failures. We work towards a goal, only to see it thwarted. We have an image in our minds of the perfect family, career, or lifestyle--yet what we have in reality is disappointing.
Hopes and dreams are not bad--they inspire us to keep going. But when dreams fail, they leave us confused, disillusioned and sometimes devastated. Unfulfilled expectations are painful. They can even be traumatic, especially when we have put our whole hope in these expectations.
Read 2 Kings 5. In this passage we see a man who almost became a casualty to his high expectations. Yet because he was willing to subdue his ego and submit to the Word of God; he experienced a miracle.
Naaman was a powerful man, but he had a painful problem: "Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy" (2 Kings 5:1).
There are many similarities between leprosy and sin. Like leprosy, sin begins small--a little patch--and then spreads insidiously all over the body, infecting our faculties, twisting our intellect, perverting our emotions, hardening our conscience and enslaving our will.
Leprosy and sin both lead to decreased sensitivity. Leprosy causes diminished nerve centers and the inability to feel sensation. Likewise, when we allow sin to control our lives, we become callous and numb to the Word of God.
During the days of the Bible, leprosy patients were treated as if they were already dead. There was no cure, and the lepers were isolated from the community. They were hopeless, considered living death. When Jesus Christ healed leprosy in the Gospels, He was not only performing a miracle but doing the unimaginable. The Savior touched the untouchable and loved the unlovable. He healed lepers when society wanted to isolate them. He forgave them when nobody else could. That same Savior is the only One who can perform a miracle in our hearts today.
We can only imagine how horrible leprosy was for Naaman--he had power and victory in every area of his life, except his health. Fortunately, there was a Hebrew slave girl in his household who told Naaman's wife, "If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy" (2 Kings 5:3). The girl's faith was not in the prophet, but in the God he served. She knew Jehovah-Rapha had the power to heal a disease that nobody else could.
Yet when Naaman met Elisha, his expectations were shattered. "Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, 'Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.' But Naaman went away angry and said, 'I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy....Couldn't I wash in them and be cleansed?' So he turned and went off in a rage" (2 Kings 5:10-12).
When Naaman finally conceded and dipped in the River Jordan seven times, his skin was healed. The miracle did not come from the river, or even Elisha's words. The miracle came from Naaman's trip to the river, because there is blessing in surrender. There is a miracle in obedience. There is provision in submission. There is healing in yielding.
What sin have you been refusing to surrender to God? What disobedience have you been rationalizing? Pray to God today, "Lord God, I come to you in obedience. I cannot give this up, but help me give it up. Lord, I cannot do this. Please help me to do it. Lord, I don't want to surrender this, but I want you to help me to."
*****
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6/28/09
Easy Baked Pancakes
Easy Baked Pancakes
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Say sayonara to frying and hello to baking these cakes. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and pop them in the oven. They're every bit as good as the traditional kind.
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/4 cup butter
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place butter on 13x9 inch pan. Mix all ingredients together. Pour batter on top of boiling butter. Cook 15-17 minutes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min
Makes: 6 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Say sayonara to frying and hello to baking these cakes. Simply mix all of the ingredients together and pop them in the oven. They're every bit as good as the traditional kind.
Ingredients
1 cup flour
1 cup milk
1/4 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/4 cup butter
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 450 degrees. Place butter on 13x9 inch pan. Mix all ingredients together. Pour batter on top of boiling butter. Cook 15-17 minutes.
Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min
Salsa Rice
Salsa Rice
1 Serving
This is a very easy way to season basmati or brown rice. You can use it for already cooked rice, or cook the rice from scratch. Pick your favorite all-natural salsa and experiment with different types of salsa. There are lots of new and interesting ones on the market.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked rice (basmati or brown)
2 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
Just mix the salsa into the rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
129 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
1 g fiber
142 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This is a very easy way to season basmati or brown rice. You can use it for already cooked rice, or cook the rice from scratch. Pick your favorite all-natural salsa and experiment with different types of salsa. There are lots of new and interesting ones on the market.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked rice (basmati or brown)
2 tbsp salsa
Instructions:
Just mix the salsa into the rice.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
129 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
1 g fiber
142 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Makes: 20 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 7, 2007
Your guests will go wild over this rice and mushroom soup that puts those canned kinds to shame. They'll love every spoonful of this hearty offering.
Ingredients
7 1/2 pints vegetable or chicken stock
2 1/2 cups onion, fine chop
1 2/3 cups celery, chopped
1 2/3 cups green bell pepper, diced
5 Tbsp. parsley, chopped
5 oz. wild rice, washed and drained
20 oz. button mushrooms, sliced
1 1/4 cups red wine
Salt and pepper
Ham, bacon or chicken, chopped (optional)
Methods/steps
Put the stock into a soup pot. Sauté onions, celery and peppers; add to stock with parsley. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add the wild rice and continue to simmer 40 minutes. Sauté mushrooms; add mushrooms and wine to soup. Season to taste. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Serve hot.
Makes: 20 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 7, 2007
Your guests will go wild over this rice and mushroom soup that puts those canned kinds to shame. They'll love every spoonful of this hearty offering.
Ingredients
7 1/2 pints vegetable or chicken stock
2 1/2 cups onion, fine chop
1 2/3 cups celery, chopped
1 2/3 cups green bell pepper, diced
5 Tbsp. parsley, chopped
5 oz. wild rice, washed and drained
20 oz. button mushrooms, sliced
1 1/4 cups red wine
Salt and pepper
Ham, bacon or chicken, chopped (optional)
Methods/steps
Put the stock into a soup pot. Sauté onions, celery and peppers; add to stock with parsley. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add the wild rice and continue to simmer 40 minutes. Sauté mushrooms; add mushrooms and wine to soup. Season to taste. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Serve hot.
6/26/09
Friday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 26
Read Psalms 1 -- 9
Highlights In Today's Reading:
A songbook of praise to God. Hearts soar, voices lift in prayer, the anguish of sin, the joy of salvation! Two ways to live: righteously or ungodly (chap. 1). Whose Son is King (chap. 2)? The Lord our shield (3:3); our peace (4:8); our defender (5:11). The Lord hears and answers our prayers (6:8-10). The Lord our victory (chap. 9).
The key to the blessings of God begins with three negatives (1:1). The first negative is walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly -- meaning does not live by the advice of the unsaved or live by what is considered the acceptable "counsel" of the world. The ungodly who are referred to here are not children of God but may live a moral life and do good things but they are sinful in the eyes of God.
The second negative is nor standeth (place oneself) in the way of sinners. The sinner is an average person of the world who is speaking, acting, thinking, and living for himself. These people refuse to repent of their sins and let Christ be Lord of their lives. They may be proud to say that they are as good as their Christian neighbor.
The third negative is nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. The scorner has taken a firm stand against Christians who believe in Christ, who said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). They believe that any religion is acceptable as long as it doesn't offend others. They consider themselves broad-minded and generous. But, in fact, the scorner also stands firmly against the One True God -- who is God the Father, God the Son -- the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; John 3:34; 15:26; II Cor. 13:14; I Pet. 1:2; I John 5:6-7). He also opposes the Bible as the only revelation of the One True God and the Only True Guide for life.
In striking contrast, the first characteristic of the "blessed" man is that his delight is in the Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2) -- the Word of God. His desire is that his life conform to the revealed will of God -- all of it. He knows that God has provided His Word as the One Source of spiritual food as well as daily direction.
Christ has come to deliver us from the penalty of the Law and to deliver us from the power of sin, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Rom. 8:4).
The "blessed" man daily conforms to the Word of God because God has written His Law upon the table of his heart and he desires to do the will of God. His testimony is: I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy Law is within my heart (Ps. 40:8).
He may not be materially rich in the sense in which the world esteems, but he has treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:19-21).
Thought for Today:
Keep thy heart with all diligence (guard your heart more than any treasure); for out of it are the issues (source) of life (Prov. 4:23).
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Ps. 2:7). God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5).
Word Studies:
2:2 Anointed (one) Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing = lies.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) • Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa • Major language: English • Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas • 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice and consider yourself blessed when you suffer for the Name of Christ (I Pet. 4:14).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:14
Read Psalms 1 -- 9
Highlights In Today's Reading:
A songbook of praise to God. Hearts soar, voices lift in prayer, the anguish of sin, the joy of salvation! Two ways to live: righteously or ungodly (chap. 1). Whose Son is King (chap. 2)? The Lord our shield (3:3); our peace (4:8); our defender (5:11). The Lord hears and answers our prayers (6:8-10). The Lord our victory (chap. 9).
The key to the blessings of God begins with three negatives (1:1). The first negative is walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly -- meaning does not live by the advice of the unsaved or live by what is considered the acceptable "counsel" of the world. The ungodly who are referred to here are not children of God but may live a moral life and do good things but they are sinful in the eyes of God.
The second negative is nor standeth (place oneself) in the way of sinners. The sinner is an average person of the world who is speaking, acting, thinking, and living for himself. These people refuse to repent of their sins and let Christ be Lord of their lives. They may be proud to say that they are as good as their Christian neighbor.
The third negative is nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. The scorner has taken a firm stand against Christians who believe in Christ, who said: I am The Way, The Truth, and The Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). They believe that any religion is acceptable as long as it doesn't offend others. They consider themselves broad-minded and generous. But, in fact, the scorner also stands firmly against the One True God -- who is God the Father, God the Son -- the Lord Jesus Christ, and God the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19; John 3:34; 15:26; II Cor. 13:14; I Pet. 1:2; I John 5:6-7). He also opposes the Bible as the only revelation of the One True God and the Only True Guide for life.
In striking contrast, the first characteristic of the "blessed" man is that his delight is in the Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2) -- the Word of God. His desire is that his life conform to the revealed will of God -- all of it. He knows that God has provided His Word as the One Source of spiritual food as well as daily direction.
Christ has come to deliver us from the penalty of the Law and to deliver us from the power of sin, that the righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Rom. 8:4).
The "blessed" man daily conforms to the Word of God because God has written His Law upon the table of his heart and he desires to do the will of God. His testimony is: I delight to do Thy will, O my God: yea, Thy Law is within my heart (Ps. 40:8).
He may not be materially rich in the sense in which the world esteems, but he has treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal (Matt. 6:19-21).
Thought for Today:
Keep thy heart with all diligence (guard your heart more than any treasure); for out of it are the issues (source) of life (Prov. 4:23).
Christ Revealed:
As the Son of God (Ps. 2:7). God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16; Acts 13:33; Heb. 1:5).
Word Studies:
2:2 Anointed (one) Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek); 5:6 leasing = lies.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for English International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Iva Jo Swinsburg • Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Official: Rep. Neil Abercrombie (HI) • Country: Sierra Leone (5 million) in western Africa • Major language: English • Increasing restrictions on Christian work in some areas • 50% belief in river spirits, medicine men, and witchcraft; 39% Muslim; 7% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice and consider yourself blessed when you suffer for the Name of Christ (I Pet. 4:14).
Optional Reading: Philippians 3
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 7:14
Vegetable Stock
Vegetable Stock
20 Cups
This is an excellent vegetable stock - freeze what you don't use for next time.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, well washed and chopped
4 medium onions, chopped
6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small bunch parsley stems
2 teaspoons dried whole marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried whole thyme
3 Turkish bay leaves or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 1/2 gallons cold purified water
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the vegetables and stir-fry to brown lightly. Add the marjoram, thyme, bay leaves, and cold water. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour.
Strain the stock through a fine sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander. Press or squeeze the vegetables to extract their liquid. Discard the vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
36 calories
0 g sugar
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
2 g fiber
0 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com.
20 Cups
This is an excellent vegetable stock - freeze what you don't use for next time.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp quality extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks, white and light green parts only, well washed and chopped
4 medium onions, chopped
6 large carrots, peeled and chopped
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 small bunch parsley stems
2 teaspoons dried whole marjoram
1/2 teaspoon dried whole thyme
3 Turkish bay leaves or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 1/2 gallons cold purified water
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the vegetables and stir-fry to brown lightly. Add the marjoram, thyme, bay leaves, and cold water. Bring the pot to a boil, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for one hour.
Strain the stock through a fine sieve or a cheesecloth-lined colander. Press or squeeze the vegetables to extract their liquid. Discard the vegetables.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
36 calories
0 g sugar
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
7 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
2 g fiber
0 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com.
6/25/09
Tuna & Cheese Tortellini
Tuna & Cheese Tortellini
Serves: 2-3
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 16, 2007
You can tuna great tortellini dish into a mouthwatering surprise. This tuna and cheese tortellini casserole is an all-around tasty experience.
Ingredients
1 tuna steak (about 6 oz.)
1 pkg. (9 oz.) uncooked refrigerated reduced-fat cheese tortellini
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 cup evaporated skimmed milk
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Methods/steps
Grill or broil tuna 4 inches from heat source until fish just begins to flake, about 7 to 9 minutes, turning once. Remove and discard skin. Cut tuna into chunks; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain; set aside. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add bell peppers, onion and fennel seeds; cook over medium heat until crisp-tender. Whisk together milk, flour, mustard and black pepper in small bowl until smooth; add to skillet. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in tuna and pasta; reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Serves: 2-3
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, December 16, 2007
You can tuna great tortellini dish into a mouthwatering surprise. This tuna and cheese tortellini casserole is an all-around tasty experience.
Ingredients
1 tuna steak (about 6 oz.)
1 pkg. (9 oz.) uncooked refrigerated reduced-fat cheese tortellini
Nonstick cooking spray
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
3/4 tsp. fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 cup evaporated skimmed milk
2 tsp. all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Methods/steps
Grill or broil tuna 4 inches from heat source until fish just begins to flake, about 7 to 9 minutes, turning once. Remove and discard skin. Cut tuna into chunks; set aside. Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain; set aside. Spray large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Add bell peppers, onion and fennel seeds; cook over medium heat until crisp-tender. Whisk together milk, flour, mustard and black pepper in small bowl until smooth; add to skillet. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Stir in tuna and pasta; reduce heat to low and simmer until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
The Struggle Against Worldliness
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what
the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NASB
We live in the world, but we should not worship it--yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiersbe correctly observed, "Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous."
The 21st-century world we live in is a noisy, stress-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!" But if we are wise, we won't fall prey to that temptation.
C. S. Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither." That's good advice. You're likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at heaven.
The Lord Jesus Christ is still praying for us. He wants us to be in the world but not of it.
Charles Stanley
Our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We must struggle against sin all our lives, but we are assured we will win.
Corrie ten Boom
The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life.
Barbara Johnson
All those who look to draw their satisfaction from the wells of the world--pleasure, popularity, position, possessions, politics, power, prestige, finances, family, friends, fame, fortune, career, children, church, clubs, sports, sex, success, recognition, reputation, religion, education, entertainment, exercise, honors, health, hobbies--will soon be thirsty again!
Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Lord, this world is a crazy place, and I have many opportunities to stray from Your commandments. Help me turn to obey You! Let me keep Christ in my heart, and let me put the devil in his place: far away from me! Amen
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what
the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 NASB
We live in the world, but we should not worship it--yet at every turn, or so it seems, we are tempted to do otherwise. As Warren Wiersbe correctly observed, "Because the world is deceptive, it is dangerous."
The 21st-century world we live in is a noisy, stress-filled, distracting place, a place that offers countless temptations and dangers. The world seems to cry, "Worship me with your time, your money, your energy, your thoughts, and your life!" But if we are wise, we won't fall prey to that temptation.
C. S. Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in; aim at earth and you will get neither." That's good advice. You're likely to hit what you aim at, so aim high . . . aim at heaven.
The Lord Jesus Christ is still praying for us. He wants us to be in the world but not of it.
Charles Stanley
Our fight is not against any physical enemy; it is against organizations and powers that are spiritual. We must struggle against sin all our lives, but we are assured we will win.
Corrie ten Boom
The more we stuff ourselves with material pleasures, the less we seem to appreciate life.
Barbara Johnson
All those who look to draw their satisfaction from the wells of the world--pleasure, popularity, position, possessions, politics, power, prestige, finances, family, friends, fame, fortune, career, children, church, clubs, sports, sex, success, recognition, reputation, religion, education, entertainment, exercise, honors, health, hobbies--will soon be thirsty again!
Anne Graham Lotz
Today's Prayer
Lord, this world is a crazy place, and I have many opportunities to stray from Your commandments. Help me turn to obey You! Let me keep Christ in my heart, and let me put the devil in his place: far away from me! Amen
6/24/09
Bruschetta
Bruschetta
Serves: 4
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, October 22, 2007
It's the best thing since sliced bread. This fresh bruschetta is topped with olive oil, basil and tomatoes makes a great accompaniment to traditional and non-traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients
8" round "wheel" sour dough French bread loaf
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. butter, melted
2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2-3 Italian tomatoes, cubed
Small bunch fresh basil, chopped
Salt to taste
Methods/steps
Slice the bread and brush each half with a light coat of melted butter and a heavier coat of olive oil. Sprinkle on garlic and salt. Toast lightly in oven under broil setting (careful don't scorch the butter). Remove and immediately top with diced tomatoes and basil. Serve immediately.
Serves: 4
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, October 22, 2007
It's the best thing since sliced bread. This fresh bruschetta is topped with olive oil, basil and tomatoes makes a great accompaniment to traditional and non-traditional pasta dishes.
Ingredients
8" round "wheel" sour dough French bread loaf
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp. butter, melted
2-3 cloves garlic, finely minced
2-3 Italian tomatoes, cubed
Small bunch fresh basil, chopped
Salt to taste
Methods/steps
Slice the bread and brush each half with a light coat of melted butter and a heavier coat of olive oil. Sprinkle on garlic and salt. Toast lightly in oven under broil setting (careful don't scorch the butter). Remove and immediately top with diced tomatoes and basil. Serve immediately.
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Back In the Ring For Another Round
If you've ever watched a boxing match, if you've ever been around a "Rocky" movie, then you know the scene. Boxer-Man has been punched and pounded and bruised for several rounds. The bell rings, he staggers to his corner, his attendants immediately start working on him. They give him something to drink, they help him get a quick breather, and they give him a big pep talk. I don't know what they tell Boxer-Man, but I'm sure it's good stuff. What I do know is whatever they tell him works. Even though he's banged up, he gets back into the ring for another round!
We live in a world where everybody is taking their blows. People you know often feel beat up, punched around, and even ready to go down for the count. What may keep them from giving up is someone in their corner who's giving them what they need to go for another round. I hope that someone is you.
We've got a stellar example of that in our word for today from the Word of God. In Acts 4:36, we're introduced to "Joseph...whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)." Something about this man made the early Christian leaders think "encouragement." I wonder if that's what people think when they see you coming. "Here comes encouragement."
All through his appearances in the Book of Acts, Barnabas shows us what an encourager looks like. In Acts 9, for example, when none of the disciples wanted anything to do with Saul of Tarsus after he met Christ, (I mean, they were afraid he was still hunting Christians.) Barnabas was the one who brought him to them and vouched for him. A Barnabas believes in a person when no one else will. I hope that's you.
In Acts 11, when God started working among the despised Gentiles, it says the church leaders in Jerusalem "sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23-24). Here's another face of the encourager. He looks for what God is doing in someone's life and he fans the flame.
Now lest you think this mission of encouragement is just for a gifted elite like Barnabas, don't forget that God says to all of us, "Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). So how are you doing? Do you look for the things a person is doing right? Do you thank them for it? Do you make a person feel really important when they're with you, or like they're keeping you from something more important? Do you listen for their heart, not just their words? Do you look for what God seems to be doing in their life and then you affirm it to them? Do you look for their strong points and tell them what you see? By the way, this ministry of encouragement is one anyone can have and it may be just what you need to get you out of your own pit of self-focus and self-pity. And your ministry of encouragement begins first with your very own family. They need it the most, and you're in a unique position to give it to them.
I love that word "encourage." When you do it, you literally put "courage in" to that person. Someone who may be more battered than you know, closer to going down or giving up than you could imagine. You never know when your encouragement might literally be the difference in that person's life. When you're bruised and when you're hurting, the difference very well may be the person in your corner who gets back in the ring for another round.
Copyright © 2008 Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
Learn how to begin a personal, love-relationship with the God who made you.
www.crosswalkmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you've ever watched a boxing match, if you've ever been around a "Rocky" movie, then you know the scene. Boxer-Man has been punched and pounded and bruised for several rounds. The bell rings, he staggers to his corner, his attendants immediately start working on him. They give him something to drink, they help him get a quick breather, and they give him a big pep talk. I don't know what they tell Boxer-Man, but I'm sure it's good stuff. What I do know is whatever they tell him works. Even though he's banged up, he gets back into the ring for another round!
We live in a world where everybody is taking their blows. People you know often feel beat up, punched around, and even ready to go down for the count. What may keep them from giving up is someone in their corner who's giving them what they need to go for another round. I hope that someone is you.
We've got a stellar example of that in our word for today from the Word of God. In Acts 4:36, we're introduced to "Joseph...whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement)." Something about this man made the early Christian leaders think "encouragement." I wonder if that's what people think when they see you coming. "Here comes encouragement."
All through his appearances in the Book of Acts, Barnabas shows us what an encourager looks like. In Acts 9, for example, when none of the disciples wanted anything to do with Saul of Tarsus after he met Christ, (I mean, they were afraid he was still hunting Christians.) Barnabas was the one who brought him to them and vouched for him. A Barnabas believes in a person when no one else will. I hope that's you.
In Acts 11, when God started working among the despised Gentiles, it says the church leaders in Jerusalem "sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord" (Acts 11:23-24). Here's another face of the encourager. He looks for what God is doing in someone's life and he fans the flame.
Now lest you think this mission of encouragement is just for a gifted elite like Barnabas, don't forget that God says to all of us, "Encourage one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). So how are you doing? Do you look for the things a person is doing right? Do you thank them for it? Do you make a person feel really important when they're with you, or like they're keeping you from something more important? Do you listen for their heart, not just their words? Do you look for what God seems to be doing in their life and then you affirm it to them? Do you look for their strong points and tell them what you see? By the way, this ministry of encouragement is one anyone can have and it may be just what you need to get you out of your own pit of self-focus and self-pity. And your ministry of encouragement begins first with your very own family. They need it the most, and you're in a unique position to give it to them.
I love that word "encourage." When you do it, you literally put "courage in" to that person. Someone who may be more battered than you know, closer to going down or giving up than you could imagine. You never know when your encouragement might literally be the difference in that person's life. When you're bruised and when you're hurting, the difference very well may be the person in your corner who gets back in the ring for another round.
Copyright © 2008 Ron Hutchcraft Ministries, Inc.
Learn how to begin a personal, love-relationship with the God who made you.
www.crosswalkmail.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Banana Soy Smoothie
Banana Soy Smoothie
1 Serving
This a very quick smoothie that is good for breakfast or as a snack. In addition to soy isoflavones, this drink provides a good dose of calcium and potassium, lots of vitamin C, plus four grams of fiber — more than many breakfast cereals.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup soy milk (organic and calcium-enriched)
1/2 cup orange juice (calcium-enriched)
Instructions:
Peel the banana, break it into pieces and put it in the blender with the soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth and serve. If you like, use frozen banana chunks or add a couple of ice cubes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
202 calories
2 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
44 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
64 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
1 Serving
This a very quick smoothie that is good for breakfast or as a snack. In addition to soy isoflavones, this drink provides a good dose of calcium and potassium, lots of vitamin C, plus four grams of fiber — more than many breakfast cereals.
Ingredients:
1 banana
1/2 cup soy milk (organic and calcium-enriched)
1/2 cup orange juice (calcium-enriched)
Instructions:
Peel the banana, break it into pieces and put it in the blender with the soy milk and orange juice. Blend until smooth and serve. If you like, use frozen banana chunks or add a couple of ice cubes.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
202 calories
2 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
44 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
4 g fiber
64 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/23/09
Baked Spicy Shrimp
Baked Spicy Shrimp
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ready yourself for a seafood dish that's shrimply irresistible. While preparation is important, following the proper cook time is integral, as to make sure they're done well not well done.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. medium fresh shrimp in shells
1/2 cup of butter
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 3 dried chiles, coarsely crumbled
1 tbsp. fresh limejuice
1/4 tsp. salt
Scallion tops, slivered, for garnish
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Shell and devein shrimp, leaving tails attached; rinse and drain well. Heat butter and oil in small skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foamy. Add garlic, chiles, limejuice and salt. Cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Arrange shrimp in an even layer in a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Pour hot butter mixture over shrimp. Bake shrimp 10 to 12 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring once. Garnish with slivered scallion tops.
Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Ready yourself for a seafood dish that's shrimply irresistible. While preparation is important, following the proper cook time is integral, as to make sure they're done well not well done.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb. medium fresh shrimp in shells
1/2 cup of butter
1/4 cup of vegetable oil
8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 to 3 dried chiles, coarsely crumbled
1 tbsp. fresh limejuice
1/4 tsp. salt
Scallion tops, slivered, for garnish
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Shell and devein shrimp, leaving tails attached; rinse and drain well. Heat butter and oil in small skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foamy. Add garlic, chiles, limejuice and salt. Cook and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Arrange shrimp in an even layer in a shallow 2-quart baking dish. Pour hot butter mixture over shrimp. Bake shrimp 10 to 12 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque, stirring once. Garnish with slivered scallion tops.
Additional Tips
Ready in 25 min
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 23, 2009
I Need Patience ... Now!
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 "Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (NIV).
Friend To Friend
Our daughter, who is expecting our third grandchild in July, has begun to battle back pain since her "little man" began kicking. (Yes, it is a boy and I think soccer is definitely in his future.) In frustration, she recently complained, "Mom, he is sitting on my nerve!" My response was not particularly encouraging, "Honey, believe me when I say that it won't be the last time."
Sandpaper people can definitely get on our last nerve, which is why God's plan for dealing with these difficult people includes setting aside part of our emotional energy to cover their faults and allow for their weaknesses. In other words, we must learn and choose to be patient.
The apostle Paul is clear in his explanation of how we should treat others, even those people who rub us the wrong way, the sandpaper people. We are called to "admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak and be patient with all men" 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NAS).
Sandpaper people are often unruly, meaning that they are frequently careless or out of line in their behavior. The word, "unruly" applies to soldiers who refuse to follow orders, insisting on doing things their own way. Sound familiar? It is the motto of every respectable sandpaper person. Patience lovingly corrects and points out the right way but sandpaper people tend to give up easily, feeding the failure that has become a familiar companion, training their feeble hearts to despair while persuading their fragile spirits to quit. Patience comforts these hard to love people, refusing to give up on them when everyone else has walked away. The "weak" ones are those who are weak in their faith -- the baby Christians. New believers awkwardly stumble through their first steps into the world of Christianity and are often perceived to be "rough around the edges." Patience not only reassures these frightened little lambs that they belong, but also offers to walk with them until they grow stronger and their path is sure.
His name was Sam. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. I was standing at the door of my second grade classroom, anxiously waiting to greet the thirty students who had been assigned to me for nine months. Though Sam was smaller than the other children, he walked with the earned confidence of one who has seen more than he should have seen at such a young age. What he lacked in size, he more than made up for in personality and attitude. He was a blatant flirt, and I was a goner as soon as he gazed up at me with strikingly blue eyes that tripped my heart. When he flashed two cavernous dimples, I was a goner. I will never forget his words. They broke my heart. "My name is Sam. I am dumb and stupid and I can't do anything right. I get mad real easy and like to break things. I just thought you should know."
It took only a few minutes for Sam to begin what I suspected was his usual attempt to prove his words true as he swept through the quickly filling classroom, destruction in his hands. Papers were ripped and tossed aside. Children shrank away from his now scowling face, fear in their eyes. When a little girl laughed, Sam thought she was laughing at him and knocked her to the floor. I had seen enough. Taking Sam by the arm, I marched him out of the room and down the hall. He was not surprised or particularly concerned. It seemed to be very familiar territory - but what came next wasn't.
Looking for a place to sit, I stopped in front of a bench, pulled him into my arms and held onto him for dear life. "Sam, it is wrong to tell a lie," I whispered. Stunned, he drew back to ask, "What do you mean? I didn't tell no lie." Cupping his freckled face in my hands, I whispered, "Yes, you did. You said you were dumb and stupid and couldn't do anything right. That is a lie. I don't know who told you that and I don't care. It's not true -- is it, Sam?" His eyes filled with tears -- and a tiny ray of unfamiliar hope appeared. It was enough. Slowly, he shook his head, a watery smile creeping across his now softening face. "Nope! I reckon it ain't." Together, we walked back to the classroom and to a new beginning for one little sandpaper person.
That year, I taught Sam and he taught me. I am not certain who learned the most but this I do know - the more we love, the more patience we will have. And the more patience we have, the more we will love. I often wonder just how many "Sams" are waiting for someone -- anyone -- who will choose to unleash the power of patience and by doing so, unleash the power of love as well.
Let's Pray
Father, forgive me for being impatient with others -- especially the ones who rub me the wrong way. I know You have allowed each one of those sandpaper people to cross my path for a reason. Please help me see them as You see them, loved and chosen. I want my actions to point them to You and to an acceptance that can only come from You. Father, make it clear to my heart when I am the sandpaper person and help me to control my emotions and my words. Thank You for loving me and for the privilege of loving others through You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Read the following verses and record them in your journal. In your own words, explain each verse as it applies to your life. Make a list of three "sandpaper people" in your life and pray these verses for each one.
Proverbs 14:29 "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly."
Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
1 Timothy 1:16 "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."
More From The Girls
My prayer for patience usually concludes with something like "and Lord, I need it right now!" By nature, I am not a very patient person. I tend to be a perfectionist and expect people to do what they are supposed to do, according to Mary. The "sandpaper people" concept is one I have dealt with for years. I can honestly say that I see some growth and progress but it has come with a price. I am slowly learning to choose love over judgment, grace over retribution and forgiveness over retaliation. Sometimes it is so hard to say and do the right thing when someone says or does something that drives me crazy or makes me angry. So I keep praying and keep asking God to guard my mouth and my heart and make me more patient.
Looking for a bible study that is practical and biblically based? Check out Mary's online bible study, Light for the Journey.
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
I Need Patience ... Now!
Mary Southerland
Today's Truth
1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 "Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone" (NIV).
Friend To Friend
Our daughter, who is expecting our third grandchild in July, has begun to battle back pain since her "little man" began kicking. (Yes, it is a boy and I think soccer is definitely in his future.) In frustration, she recently complained, "Mom, he is sitting on my nerve!" My response was not particularly encouraging, "Honey, believe me when I say that it won't be the last time."
Sandpaper people can definitely get on our last nerve, which is why God's plan for dealing with these difficult people includes setting aside part of our emotional energy to cover their faults and allow for their weaknesses. In other words, we must learn and choose to be patient.
The apostle Paul is clear in his explanation of how we should treat others, even those people who rub us the wrong way, the sandpaper people. We are called to "admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak and be patient with all men" 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NAS).
Sandpaper people are often unruly, meaning that they are frequently careless or out of line in their behavior. The word, "unruly" applies to soldiers who refuse to follow orders, insisting on doing things their own way. Sound familiar? It is the motto of every respectable sandpaper person. Patience lovingly corrects and points out the right way but sandpaper people tend to give up easily, feeding the failure that has become a familiar companion, training their feeble hearts to despair while persuading their fragile spirits to quit. Patience comforts these hard to love people, refusing to give up on them when everyone else has walked away. The "weak" ones are those who are weak in their faith -- the baby Christians. New believers awkwardly stumble through their first steps into the world of Christianity and are often perceived to be "rough around the edges." Patience not only reassures these frightened little lambs that they belong, but also offers to walk with them until they grow stronger and their path is sure.
His name was Sam. I fell in love with him the first time I saw him. I was standing at the door of my second grade classroom, anxiously waiting to greet the thirty students who had been assigned to me for nine months. Though Sam was smaller than the other children, he walked with the earned confidence of one who has seen more than he should have seen at such a young age. What he lacked in size, he more than made up for in personality and attitude. He was a blatant flirt, and I was a goner as soon as he gazed up at me with strikingly blue eyes that tripped my heart. When he flashed two cavernous dimples, I was a goner. I will never forget his words. They broke my heart. "My name is Sam. I am dumb and stupid and I can't do anything right. I get mad real easy and like to break things. I just thought you should know."
It took only a few minutes for Sam to begin what I suspected was his usual attempt to prove his words true as he swept through the quickly filling classroom, destruction in his hands. Papers were ripped and tossed aside. Children shrank away from his now scowling face, fear in their eyes. When a little girl laughed, Sam thought she was laughing at him and knocked her to the floor. I had seen enough. Taking Sam by the arm, I marched him out of the room and down the hall. He was not surprised or particularly concerned. It seemed to be very familiar territory - but what came next wasn't.
Looking for a place to sit, I stopped in front of a bench, pulled him into my arms and held onto him for dear life. "Sam, it is wrong to tell a lie," I whispered. Stunned, he drew back to ask, "What do you mean? I didn't tell no lie." Cupping his freckled face in my hands, I whispered, "Yes, you did. You said you were dumb and stupid and couldn't do anything right. That is a lie. I don't know who told you that and I don't care. It's not true -- is it, Sam?" His eyes filled with tears -- and a tiny ray of unfamiliar hope appeared. It was enough. Slowly, he shook his head, a watery smile creeping across his now softening face. "Nope! I reckon it ain't." Together, we walked back to the classroom and to a new beginning for one little sandpaper person.
That year, I taught Sam and he taught me. I am not certain who learned the most but this I do know - the more we love, the more patience we will have. And the more patience we have, the more we will love. I often wonder just how many "Sams" are waiting for someone -- anyone -- who will choose to unleash the power of patience and by doing so, unleash the power of love as well.
Let's Pray
Father, forgive me for being impatient with others -- especially the ones who rub me the wrong way. I know You have allowed each one of those sandpaper people to cross my path for a reason. Please help me see them as You see them, loved and chosen. I want my actions to point them to You and to an acceptance that can only come from You. Father, make it clear to my heart when I am the sandpaper person and help me to control my emotions and my words. Thank You for loving me and for the privilege of loving others through You.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Read the following verses and record them in your journal. In your own words, explain each verse as it applies to your life. Make a list of three "sandpaper people" in your life and pray these verses for each one.
Proverbs 14:29 "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly."
Psalm 37:7 "Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes."
1 Timothy 1:16 "But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."
More From The Girls
My prayer for patience usually concludes with something like "and Lord, I need it right now!" By nature, I am not a very patient person. I tend to be a perfectionist and expect people to do what they are supposed to do, according to Mary. The "sandpaper people" concept is one I have dealt with for years. I can honestly say that I see some growth and progress but it has come with a price. I am slowly learning to choose love over judgment, grace over retribution and forgiveness over retaliation. Sometimes it is so hard to say and do the right thing when someone says or does something that drives me crazy or makes me angry. So I keep praying and keep asking God to guard my mouth and my heart and make me more patient.
Looking for a bible study that is practical and biblically based? Check out Mary's online bible study, Light for the Journey.
Girlfriends in God
P.O. Box 725
Matthews, NC 28106
info@girlfriendsingod.com
www.girlfriendsingod.com
(Healthier) Taco Salad
Taco Salad
2 Servings
Fast food taco salads are considered one of the highest fat, highest calorie choices at Mexican fast food restaurants. Ours is a wonderful alternative. Grate the cheese and add to the salad. Warm the beans if you like and add a little ground chicken, turkey or crumbled tempeh. Even though the carbohydrate content of this salad seems high, it has a very low glycemic index. The beans are also a rich source of folic acid and contribute to the high fiber content.
Ingredients:
4 cups lettuce, torn into pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup pinto beans, drained of juice
2 oz baked tortilla chips, broken into pieces
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions:
In a salad bowl, mix together the vegetables, pinto beans and tortilla chips. Add the salsa and stir gently to blend.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
203 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
40 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
11 g fiber
213 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
2 Servings
Fast food taco salads are considered one of the highest fat, highest calorie choices at Mexican fast food restaurants. Ours is a wonderful alternative. Grate the cheese and add to the salad. Warm the beans if you like and add a little ground chicken, turkey or crumbled tempeh. Even though the carbohydrate content of this salad seems high, it has a very low glycemic index. The beans are also a rich source of folic acid and contribute to the high fiber content.
Ingredients:
4 cups lettuce, torn into pieces
1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped
1 cup pinto beans, drained of juice
2 oz baked tortilla chips, broken into pieces
1/4 cup salsa
Instructions:
In a salad bowl, mix together the vegetables, pinto beans and tortilla chips. Add the salsa and stir gently to blend.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
203 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
40 g carbohydrate
11 g protein
11 g fiber
213 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/22/09
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasted Cauliflower
Roasting members of the brassica family brings out a hidden nutty sweetness that could change a few minds about these oft-maligned vegetables.
Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients:
8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head), sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place florets in a large bowl with oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, stirring once, until tender-crisp and browned in spots, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
113 calories
7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
11 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
351 mg sodium
Roasting members of the brassica family brings out a hidden nutty sweetness that could change a few minds about these oft-maligned vegetables.
Makes 4 servings, 1 1/2 cups each
Ingredients:
8 cups bite-size cauliflower florets (about 1 head), sliced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place florets in a large bowl with oil, salt and pepper and toss to coat. Spread out on a baking sheet. Roast the vegetables, stirring once, until tender-crisp and browned in spots, 15 to 25 minutes. Serve hot or warm with lemon wedges, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
113 calories
7 g fat (1 g sat, 5 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
11 g carbohydrate
4 g protein
5 g fiber
351 mg sodium
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 22
Don't Waste Your Cancer - John Piper
I write this on the eve of prostate surgery. I believe in God's power to heal--by miracle and by medicine. I believe it is right and good to pray for both kinds of healing. Cancer is not wasted when it is healed by God. He gets the glory and that is why cancer exists. So not to pray for healing may waste your cancer. But healing is not God's plan for everyone. And there are many other ways to waste your cancer. I am praying for myself and for you that we will not waste this pain.
1. You will waste your cancer if you do not believe it is designed for you by God.
It will not do to say that God only uses our cancer but does not design it. What God permits, he permits for a reason. And that reason is his design. If God foresees molecular developments becoming cancer, he can stop it or not. If he does not, he has a purpose. Since he is infinitely wise, it is right to call this purpose a design. Satan is real and causes many pleasures and pains. But he is not ultimate. So when he strikes Job with boils (Job 2:7), Job attributes it ultimately to God (2:10) and the inspired writer agrees: "They . . . comforted him for all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him" (Job 42:11). If you don't believe your cancer is designed for you by God, you will waste it.
2. You will waste your cancer if you believe it is a curse and not a gift.
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13). "There is no enchantment against Jacob, no divination against Israel" (Numbers 23:23). "The LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly" (Psalm 84:11).
3. You will waste your cancer if you seek comfort from your odds rather than from God.
The design of God in your cancer is not to train you in the rationalistic, human calculation of odds. The world gets comfort from their odds. Not Christians. Some count their chariots (percentages of survival) and some count their horses (side effects of treatment), but we trust in the name of the LORD our God (Psalm 20:7). God's design is clear from 2 Corinthians 1:9, "We felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." The aim of God in your cancer (among a thousand other good things) is to knock props out from under our hearts so that we rely utterly on him.
4. You will waste your cancer if you refuse to think about death.
We will all die, if Jesus postpones his return. Not to think about what it will be like to leave this life and meet God is folly. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, "It is better to go to the house of mourning [a funeral] than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart." How can you lay it to heart if you won't think about it? Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." Numbering your days means thinking about how few there are and that they will end. How will you get a heart of wisdom if you refuse to think about this? What a waste, if we do not think about death.
5. You will waste your cancer if you think that "beating" cancer means staying alive rather than cherishing Christ.
Satan's and God's designs in your cancer are not the same. Satan designs to destroy your love for Christ. God designs to deepen your love for Christ. Cancer does not win if you die. It wins if you fail to cherish Christ. God's design is to wean you off the breast of the world and feast you on the sufficiency of Christ. It is meant to help you say and feel, "I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." And to know that therefore, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 3:8; 1:21).
6. You will waste your cancer if you spend too much time reading about cancer and not enough time reading about God.
It is not wrong to know about cancer. Ignorance is not a virtue. But the lure to know more and more and the lack of zeal to know God more and more is symptomatic of unbelief. Cancer is meant to waken us to the reality of God. It is meant to put feeling and force behind the command, "Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD" (Hosea 6:3). It is meant to waken us to the truth of Daniel 11:32, "The people who know their God shall stand firm and take action." It is meant to make unshakable, indestructible oak trees out of us: "His delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers" (Psalm 1:2). What a waste of cancer if we read day and night about cancer and not about God.
7. You will waste your cancer if you let it drive you into solitude instead of deepen your relationships with manifest affection.
When Epaphroditus brought the gifts to Paul sent by the Philippian church he became ill and almost died. Paul tells the Philippians, "He has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill" (Philippians 2:26-27). What an amazing response! It does not say they were distressed that he was ill, but that he was distressed because they heard he was ill. That is the kind of heart God is aiming to create with cancer: a deeply affectionate, caring heart for people. Don't waste your cancer by retreating into yourself.
8. You will waste your cancer if you grieve as those who have no hope.
Paul used this phrase in relation to those whose loved ones had died: "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). There is a grief at death. Even for the believer who dies, there is temporary loss--loss of body, and loss of loved ones here, and loss of earthly ministry. But the grief is different--it is permeated with hope. "We would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:8). Don't waste your cancer grieving as those who don't have this hope.
9. You will waste your cancer if you treat sin as casually as before.
Are your besetting sins as attractive as they were before you had cancer? If so you are wasting your cancer. Cancer is designed to destroy the appetite for sin. Pride, greed, lust, hatred, unforgiveness, impatience, laziness, procrastination--all these are the adversaries that cancer is meant to attack. Don't just think of battling against cancer. Also think of battling with cancer. All these things are worse enemies than cancer. Don't waste the power of cancer to crush these foes. Let the presence of eternity make the sins of time look as futile as they really are. "What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself?" (Luke 9:25).
10. You will waste your cancer if you fail to use it as a means of witness to the truth and glory of Christ.
Christians are never anywhere by divine accident. There are reasons for why we wind up where we do. Consider what Jesus said about painful, unplanned circumstances: "They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. This will be your opportunity to bear witness" (Luke 21:12 -13). So it is with cancer. This will be an opportunity to bear witness. Christ is infinitely worthy. Here is a golden opportunity to show that he is worth more than life. Don't waste it.
Remember you are not left alone. You will have the help you need. "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.
6/21/09
Fruit Threaded Onto Skewers
Fruit Threaded Onto Skewers
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 14, 2008
It's fruity. It's simple. It's downright delicious. These fruit threads make a great breakfast, snack or dessert. Plus they're loaded with nutrition.
Ingredients
8 grapes
8 strawberries, hulled
8 melon balls or cubes
8 pineapple chunks
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. minced fresh mint
Methods/steps
Toss the fruit with the lemon juice and mint. Thread 1 piece of each fruit onto a skewer for a total of 8 skewers.
Additional Tips
Ready in 15 min
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 14, 2008
It's fruity. It's simple. It's downright delicious. These fruit threads make a great breakfast, snack or dessert. Plus they're loaded with nutrition.
Ingredients
8 grapes
8 strawberries, hulled
8 melon balls or cubes
8 pineapple chunks
1 tsp. lemon juice
1 tsp. minced fresh mint
Methods/steps
Toss the fruit with the lemon juice and mint. Thread 1 piece of each fruit onto a skewer for a total of 8 skewers.
Additional Tips
Ready in 15 min
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon
Roasted Broccoli with Lemon
Maybe you've never considered cooking broccoli this way, but roasting yields surprisingly good results. The heat concentrates the flavors and caramelizes the natural sugars. A touch of olive oil gives it a crispy, delicious finish.
Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each
Ingredients:
4 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Toss broccoli with oil, salt and pepper. Place on a large baking sheet (not air-insulated) and roast until the broccoli is tender and blackened on the bottom, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
54 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
4 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
2 g fiber
165 mg sodium
240 mg potassium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (120% daily value)
Vitamin A (45% dv)
0 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges:
1 vegetable
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Maybe you've never considered cooking broccoli this way, but roasting yields surprisingly good results. The heat concentrates the flavors and caramelizes the natural sugars. A touch of olive oil gives it a crispy, delicious finish.
Makes 4 servings, 1 cup each
Ingredients:
4 cups broccoli florets
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper
Lemon wedges
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Toss broccoli with oil, salt and pepper. Place on a large baking sheet (not air-insulated) and roast until the broccoli is tender and blackened on the bottom, 10 to 12 minutes. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
54 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 3 g mono)
0 mg cholesterol
4 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
2 g fiber
165 mg sodium
240 mg potassium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (120% daily value)
Vitamin A (45% dv)
0 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges:
1 vegetable
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Mandy's Fiesta Fajitas
Mandy's Fiesta Fajitas
Makes: 4 Fajitas
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, December 3, 2007
We've got the framework for a sizzling fajitas feast. These chicken fajitas are loaded with a fabulous flavor. Dive in tonight!
Ingredients
1 lb. chicken, skinned, boned & sliced in 1/2" strips
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. lime juice
4 flour tortillas
2 tbsp. salsa
1 large red pepper sliced into 1/4 inch strips
2 medium yellow onions sliced into 1/4 inch strips
Methods/steps
Place chicken in bowl and sprinkle with chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder and lime juice. Stir to coat evenly, cover and refrigerate 15 or so minutes. Warm tortillas by covering with foil and warming in oven about 10 minutes at 200 degrees or wrapping in paper towel and microwaving 30 to 50 seconds. Coat skillet with cooking spray or small amount of vegetable oil and cook chicken until well browned. Spread warmed tortillas with salsa, red peppers and onion strips and top with hot chicken pieces, roll up and wrap in foil to avoid messy eating.
Makes: 4 Fajitas
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, December 3, 2007
We've got the framework for a sizzling fajitas feast. These chicken fajitas are loaded with a fabulous flavor. Dive in tonight!
Ingredients
1 lb. chicken, skinned, boned & sliced in 1/2" strips
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. lime juice
4 flour tortillas
2 tbsp. salsa
1 large red pepper sliced into 1/4 inch strips
2 medium yellow onions sliced into 1/4 inch strips
Methods/steps
Place chicken in bowl and sprinkle with chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder and lime juice. Stir to coat evenly, cover and refrigerate 15 or so minutes. Warm tortillas by covering with foil and warming in oven about 10 minutes at 200 degrees or wrapping in paper towel and microwaving 30 to 50 seconds. Coat skillet with cooking spray or small amount of vegetable oil and cook chicken until well browned. Spread warmed tortillas with salsa, red peppers and onion strips and top with hot chicken pieces, roll up and wrap in foil to avoid messy eating.
6/19/09
Smoked Salmon Spread
Smoked Salmon Spread
Plain vodka can be substituted for the pepper-flavored vodka, but season generously with cracked pepper. Serve on crostini with freshly cracked pepper.
Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients:
8 oz. smoked salmon
1 1/2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
3 tbsp pepper-flavored vodka, such as Absolut Peppar
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp prepared horseradish
Instructions
Cut half of the salmon into chunks. Dice the remaining salmon. Place cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve and press on it to remove excess moisture. Transfer the cottage cheese to a food processor. Add the salmon chunks, vodka, lemon juice, mustard and horseradish. Process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to bowl and fold in the diced salmon. Refrigerate until chilled.
Tips
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Per 2-tablespoon serving:
41 calories
1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono)
4 mg cholesterol
1 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
0 g fiber
214 mg sodium
29 mg potassium
0 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges:
Free food
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Plain vodka can be substituted for the pepper-flavored vodka, but season generously with cracked pepper. Serve on crostini with freshly cracked pepper.
Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients:
8 oz. smoked salmon
1 1/2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
3 tbsp pepper-flavored vodka, such as Absolut Peppar
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp prepared horseradish
Instructions
Cut half of the salmon into chunks. Dice the remaining salmon. Place cottage cheese in a fine-mesh sieve and press on it to remove excess moisture. Transfer the cottage cheese to a food processor. Add the salmon chunks, vodka, lemon juice, mustard and horseradish. Process until smooth. Transfer the mixture to bowl and fold in the diced salmon. Refrigerate until chilled.
Tips
Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Per 2-tablespoon serving:
41 calories
1 g fat (0 g sat, 0 g mono)
4 mg cholesterol
1 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
0 g fiber
214 mg sodium
29 mg potassium
0 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges:
Free food
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
Crispy Chocolate Brownies
Crispy Chocolate Brownies
Makes: 9 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 22, 2008
Some people prefer a little crunch to their munchies. These mind-blowing brownies have a crispy texture that's downright delicious. Every bit as good as the original in a decadent yet different way.
Ingredients
Butter, for greasing pan
1 (21 oz.) box brownie mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup miniature marshmallows
10 chocolate caramel-covered wafers
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare brownies as directed on the box for "cake like" brownies, using mix, eggs, water, and oil.
Spread half the batter into an 8-by-8 inch prepared pan, and top evenly with the mini-marshmallows and chocolate caramel-covered wafers. Cover with remainder of batter; bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until brownies are almost cooked through. Remove from oven. Cool completely and whip the cream, then add sugar. Plate brownies with dollop of whip topping, raspberries and chocolate shavings.
Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min
Makes: 9 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, February 22, 2008
Some people prefer a little crunch to their munchies. These mind-blowing brownies have a crispy texture that's downright delicious. Every bit as good as the original in a decadent yet different way.
Ingredients
Butter, for greasing pan
1 (21 oz.) box brownie mix
3 large eggs
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup miniature marshmallows
10 chocolate caramel-covered wafers
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Prepare brownies as directed on the box for "cake like" brownies, using mix, eggs, water, and oil.
Spread half the batter into an 8-by-8 inch prepared pan, and top evenly with the mini-marshmallows and chocolate caramel-covered wafers. Cover with remainder of batter; bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until brownies are almost cooked through. Remove from oven. Cool completely and whip the cream, then add sugar. Plate brownies with dollop of whip topping, raspberries and chocolate shavings.
Additional Tips
Ready in 50 min
6/17/09
Morning Bacon Casserole
Morning Bacon Casserole
Makes: 8-10 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
This decadent breakfast casserole brings home the bacon. Feed your entire family an AM feast in one dynamic dish. It's a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
12 eggs
1 loaf bread
4 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup butter, melted
Methods/steps
Combine 12 cracked eggs and 4 cups of milk. Stir well. Cube bread and toss in bowl with bacon and cheese. Add bread to greased 9x13 baking dish until level full. Pour egg mixture over the bread mixture in the baking dish until it comes up about halfway in the pan. Top with melted butter and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake casserole for 60 to 90 minutes or until it rises well and is brown on top.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour
Makes: 8-10 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, February 19, 2008
This decadent breakfast casserole brings home the bacon. Feed your entire family an AM feast in one dynamic dish. It's a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled
12 eggs
1 loaf bread
4 cups milk
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup butter, melted
Methods/steps
Combine 12 cracked eggs and 4 cups of milk. Stir well. Cube bread and toss in bowl with bacon and cheese. Add bread to greased 9x13 baking dish until level full. Pour egg mixture over the bread mixture in the baking dish until it comes up about halfway in the pan. Top with melted butter and refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake casserole for 60 to 90 minutes or until it rises well and is brown on top.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 17
Can a lie be justified? For reading & meditation: Proverbs 19:1-9"A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours out lies will perish." (v.9)
Will the universe sustain a lie?
Today the Church is being inundated with a philosophy called "situational ethics" which would have us believe that sometimes a lie can be right. I think that is a deadly and diabolical doctrine. A lie is never right - no matter what attempts we might make to justify it. "God is not a man, that he should lie," says the Scripture in Numbers 23:19, and in 1 John 2:21 we read, "' no lie comes from the truth." God cannot lie and He will never delegate to you the task of lying for Him. When we take dishonesties into our lives we take fire into our lives - here and hereafter: "' all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone" (Rev. 21:8, NKJV). "Situational ethics" proponents come up with all kinds of possible scenarios, such as: "What if someone came to your house to murder a member of your family and asked if that person was in. Would it not be right to lie in those circumstances?" Can you see the thrust of this question? It is the argument, "This is what we ought to do because it makes sense." But once we view sin as an "ought," it is magically turned into something that is "good." The Bible does not teach that anyone in any situation ought to sin. 1 Corinthians 10:13 teaches that because God is faithful, we will never find ourselves in a situation where we must sin, but there will always be a way of escape. God never calls upon us to break one of His laws in order to keep another.
Prayer:
O Father, in a world that seems to be always looking for excuses and exceptions, help me to steer my life by the clear statements of Your revealed will. I dont want to measure up to exceptions; I want to conform to the rules - Your rules. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
For further study:
John 8:31-47; Colossians 3:9; Revelation 21:8
1. Who did Jesus say is the source of lies?
2. What was Paul's exhortation to the Colossians?
6/16/09
Ultimate Corned Beef
Ultimate Corned Beef
Makes: 10-12 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 21, 2008
Prepare for the ultimate experiment in corning. With this recipe, you'll make your own corned beef from scratch. It takes two weeks & counting.
Ingredients
For Corning:
2 lb. coarse salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 bay leaves
1 tsp. saltpeter
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 oz. pickling spice, tied in cheesecloth
1 (5 lb.) beef brisket
For Cooking:
3 large onions, one spiked with cloves,
the others sliced or quartered
1 tsp. black peppercorns
1 lb. medium carrots, chopped
2 medium white turnips, chopped
5 cloves
1 lb. leeks, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
Methods/steps
Corning the beef: Put salt, sugar and saltpeter into a large saucepan with pickling spices tied in cheesecloth. Add bay leaves, thyme and 4 1/2 quarts water. Heat gently until sugar and salt have dissolved. Bring to a boil, then pour into bowl and cool. Add the meat to the bowl and make sure that salt solution covers it. Cover with clean dishtowel and leave to soak in cold place for 2 weeks. Turn the meat occasionally.
To Cook: Remove the meat from the brine and wash under cold water. Put into a large saucepan with the clove-spiked onion. Add the celery and peppercorns to the pan. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil slowly. Skim, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Add vegetables to the pan, bring back to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and use as a sauce over the meat and vegetables.
Additional Tips
Ready in 2 ½ hours
Makes: 10-12 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Monday, January 21, 2008
Prepare for the ultimate experiment in corning. With this recipe, you'll make your own corned beef from scratch. It takes two weeks & counting.
Ingredients
For Corning:
2 lb. coarse salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
4 bay leaves
1 tsp. saltpeter
1 fresh thyme sprig
1 oz. pickling spice, tied in cheesecloth
1 (5 lb.) beef brisket
For Cooking:
3 large onions, one spiked with cloves,
the others sliced or quartered
1 tsp. black peppercorns
1 lb. medium carrots, chopped
2 medium white turnips, chopped
5 cloves
1 lb. leeks, chopped
1 celery stalk, chopped
Methods/steps
Corning the beef: Put salt, sugar and saltpeter into a large saucepan with pickling spices tied in cheesecloth. Add bay leaves, thyme and 4 1/2 quarts water. Heat gently until sugar and salt have dissolved. Bring to a boil, then pour into bowl and cool. Add the meat to the bowl and make sure that salt solution covers it. Cover with clean dishtowel and leave to soak in cold place for 2 weeks. Turn the meat occasionally.
To Cook: Remove the meat from the brine and wash under cold water. Put into a large saucepan with the clove-spiked onion. Add the celery and peppercorns to the pan. Cover with cold water and bring to a boil slowly. Skim, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 2 1/2 hours. Add vegetables to the pan, bring back to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Strain the liquid and use as a sauce over the meat and vegetables.
Additional Tips
Ready in 2 ½ hours
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 16
"...And his wife was barren and had no children. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to the woman ("Faithful") and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have no children, but you shall become pregnant and bear a son.'"
Judges 13: 2, 3, Amplified Bible
EXPLORATION
"Emptied To Be Filled"
"Barrenness" -- No vegetation. Not fruitful. With no useful result. Lacking in something. Unable to have children.
"To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God."
Meister Eckhart
What part of my life feels barren?
Have I asked God to "fill me up?"
"Thou must be emptied of that wherewith thou art full, that thou mayest be filled with that whereof thou art empty."
St. Augustine
INSPIRATION
"Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord...He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of spiritual children. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!"
Psalm 113: 1, 9, Amplified Bible
It is a day I will never forget. My doctor had asked me to come to his office where he delivered the life-altering news. "You'll never be able to have children, Dorothy." When he finished explaining why, you could have heard a pin drop. I was stunned. I had always thought that when I married, children would naturally be part of my life. I think most women feel this way. Yet at a very young age, the ability to have children was taken away from me forever with little warning or time to prepare myself for the shock.
As time passed, and Jim and I were married for a number of years, people began to ask questions. Very nosy ones! "Why haven't you had a baby?" "How long are you going to wait?" And this question that really left me shaking me head, "Are you too selfish to share your lives with a child?" Believe me, it's amazing what comes out of some mouths and like a dagger pierces your heart.
Barrenness. This condition in Biblical times was viewed as a curse of God. From Sarah in the Old Testament to Elizabeth in the New Testament, and in between, we find that infertility is not only a 21st century affliction. Women throughout history have been plagued with this problem. Our text today, underscores the view of women who could not conceive by referencing this fact not once, but twice: "You are barren, and have no children."
Interestingly, when we hear the word barren, our thoughts usually turn first to women who can't "bear" a child. But as I have lived for over half my life with the fact that "bearing" children for me was a physical impossibility --- what I have come to recognize is that barrenness doesn't just have to do with the state of a woman's uterus, it has to do with the state of our hearts and souls, too. For a mother with a child can be as barren as a mother without a child.
In the definition of barrenness, we find that this condition is described as lacking vegetation -- nothing grows. A barren tree doesn't produce fruit. There's nothing useful or bountiful coming from something or someone. And I ask you, does this sound like your life? Have you ever felt barren -- void of "life?" Has your vitality been sapped? Has the life been drained out of you and now nothing fresh and new will grow?
What I learned in my own life was that the barrenness I felt at not being able to have a child, helped me understand better something very important about my soul. While I felt empty at the thought of never having a child I could hold in my arms, I soon found when I was at my lowest, and feeling the most drained -- when the well was totally empty -- it was then that my heavenly Father used His incredible and unlimited resources to show me that at the point of our greatest emptiness, is when He can fill us the most, if we will let Him.
The great John Bunyan penned these insightful words: "It is said that in some countries trees will grow, but will bear no fruit because there is no winter there." Maybe at this moment in time, you feel winter's snowy blast freezing your heart, and yet, during this emptied aloneness you may find that God is filling you to overflowing.
And when the spring thaw arrives, heaven's promise will melt the blocks of ice that have impeded your steps and as you begin to feel God's refreshing, renewal again, you'll find that indeed, as Isaiah so beautifully tells us, "....the wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badland will celebrate and flower -- like the crocus in Spring, bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color" (Isaiah 35: 1, 2, The Message). What was a barren wasteland will become a fertile meadow. What was empty and dry will be filled to overflowing.
This is what happened to Manoah's wife, "Faithful." The Bible tells us an Angel of God appeared and informed her she would "conceive" and "bear," or as the Hebrew translation so descriptively tells us, "Faithful," would "deliver a lineage of greatness!" WOW! If you are feeling barren today, no matter how this barrenness presents itself in your life -- God has a plan at work in this winter of your life and soon He is going to "deliver a lineage of greatness," in your life, too.
I have this special quote taped above the phone in my kitchen. It was given to me by my dear friend, Adrianne Gambucci and it is from S. D. Gordon, "More is being planned for you by God than had been prayed for by us." This is my prayer for your life today.
"Emptiness is a gift that opens us further to the transforming power of God."
Adrianne Gambucci
Devotional Writer
AFFIRMATIONS
For Childless Women
A meditation on Psalm 139
"You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I may as well add 'spun me, wove me' too,
Or better still, 'embroidered me.'
With care you picked the colour for my eyes,
Decided how much curl to give my hair
And whether it would match well with my skin.
If You knew my mother's womb so intimately
It stands to reason You know mine.
This dusty work-box, unfathomed, wasted,
Now rebellious. What can You see there
From which to fashion anything worthwhile,
Some rusty pins, a few old buttons,
Some faded silk wound round half a letter.
All neglected, left unused too long?
Oh God of miracles, what will You do with these?"
Ro Eldin White
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said...'The Lord has done great things for (her).'"
Psalm 126: 3, N.I.V.
Your friend,
Dorothy Valcárcel, Author
'When A Woman Meets Jesus'
Now available wherever books are sold and at www.amazon.com and www.christianbook.comor 1-800-Christian
Dorothy@TransformationGarden.com
P.S. My book, When A Woman Meets Jesus, is now available wherever books are sold and on the internet at www.amazon.com, ChristianBook.com, or by calling toll-free, 1-800-Christian. You can also go to www.whenawomanmeetsjesus.com and purchase the book through Paypal.
If you would like to purchase When A Woman Meets Jesus at a 30%-50% quantity discount for your Women's Ministry Program or for Bible Study Groups, please visit: www.direct2church.com or email direct2church@Bakerpublishinggroup.com.
For more from Dorothy, please visit transformationgarden.com.
"...And his wife was barren and had no children. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to the woman ("Faithful") and said to her, 'Behold, you are barren and have no children, but you shall become pregnant and bear a son.'"
Judges 13: 2, 3, Amplified Bible
EXPLORATION
"Emptied To Be Filled"
"Barrenness" -- No vegetation. Not fruitful. With no useful result. Lacking in something. Unable to have children.
"To be full of things is to be empty of God. To be empty of things is to be full of God."
Meister Eckhart
What part of my life feels barren?
Have I asked God to "fill me up?"
"Thou must be emptied of that wherewith thou art full, that thou mayest be filled with that whereof thou art empty."
St. Augustine
INSPIRATION
"Praise the Lord! Praise, O servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord...He makes the barren woman to be a homemaker and a joyful mother of spiritual children. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!"
Psalm 113: 1, 9, Amplified Bible
It is a day I will never forget. My doctor had asked me to come to his office where he delivered the life-altering news. "You'll never be able to have children, Dorothy." When he finished explaining why, you could have heard a pin drop. I was stunned. I had always thought that when I married, children would naturally be part of my life. I think most women feel this way. Yet at a very young age, the ability to have children was taken away from me forever with little warning or time to prepare myself for the shock.
As time passed, and Jim and I were married for a number of years, people began to ask questions. Very nosy ones! "Why haven't you had a baby?" "How long are you going to wait?" And this question that really left me shaking me head, "Are you too selfish to share your lives with a child?" Believe me, it's amazing what comes out of some mouths and like a dagger pierces your heart.
Barrenness. This condition in Biblical times was viewed as a curse of God. From Sarah in the Old Testament to Elizabeth in the New Testament, and in between, we find that infertility is not only a 21st century affliction. Women throughout history have been plagued with this problem. Our text today, underscores the view of women who could not conceive by referencing this fact not once, but twice: "You are barren, and have no children."
Interestingly, when we hear the word barren, our thoughts usually turn first to women who can't "bear" a child. But as I have lived for over half my life with the fact that "bearing" children for me was a physical impossibility --- what I have come to recognize is that barrenness doesn't just have to do with the state of a woman's uterus, it has to do with the state of our hearts and souls, too. For a mother with a child can be as barren as a mother without a child.
In the definition of barrenness, we find that this condition is described as lacking vegetation -- nothing grows. A barren tree doesn't produce fruit. There's nothing useful or bountiful coming from something or someone. And I ask you, does this sound like your life? Have you ever felt barren -- void of "life?" Has your vitality been sapped? Has the life been drained out of you and now nothing fresh and new will grow?
What I learned in my own life was that the barrenness I felt at not being able to have a child, helped me understand better something very important about my soul. While I felt empty at the thought of never having a child I could hold in my arms, I soon found when I was at my lowest, and feeling the most drained -- when the well was totally empty -- it was then that my heavenly Father used His incredible and unlimited resources to show me that at the point of our greatest emptiness, is when He can fill us the most, if we will let Him.
The great John Bunyan penned these insightful words: "It is said that in some countries trees will grow, but will bear no fruit because there is no winter there." Maybe at this moment in time, you feel winter's snowy blast freezing your heart, and yet, during this emptied aloneness you may find that God is filling you to overflowing.
And when the spring thaw arrives, heaven's promise will melt the blocks of ice that have impeded your steps and as you begin to feel God's refreshing, renewal again, you'll find that indeed, as Isaiah so beautifully tells us, "....the wilderness and desert will sing joyously, the badland will celebrate and flower -- like the crocus in Spring, bursting into blossom, a symphony of song and color" (Isaiah 35: 1, 2, The Message). What was a barren wasteland will become a fertile meadow. What was empty and dry will be filled to overflowing.
This is what happened to Manoah's wife, "Faithful." The Bible tells us an Angel of God appeared and informed her she would "conceive" and "bear," or as the Hebrew translation so descriptively tells us, "Faithful," would "deliver a lineage of greatness!" WOW! If you are feeling barren today, no matter how this barrenness presents itself in your life -- God has a plan at work in this winter of your life and soon He is going to "deliver a lineage of greatness," in your life, too.
I have this special quote taped above the phone in my kitchen. It was given to me by my dear friend, Adrianne Gambucci and it is from S. D. Gordon, "More is being planned for you by God than had been prayed for by us." This is my prayer for your life today.
"Emptiness is a gift that opens us further to the transforming power of God."
Adrianne Gambucci
Devotional Writer
AFFIRMATIONS
For Childless Women
A meditation on Psalm 139
"You knit me together in my mother's womb.
I may as well add 'spun me, wove me' too,
Or better still, 'embroidered me.'
With care you picked the colour for my eyes,
Decided how much curl to give my hair
And whether it would match well with my skin.
If You knew my mother's womb so intimately
It stands to reason You know mine.
This dusty work-box, unfathomed, wasted,
Now rebellious. What can You see there
From which to fashion anything worthwhile,
Some rusty pins, a few old buttons,
Some faded silk wound round half a letter.
All neglected, left unused too long?
Oh God of miracles, what will You do with these?"
Ro Eldin White
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said...'The Lord has done great things for (her).'"
Psalm 126: 3, N.I.V.
Your friend,
Dorothy Valcárcel, Author
'When A Woman Meets Jesus'
Now available wherever books are sold and at www.amazon.com and www.christianbook.comor 1-800-Christian
Dorothy@TransformationGarden.com
P.S. My book, When A Woman Meets Jesus, is now available wherever books are sold and on the internet at www.amazon.com, ChristianBook.com, or by calling toll-free, 1-800-Christian. You can also go to www.whenawomanmeetsjesus.com and purchase the book through Paypal.
If you would like to purchase When A Woman Meets Jesus at a 30%-50% quantity discount for your Women's Ministry Program or for Bible Study Groups, please visit: www.direct2church.com or email direct2church@Bakerpublishinggroup.com.
For more from Dorothy, please visit transformationgarden.com.
Broccoli Slaw
Broccoli Slaw
We've lightened this popular potluck classic with a dressing of reduced-fat mayo and yogurt. To speed preparation, you can use shredded broccoli slaw from the produce aisle.
Makes 8 servings, 3/4 cup each
Ingredients:
4 slices turkey bacon
1 12- to 16-ounce bag shredded broccoli slaw or 1 large bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 8-ounce can low-sodium sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely diced red onion (1/2 medium)
Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.) Drain bacon on paper towels. Chop coarsely.
2. If using whole broccoli, trim about 3 inches off the stems. Chop the rest into 1/4-inch pieces.
3. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add water chestnuts, onion, bacon and broccoli; toss to coat. Chill until serving time.
Tips:
Cover and chill for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
80 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono)
9 mg cholesterol
9 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
297 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (70% daily value)
1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
2 vegetables
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
We've lightened this popular potluck classic with a dressing of reduced-fat mayo and yogurt. To speed preparation, you can use shredded broccoli slaw from the produce aisle.
Makes 8 servings, 3/4 cup each
Ingredients:
4 slices turkey bacon
1 12- to 16-ounce bag shredded broccoli slaw or 1 large bunch broccoli (about 1 1/2 pounds)
1/4 cup low-fat or nonfat plain yogurt
1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 8-ounce can low-sodium sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
1/2 cup finely diced red onion (1/2 medium)
Instructions:
1. Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. (Alternatively, microwave on High for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.) Drain bacon on paper towels. Chop coarsely.
2. If using whole broccoli, trim about 3 inches off the stems. Chop the rest into 1/4-inch pieces.
3. Whisk yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add water chestnuts, onion, bacon and broccoli; toss to coat. Chill until serving time.
Tips:
Cover and chill for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Information
Per serving:
80 calories
4 g fat (1 g sat, 1 g mono)
9 mg cholesterol
9 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
3 g fiber
297 mg sodium
Nutrition bonus:
Vitamin C (70% daily value)
1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges:
2 vegetables
1 fat
-Recipe provided by EatingWell.com
6/15/09
6/11/09
Out of town until Monday
My uncle and my father are both in the hospital due to heart problems. I'll be going to Charleston to see dad. Back Monday.
Hugs.
Hugs.
6/10/09
Wednesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
What Shackles Are Holding You Captive?
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer...For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin... In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. -- Romans 6:1-2, 6, 11
When a captive elephant is young, its handler will place a shackle around its leg and chain it to a tree so that it will not escape. At this age the elephant is too small to pull the tree over. Try as it might, the baby elephant cannot get away. However, when the elephant is full-grown the handler can chain it to a stick in the ground and it will not escape. The elephant still thinks itself to be chained to an unmovable tree.
Think for a few moments: Is it possible that a "shackle" of some kind of habitual sin is tied around your leg? What is it that holds you back from experiencing the freedom found only in Christ? It might seem like you are tied to an unmovable tree. Yet, I'd like to challenge you to consider instead, that "thing" that holds you might only be a small stick in the ground. If you become comfortable with your captivity, you may be just like an elephant that was trained to believe it could not break free.
Even as Christ-followers, we're still susceptible to sin and its natural consequences. But according to the Apostle Paul, the truth is that, by our relationship with Christ, we have died to sin. The fact is that the old shackle around your ankle can no longer hold you, if you recognize that you are a new creation and are no longer a "slave to sin." While Christ can and has miraculously changed lives and immediately "set captives free" from habits and addictions, for most of us, old habits die hard. It takes a lot of work and prayer to accomplish change. But if you find yourself struggling, understand that you can break free. Christ's death and resurrection has made it possible. In Christ, your old self is gone, your spirit has been made alive, the new has come, and freedom is within your reach.
GOING DEEPER:
What holds you back from experiencing the grace and truth that the Lord has waiting for you?
What are steps you can take to begin to break free from an old habit? Ask for God's help to take the steps you've identified.
FURTHER READING: Romans 8:1-17; Galatians 5:1-26; 2 Corinthians 5:17
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Creamy Tomato Soup
Creamy Tomato Soup
3 servings
Ingredients:
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
3 pounds fresh, ripe Italian tomatoes, chopped (about 6 cups)
8 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked
1 cup soy milk
Salt and black and red pepper to taste
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, basil, or dill, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil until they are soft, then add the fresh tomatoes and stir until the mixture boils.
2. Remove the dried tomatoes from their soaking water and chop them coarsely. Add them and their soaking water to the pot and cook, stirring to prevent sticking.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the soy milk and season to taste with salt and black and red pepper.
4. Serve in bowls with the chopped green herbs as garnish.
Nutritional benefits:
Monounsaturated fat; micronutrients, including lycopene from tomatoes and isoflavones from soy.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
196 calories
8 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
30 g carbohydrate
7 g protein
8 g fiber
250 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
3 servings
Ingredients:
1 large onion, chopped
1 tablespoon quality extra-virgin olive oil
3 pounds fresh, ripe Italian tomatoes, chopped (about 6 cups)
8 sun-dried tomatoes, soaked
1 cup soy milk
Salt and black and red pepper to taste
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, basil, or dill, chopped
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil until they are soft, then add the fresh tomatoes and stir until the mixture boils.
2. Remove the dried tomatoes from their soaking water and chop them coarsely. Add them and their soaking water to the pot and cook, stirring to prevent sticking.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the soy milk and season to taste with salt and black and red pepper.
4. Serve in bowls with the chopped green herbs as garnish.
Nutritional benefits:
Monounsaturated fat; micronutrients, including lycopene from tomatoes and isoflavones from soy.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
196 calories
8 g total fat (1 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
30 g carbohydrate
7 g protein
8 g fiber
250 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/9/09
Tuesday - A DOse of Daily Inspiration
Living Free Every Day®
Today's Scripture
"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 NIV
Thoughts for Today
Some singles who have never married are burdened with feelings of not measuring up or of not being desirable or attractive. They may have the same feelings as a small child on a playground who is chosen last for team sports. A sense of waiting, but never being chosen. Feelings of not being good enough to be asked to play or of not being wanted.
Several years ago, a single woman in her late 30s wrote a prominent advice columnist to ask for a snappy comeback when people asked why she was not yet married. She was advised to tell her questioners that she had not found a man who deserved to be as happy as she could make him. A humorous response ... but this lady's question indicates anxiety about the way society looks at the never-married.
Consider this...
Whether you plan to stay single or to marry one day, make the most of each day now. Think of the old saying, "This is the first day of the rest of your life." Build your career, develop meaningful relationships.
Above all, remember how special you are ... because you are special to God. He loves you with a love greater than we can even imagine. He has given you your own unique personality and blessed you with gifts to serve him and others. He has a special purpose for your life. Pursue the fulfillment of that purpose today ... and every "today" to come.
Prayer
Father, help me stop focusing on what tomorrow might bring. Help me focus on today. Help me accomplish the purpose of today's journey. I praise you for your love and thank you for the good plans you have for me. Help me to walk in the center of that plan today. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from...The Single Christian: Living as One in a World of Twos by Dr. Elizabeth Holland. In a world where everyone seems to have a mate, it is difficult to live life as a single person. Whether you have never been married, are divorced or are widowed, this study is for you. In The Single Christian, Dr. Holland examines many of the different facets of singleness, from rejection; bitterness and unforgiveness; loneliness; to dating; single parenting and the positives of being single. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals.
Would you like to have these devotions appear daily on your church or ministry website? Learn More
PO Box 22127 ~ Chattanooga, Tennessee 37421 ~ 423-899-4770© Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending e-mail to info@LivingFree.org.
Maple Rice Pudding
Maple Rice Pudding
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, December 4, 2007
When we say this maple rice pudding is a decadent dessert, there's more than a grain of truth to the statement. You'll love every spoonful.
Ingredients
3 cups milk
3 cups light cream
1 tsp. vanilla
Pinch salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
6 eggs
2 cups cooked long-grain rice (cooked in milk instead of water)
Maple syrup, to taste
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 12-inch square casserole dish. In a large bowl, combine the milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and eggs; mix well to ensure that the eggs are thoroughly incorporated. Add rice and stir until well combined. Pour mixture into casserole dish; bake until mixture is set and top is golden and bubbling (30-40 minutes) or for a slightly creamier consistency cook in a hot water bath for 40-45 minutes. Serve hot or cold, drizzled with maple syrup.
Makes: 8 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, December 4, 2007
When we say this maple rice pudding is a decadent dessert, there's more than a grain of truth to the statement. You'll love every spoonful.
Ingredients
3 cups milk
3 cups light cream
1 tsp. vanilla
Pinch salt
1/2 cup maple syrup
6 eggs
2 cups cooked long-grain rice (cooked in milk instead of water)
Maple syrup, to taste
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 12-inch square casserole dish. In a large bowl, combine the milk, cream, maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and eggs; mix well to ensure that the eggs are thoroughly incorporated. Add rice and stir until well combined. Pour mixture into casserole dish; bake until mixture is set and top is golden and bubbling (30-40 minutes) or for a slightly creamier consistency cook in a hot water bath for 40-45 minutes. Serve hot or cold, drizzled with maple syrup.
Salmon, Tofu and Broccoli Patties
Salmon, Tofu and Broccoli Patties
2 servings (2 patties each)
This is a light and easy dish for people who want to eat salmon, broccoli and tofu on principle but may not like cooking these items. The patties are actually baked in muffin pans, using pureed raw salmon, combined with silken tofu. French cuisine has a long history of pureeing raw salmon and using it in a variety of steamed and baked mousses and quiches. This dish substitutes tofu for the traditional eggs and cream and adds finely chopped broccoli.
Start to finish: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
6 ounces salmon fillet
1/2 cup organic silken tofu
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
1 teaspoon salt-free herb blend
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup broccoli, cooked and finely chopped
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Chop the cooked broccoli finely in the food processor. Remove and set aside. Cut the raw salmon into chunks and put it in the food processor with the tofu and seasonings. Puree until smooth. Fold the chopped broccoli into the salmon mixture and divide between four lightly oiled muffin pan sections. Cover the muffin pan with tinfoil, pressing it down around the edges of the pan. Put in the middle rack of the oven and bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Remove the pan and let the patties sit for a few minutes. Tip the pan over carefully, or guide the patties out with a knife. There will be a little liquid depending on the type of tofu used, but the patties should hold together.
Serve as a lunch or brunch dish with a side salad, or add a crisp stir fry of mushrooms and green vegetables to make it a dinner. These patties hold very well in the fridge for a few days and can be re-heated in the microwave at work. They also freeze very well, so if you like them, multiply the recipe by three, using about a pound of salmon and a full head of broccoli, and make a muffin pan full.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
158 calories
6 g total fat (1 g sat)
44 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
23 g protein
5 g fiber
246 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
2 servings (2 patties each)
This is a light and easy dish for people who want to eat salmon, broccoli and tofu on principle but may not like cooking these items. The patties are actually baked in muffin pans, using pureed raw salmon, combined with silken tofu. French cuisine has a long history of pureeing raw salmon and using it in a variety of steamed and baked mousses and quiches. This dish substitutes tofu for the traditional eggs and cream and adds finely chopped broccoli.
Start to finish: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
6 ounces salmon fillet
1/2 cup organic silken tofu
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
1 teaspoon salt-free herb blend
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 cup broccoli, cooked and finely chopped
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Chop the cooked broccoli finely in the food processor. Remove and set aside. Cut the raw salmon into chunks and put it in the food processor with the tofu and seasonings. Puree until smooth. Fold the chopped broccoli into the salmon mixture and divide between four lightly oiled muffin pan sections. Cover the muffin pan with tinfoil, pressing it down around the edges of the pan. Put in the middle rack of the oven and bake at 350 for 12 minutes. Remove the pan and let the patties sit for a few minutes. Tip the pan over carefully, or guide the patties out with a knife. There will be a little liquid depending on the type of tofu used, but the patties should hold together.
Serve as a lunch or brunch dish with a side salad, or add a crisp stir fry of mushrooms and green vegetables to make it a dinner. These patties hold very well in the fridge for a few days and can be re-heated in the microwave at work. They also freeze very well, so if you like them, multiply the recipe by three, using about a pound of salmon and a full head of broccoli, and make a muffin pan full.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
158 calories
6 g total fat (1 g sat)
44 mg cholesterol
28 g carbohydrate
23 g protein
5 g fiber
246 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/8/09
Kasha with Vegetables
Kasha with Vegetables
4 servings
Kasha boasts a wonderfully nutty flavor when toasted. You can buy it already toasted. If you buy the untoasted variety, toss it lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until it colors. Hearty, but not too heavy, kasha is a staple of Northern Europe and Russia traditionally served as an accompaniment to meats, in pilafs or as the essential ingredient in many traditional Jewish dishes like kasha varnishkes. Exotic though it may sound, kasha is just basic buckwheat groats, used like a grain, but botanically just a cousin of true grains. Once only available through specialty grocers, you'll find kasha in many health food stores and supermarkets now as well. So, by all means, go nuts with kasha!
Ingredients:
2 oz. dried mushrooms
1 cup toasted buckwheat groats (kasha)
1 large carrot, sliced
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
Salt or natural soy sauce to taste
Instructions:
1. Soak the dried mushrooms (shiitake or porcini are very flavorful) in water until soft.
2. Drain, saving the soaking water, and slice, discarding any tough portions.
3. Add the groats to 3 cups boiling water (including the mushroom-soaking liquid), lower heat, and add the carrot, the onion and the mushrooms.
4. Cover and simmer until water is absorbed. Add salt or natural soy sauce to taste.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
147 calories
1 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
32 g carbohydrate
6 g protein
5 g fiber
150 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
4 servings
Kasha boasts a wonderfully nutty flavor when toasted. You can buy it already toasted. If you buy the untoasted variety, toss it lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until it colors. Hearty, but not too heavy, kasha is a staple of Northern Europe and Russia traditionally served as an accompaniment to meats, in pilafs or as the essential ingredient in many traditional Jewish dishes like kasha varnishkes. Exotic though it may sound, kasha is just basic buckwheat groats, used like a grain, but botanically just a cousin of true grains. Once only available through specialty grocers, you'll find kasha in many health food stores and supermarkets now as well. So, by all means, go nuts with kasha!
Ingredients:
2 oz. dried mushrooms
1 cup toasted buckwheat groats (kasha)
1 large carrot, sliced
1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
Salt or natural soy sauce to taste
Instructions:
1. Soak the dried mushrooms (shiitake or porcini are very flavorful) in water until soft.
2. Drain, saving the soaking water, and slice, discarding any tough portions.
3. Add the groats to 3 cups boiling water (including the mushroom-soaking liquid), lower heat, and add the carrot, the onion and the mushrooms.
4. Cover and simmer until water is absorbed. Add salt or natural soy sauce to taste.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
147 calories
1 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
32 g carbohydrate
6 g protein
5 g fiber
150 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Finding God
We have all heard evangelists quote from Revelation: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me" (Rev. 3:20). Usually the evangelist applies this text as an appeal to the unconverted, saying: "Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart. If you open the door, then He will come in." In the original saying, however, Jesus directed His remarks to the church. It was not an evangelistic appeal.
So what? The point is that seeking is something that unbelievers do not do on their own. The unbeliever will not seek. The unbeliever will not knock. Seeking is the business of believers. Jonathan Edwards said, "The seeking of the Kingdom of God is the chief business of the Christian life." Seeking is the result of faith, not the cause of it.
When we are converted to Christ, we use language of discovery to express our conversion. We speak of finding Christ. We may have bumper sticker that read, "I Found It." These statements are indeed true. The irony is this: Once we have found Christ it is not the end of our seeking but the beginning. Usually, when we find what we are looking for, it signals the end of our searching. But when we "find" Christ, it is the beginning of our search.
The Christian life begins at conversion; it does not end where it begins. It grows; it moves from faith to faith, from grace to grace, from life to life. This movement of growth is prodded by continual seeking after God.
Coram Deo: Living in the Presence of God
In your spiritual walk, are you moving from faith to faith, from grace to grace, from life to life? Are you continually seeking after God?
For Further Study
John 14:23--24: "Jesus answered and said to him, 'If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.'"
John 15:10: "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."
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 www.ligonier.org or call them at 800-435-4343.© R.C. Sproul. All rights reserved.
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Best Peach Cobbler Ever
Submitted By: Jill Saunders
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Servings: 18
"In the winter make this 9x13-inch cobbler with canned peaches, in the summer use fresh ones. But either way this cobbler is wonderful. The batter goes in the pan before the spiced peaches, and it 's all topped off with cinnamon and nutmeg. Then it 's baked for an hour."
Ingredients:
1 (29 ounce) can sliced peaches
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 cup milk 1 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.) In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches with juice, 2 tablespoons melted butter, a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Dissolve cornstarch in water, then stir into peach mixture; set aside.
2. In another bowl, combine milk, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Beat until smooth - mixture will be thin.
3. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a 9x13 inch pan. Pour batter over melted butter. Spoon peaches over batter. Sprinkle top with additional cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until knife inserted comes out clean.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 6/8/2009
Submitted By: Jill Saunders
Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour Ready In: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Servings: 18
"In the winter make this 9x13-inch cobbler with canned peaches, in the summer use fresh ones. But either way this cobbler is wonderful. The batter goes in the pan before the spiced peaches, and it 's all topped off with cinnamon and nutmeg. Then it 's baked for an hour."
Ingredients:
1 (29 ounce) can sliced peaches
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup water
1 cup milk 1 cup white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup butter
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C.) In a large bowl, combine sliced peaches with juice, 2 tablespoons melted butter, a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. Dissolve cornstarch in water, then stir into peach mixture; set aside.
2. In another bowl, combine milk, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Beat until smooth - mixture will be thin.
3. Melt 1/2 cup butter in a 9x13 inch pan. Pour batter over melted butter. Spoon peaches over batter. Sprinkle top with additional cinnamon and nutmeg.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, or until knife inserted comes out clean.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 6/8/2009
6/7/09
How to Know Jesus as Your Messiah and Lord - from Sid Roth dot org
How to Know Jesus as Your Messiah and Lord
Excerpt from "The Amazing Jewish Book and the God-Shaped Hole in My Soul"
by Manny Brotman
Here is how to invite Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) into your heart and life as an act of faith to receive His blood of atonement:
1) Pray Prayer is just talking to God in your own words.
2) Confess Acknowledge to God that you have sinned—broken His Commandments—and that you are truly sorry for it.
3) Ask and Receive Ask Messiah Yeshua to come into your heart and life and to cleanse you with His blood of atonement.
4) Believe Thank Him by faith for doing this!
Some people have emotional experiences when they invite the Messiah into their life, and others do not. Just thank Him for coming into your heart, not based on human feelings, but on the authority of the Jewish Bible. This is an act of faith acceptable to God!
Here is a sample prayer:
Dear God, I confess that I have sinned against You and I’m truly sorry for it. Messiah Yeshua, please come into my heart and life and cleanse me with Your precious blood of atonement. Thank You for doing this according to Your Word. I’ll do anything You want me to, with Your help. I really mean it, Lord! In Your Name, Amen!
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, pray it right now, and the Messiah will enter your life as He promised to in God’s Word. (You can take a moment right now and pray this prayer out loud.)
Did you invite Messiah Yeshua into your life? Did you really mean it? Then, where is Yeshua according to the Bible? God’s Word says:
Behold, I stand at the door [of your heart and life], and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door [of his heart and life], I will come in to him, and will sup [fellowship] with him, and he with Me (Messiah Yeshua in Revelation 3:20, KJV).
Either God is the world’s greatest liar, or Messiah Yeshua is in your heart right now if you prayed to receive Him!
God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19).
The moment that you asked Messiah Yeshua into your heart and life as an act of faith, God began to do many wonderful things for you including the following:
1) Your sins were atoned for (covered, forgiven)!
2) You received righteousness (right-standing with God) by faith!
3) You entered into a personal relationship with God and became a child of God!
4) You received eternal life!
5) God’s Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Kodesh) entered your life to lead you and guide you!
6) You began the abundant life and the exciting adventure for which God created you—to know God and to make Him known!
(If you did not yet ask Messiah Yeshua into your life, ask Him to come in right now and these wonderful blessings will be yours, too!)
Here’s how to grow in God’s abundant life:
1) Confess any future sins to God and ask His help to overcome them.
2) Pray to God in the Name of His Son (Yeshua) and praise (thank) Him much.
3) Read God’s Word (the Bible) once or more every day. Just as you have three square physical meals daily, you need regular spiritual meals. Before you read, pray for God to show you the truth as you read. He is the Author. It is His Book.
4) Memorize as many Bible verses as you can. (Start with the verses in this chapter.)
5) Fellowship at least weekly with other Bible believers.
www.sidroth.org
Excerpt from "The Amazing Jewish Book and the God-Shaped Hole in My Soul"
by Manny Brotman
Here is how to invite Messiah Jesus (Yeshua) into your heart and life as an act of faith to receive His blood of atonement:
1) Pray Prayer is just talking to God in your own words.
2) Confess Acknowledge to God that you have sinned—broken His Commandments—and that you are truly sorry for it.
3) Ask and Receive Ask Messiah Yeshua to come into your heart and life and to cleanse you with His blood of atonement.
4) Believe Thank Him by faith for doing this!
Some people have emotional experiences when they invite the Messiah into their life, and others do not. Just thank Him for coming into your heart, not based on human feelings, but on the authority of the Jewish Bible. This is an act of faith acceptable to God!
Here is a sample prayer:
Dear God, I confess that I have sinned against You and I’m truly sorry for it. Messiah Yeshua, please come into my heart and life and cleanse me with Your precious blood of atonement. Thank You for doing this according to Your Word. I’ll do anything You want me to, with Your help. I really mean it, Lord! In Your Name, Amen!
Does this prayer express the desire of your heart? If it does, pray it right now, and the Messiah will enter your life as He promised to in God’s Word. (You can take a moment right now and pray this prayer out loud.)
Did you invite Messiah Yeshua into your life? Did you really mean it? Then, where is Yeshua according to the Bible? God’s Word says:
Behold, I stand at the door [of your heart and life], and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door [of his heart and life], I will come in to him, and will sup [fellowship] with him, and he with Me (Messiah Yeshua in Revelation 3:20, KJV).
Either God is the world’s greatest liar, or Messiah Yeshua is in your heart right now if you prayed to receive Him!
God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? Or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19).
The moment that you asked Messiah Yeshua into your heart and life as an act of faith, God began to do many wonderful things for you including the following:
1) Your sins were atoned for (covered, forgiven)!
2) You received righteousness (right-standing with God) by faith!
3) You entered into a personal relationship with God and became a child of God!
4) You received eternal life!
5) God’s Holy Spirit (Ruach ha Kodesh) entered your life to lead you and guide you!
6) You began the abundant life and the exciting adventure for which God created you—to know God and to make Him known!
(If you did not yet ask Messiah Yeshua into your life, ask Him to come in right now and these wonderful blessings will be yours, too!)
Here’s how to grow in God’s abundant life:
1) Confess any future sins to God and ask His help to overcome them.
2) Pray to God in the Name of His Son (Yeshua) and praise (thank) Him much.
3) Read God’s Word (the Bible) once or more every day. Just as you have three square physical meals daily, you need regular spiritual meals. Before you read, pray for God to show you the truth as you read. He is the Author. It is His Book.
4) Memorize as many Bible verses as you can. (Start with the verses in this chapter.)
5) Fellowship at least weekly with other Bible believers.
www.sidroth.org
Very Best Blueberry Cobbler! (made this last week - awesome!!)
Very Best Blueberry Cobbler!
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes Ready In: 50 Minutes
Servings: 6
"I've tinkered and tinkered, and this is the very best blueberry cobbler recipe I've found. Cakey/biscuit topping with a slight crunch on top and ooey gooey delicious blueberries hidden on the bottom. It can also work with other fruit fillings. Works best with delicious fresh blueberries and is the perfect summer treat.... An amalgamation of mine and my grandmother's cobbler recipe.... I think it is the best! Serve plain or with whipped cream. Enjoy!"
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup white sugar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons white sugar
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
1 pinch ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Lightly grease an 8 inch square baking dish. Place the blueberries into the baking dish, and mix with vanilla and lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of flour, then stir in the tablespoon of melted butter. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 3/4 cups of flour, baking powder, and 6 tablespoons sugar. Rub in the 5 tablespoons butter using your fingers, or cut in with a pastry blender until it is in small pieces. Make a well in the center, and quickly stir in the milk. Mix just until moistened. You should have a very thick batter, or very wet dough. You may need to add a splash more milk. Cover, and let batter rest for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spoon the batter over the blueberries, leaving only a few small holes for the berries to peek through. Mix together the cinnamon and 2 teaspoons sugar; sprinkle over the top.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the topping should come out clean - of course there will be blueberry syrup on the knife. Let cool until just warm before serving. This can store in the refrigerator for 2 days.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 6/7/2009
Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes Ready In: 50 Minutes
Servings: 6
"I've tinkered and tinkered, and this is the very best blueberry cobbler recipe I've found. Cakey/biscuit topping with a slight crunch on top and ooey gooey delicious blueberries hidden on the bottom. It can also work with other fruit fillings. Works best with delicious fresh blueberries and is the perfect summer treat.... An amalgamation of mine and my grandmother's cobbler recipe.... I think it is the best! Serve plain or with whipped cream. Enjoy!"
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 cup white sugar, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 4 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons white sugar
5 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
2 teaspoons sugar
1 pinch ground cinnamon
Directions:
1. Lightly grease an 8 inch square baking dish. Place the blueberries into the baking dish, and mix with vanilla and lemon juice. Sprinkle with 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of flour, then stir in the tablespoon of melted butter. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, stir together 1 3/4 cups of flour, baking powder, and 6 tablespoons sugar. Rub in the 5 tablespoons butter using your fingers, or cut in with a pastry blender until it is in small pieces. Make a well in the center, and quickly stir in the milk. Mix just until moistened. You should have a very thick batter, or very wet dough. You may need to add a splash more milk. Cover, and let batter rest for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Spoon the batter over the blueberries, leaving only a few small holes for the berries to peek through. Mix together the cinnamon and 2 teaspoons sugar; sprinkle over the top.
4. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the topping should come out clean - of course there will be blueberry syrup on the knife. Let cool until just warm before serving. This can store in the refrigerator for 2 days.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2009 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 6/7/2009
Blueberry Pie
Blueberry Pie
8 servings
Blueberries have been touted as the food with the most antioxidant potential. Their power comes from their anthocyanins, which give them their color, and loads of vitamin C. This delightful pie is loaded with these dark-blue gems. The cooked and cooled filling is poured into a 9-inch baked pie crust.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 tbsp cold water
1 baked Easy Pie Crust (see My Optimum Health Plan for recipe on my site below)
Instructions:
1. Heat the blueberries in a saucepan over medium heat until they begin to boil. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
2. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Mix the cornstarch or arrowroot well with the water, and pour mixture into the simmering blueberries while stirring. Cook, stirring, until mixture becomes clear and thick. Continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool.
4. Spoon mixture into pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
163 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
36 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
3 g fiber
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
8 servings
Blueberries have been touted as the food with the most antioxidant potential. Their power comes from their anthocyanins, which give them their color, and loads of vitamin C. This delightful pie is loaded with these dark-blue gems. The cooked and cooled filling is poured into a 9-inch baked pie crust.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Juice of 1/2 fresh lemon
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder
2 tbsp cold water
1 baked Easy Pie Crust (see My Optimum Health Plan for recipe on my site below)
Instructions:
1. Heat the blueberries in a saucepan over medium heat until they begin to boil. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
2. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon, and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Mix the cornstarch or arrowroot well with the water, and pour mixture into the simmering blueberries while stirring. Cook, stirring, until mixture becomes clear and thick. Continue to cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool.
4. Spoon mixture into pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
163 calories
2 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
36 g carbohydrate
2 g protein
3 g fiber
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
Sunday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 6-7, 2009The Danger of Money 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Money is a neutral commodity, in that inherently, it is neither good nor evil. However, a strong yearning for wealth can be the cause of great danger for our souls. The Lord created mankind to love Him, but ever since the fall, people have given their hearts to lesser desires. The love of money not only robs God of His rightful place in our affections, but also steals contentment, opens the door to a variety of temptations, and can cause us to wander away from our Creator.
The amount of money we possess is not the source of the problem. The root originates in the desires of the heart. We never seem to think we have enough, no matter what our financial situation is. The lure of wealth promises pleasures and security, but if we devote ourselves to the pursuit of affluence, we will find that it does not satisfy and ultimately leads to ruin and grief.
Mark 4:19 speaks of the deceitfulness of riches. Think back to a time when you purchased something you really wanted. Remember the delight you had in that item when it was new. Do you still feel the same joy, or has the pleasure decreased? The satisfaction of possession is fleeting and, therefore, requires the pursuit of more in an effort to regain the same feeling of gratification.
Lasting pleasure and security are found only in God. He richly supplies us with all things to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17), but if we let His blessings become our primary desire, we will lose our contentment. Seek the Lord in His Word and prayer; as you learn to delight in Him, you will discover true and enduring satisfaction for your soul.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.organdclick here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.
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You can now read the Scriptures in Dr. Stanley's favorite teaching translation -- the New American Standard -- while learning the 30 Life Principles that have guided him for more than 50 years. The new NASB Life Principles Bible will enhance your personal study time through explanation of key passages, plus helpful resources like "Answers to Life's Questions," concordance, maps, and much more. Available in leather and hardcover.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
6/6/09
Saturday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 6
Read Nehemiah 1 -- 3
Highlights In Today's Reading:
Nehemiah sits weeping about the decay of Jerusalem (1:1-4). God recognizes each person that goes up to rebuild the city (2:1-8). The enemy grieved (2:9-10,19). Altar set up; foundation laid (3:1-13).
When one of Nehemiah's brothers (countrymen or relatives) Hanani returned to Persia from Jerusalem, he told Nehemiah of the pitiful conditions that existed there. When I (Nehemiah) heard these words . . . I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven (1:4).
Nehemiah knew the Scriptures and the power of prayer and fasting, reminding the Lord of His promise: If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: But if ye turn unto Me, and keep My Commandments, and do them . . . yet will I gather them . . . unto the place that I have chosen to set My Name there (1:8-9).
When King Artaxerxes asked why he was so sad, Nehemiah told him that it was because the city . . . of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste (2:1-3). The king's remarkable blessing can be attributed to the fact that Nehemiah prayed that God would grant him mercy in the sight of this man (the king) (Neh. 1:11) and then he prayed to the God of heaven (2:4) for further direction. The king appointed Nehemiah governor of Judah and commissioned him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
When Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem, he faced hostile opposition, just as Zerubbabel had about 80 to 100 years earlier (Ezra 4; Neh. 4). Three basic characteristics of Nehemiah made his efforts a success. His foremost desire was to do the will of God (1:1,11). This led him to endure many hardships to restore honor to the City of God. He not only fasted, and prayed, but he confessed: We . . . have not kept the Commandments (1:4-11).
Nehemiah was also determined to rebuild the wall, regardless of the opposition of Sanballat and his crowd. They laughed us to scorn, and despised us (2:19). Their ridicule then turned to slander. Sanballat implied that Nehemiah would rebel against the king (2:19). False accusations have always been a favorite tool of Satan. The third characteristic that made Nehemiah successful was that he refused to become discouraged and give up even when some nobles (leaders) refused to cooperate in the work of their Lord (3:5).
Accomplishing the will of God is dependent upon remembering who we are living for. The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me (Heb. 13:6).
Thought for Today:
Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
Christ Revealed:
Through Nehemiah's prayer for his people (Neh. 1:4-11). Christ also prayed for His own throughout the ages, which includes us today (John 17:20).
Word Studies:
1:5 terrible = awesome, greatly to be feared; 2:2 countenance = face; 2:7 convey me over = allow me to pass; 2:20 no portion = no part or property; 3:19 turning = corner; 3:23 over against = in front of, opposite of; 3:25 lieth out = extends from.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Shortwave Broadcasts in honor of Linda Kennon• Staff: Tammy Davis • Government Officials: Rep. Marsha Blackburn (TN), Rep. Allen Boyd, Jr. (FL), and Rep. Eric Cantor (VA) • Country: Oman (2 million) on the southeastern coast of Arabia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Fewer restrictions on Christian activity than most of its neighbors • 97% Muslim; .5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Offering praise and thanks to God is a sacrifice pleasing to Him (Heb. 13:15).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 8
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 6:31
Low Carb Biscuits
Low Carb Biscuits
Makes: 16 biscuits.
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, October 28, 2007
Bask in the goodness of these decadent biscuits prepared with wheat gluten flour. They're every bit as tasty as the traditional type.
Ingredients
2 cups wheat gluten flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup shortening
3/8 cup cream
3/8 cup water
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine cream and water to make 3/4-cup "milk" substitute. Mix flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening thoroughly to resemble "meal". Stir in almost all of the "milk". If dough is not pliable, add just enough milk to make a puffy, easy to roll dough. Make a ball of dough and place on lightly floured surface. Knead 20-25 times or about one half minute. Roll out dough to about one half-inch thickness. (Note, it takes a little more effort since gluten is a "binder" - just roll harder). Cut with a floured cutter (a glass rim will work fine) and place on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Additional Tips
3.5 carbs per biscuit
Makes: 16 biscuits.
Created by The MDM Team, Sunday, October 28, 2007
Bask in the goodness of these decadent biscuits prepared with wheat gluten flour. They're every bit as tasty as the traditional type.
Ingredients
2 cups wheat gluten flour
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 cup shortening
3/8 cup cream
3/8 cup water
Methods/steps
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine cream and water to make 3/4-cup "milk" substitute. Mix flour, salt and baking powder. Cut in shortening thoroughly to resemble "meal". Stir in almost all of the "milk". If dough is not pliable, add just enough milk to make a puffy, easy to roll dough. Make a ball of dough and place on lightly floured surface. Knead 20-25 times or about one half minute. Roll out dough to about one half-inch thickness. (Note, it takes a little more effort since gluten is a "binder" - just roll harder). Cut with a floured cutter (a glass rim will work fine) and place on an un-greased baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Additional Tips
3.5 carbs per biscuit
The Trinity Nature of God
The Trinity Nature of God -Basic Bible Doctrine #3
Dear Friends in Christ,
The origin of the word "Trinity" as it applies to the nature of God goes back a long time.
trinity according to Etymology.com is as follows:
c.1225, "the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," constituting one God in prevailing Christian doctrine, from O.Fr. trinite (11c.), from L. trinitatem (nom. trinitas) "Trinity, triad" (Tertullian), from trinus "threefold, triple," from pl. of trini "three at a time, threefold," related to tres (neut. tria) "three." The L. word was widely borrowed in European languages with the rise of Christianity
Many people have wondered about what is meant by the Trinity Nature of God, and there has been a lot of misunderstanding about it throughout History. Perhaps the best way to understand the Trinity(tri-unity) of God is by just examining the Bible Verses which God has provided to explain Himself, and then believing these verses. This is the way we have to "understand" many things in the Bible that are beyond our ability to grasp them. You don't need to do a lot of mental or verbal gymnastics to explain the verses and thus the Trinity of God: you just need to mix the these verses with faith just believe what God has revealed in the Scriptures, and then accept them as truth.
Remember that these verses are mutually "inclusive", that is they add to and supplement each other. One mistake people make about the Trinity is to take one statement about God eg.
(Deu 6:4 KJV)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
and exclude all other verses to the contrary. Then when faced with other verses which portray another facet of God's nature, eg.
(1 John 5:7 KJV)For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:
and these three are one.
they dont recognize that the two verses are describing different aspects of the same God. This may not be easy to understand, I admit, so you need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding about these things.
This study starts out with a statement of faith, and then goes on to give some major verses in which God is trying to convey what He is like for our benefit and teaching.
God Bless you as you ponder these things.
In Christ...brother bob...<><
---------------------
"We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect
and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
-----------------------
1 John 5:7 (KJV)
For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:
and these three are one.
Luke 3:21-22 (KJV)
Now when all the people were baptized,
it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized,
and praying, the heaven was opened,
{22} And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,
and a voice came from heaven, which said,
Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Mat 28:18-20 (KJV)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
{19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST
{20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 10:30 (KJV)
I and my Father are one.
Deu 6:4 (KJV)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Gen 3:22a (KJV)
And the LORD God said,
Behold, the man is become as one of US, to know good and evil:
(Gen 1:26-27 KJV)
And God said, LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE, after our likeness:
and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
{27} So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.
Gen 11:6-7 (KJV)
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one,
and they have all one language;
and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them,
which they have imagined to do.
{7} Go to, LET US GO DOWN, and there confound their language,
that they may not understand one another's speech.
2 Cor 13:14 (KJV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.
Heb 1:1-3 (KJV)
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
{2} Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
whom he hath appointed heir of all things,
by whom also he made the worlds;
{3} Who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person,
and upholding all things by the word of his power,
when he had by himself purged our sins,
sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
1 Cor 8:6 (KJV)
But to us there is but one God, the Father,
of whom are all things, and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom are all things, and we by him.
John 5:17-23 (KJV)
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
{18} Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him,
because he not only had broken the sabbath,
but said also that God was his Father,
making himself equal with God.
{19} Then answered Jesus and said unto them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do:
for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
{20} For the Father loveth the Son,
and showeth him all things that himself doeth:
and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
{21} For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them;
even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
{22} For the Father judgeth no man,
but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
{23} That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.
He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
John 14:23-26 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto him,
If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
{24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
{25} These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
{26} But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:9-21 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you,
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?
he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;
and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
{10} Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:
but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
{11} Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:
or else believe me for the very works' sake.
{12} Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also;
and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
{13} And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,
that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
{14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
{15} If ye love me, keep my commandments.
{16} And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever;
{17} Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
{18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
{19} Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;
but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
{20} At that day ye shall know
that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
{21} He that hath my commandments,
and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
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
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
Dear Friends in Christ,
The origin of the word "Trinity" as it applies to the nature of God goes back a long time.
trinity according to Etymology.com is as follows:
c.1225, "the Father, Son and Holy Spirit," constituting one God in prevailing Christian doctrine, from O.Fr. trinite (11c.), from L. trinitatem (nom. trinitas) "Trinity, triad" (Tertullian), from trinus "threefold, triple," from pl. of trini "three at a time, threefold," related to tres (neut. tria) "three." The L. word was widely borrowed in European languages with the rise of Christianity
Many people have wondered about what is meant by the Trinity Nature of God, and there has been a lot of misunderstanding about it throughout History. Perhaps the best way to understand the Trinity(tri-unity) of God is by just examining the Bible Verses which God has provided to explain Himself, and then believing these verses. This is the way we have to "understand" many things in the Bible that are beyond our ability to grasp them. You don't need to do a lot of mental or verbal gymnastics to explain the verses and thus the Trinity of God: you just need to mix the these verses with faith just believe what God has revealed in the Scriptures, and then accept them as truth.
Remember that these verses are mutually "inclusive", that is they add to and supplement each other. One mistake people make about the Trinity is to take one statement about God eg.
(Deu 6:4 KJV)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
and exclude all other verses to the contrary. Then when faced with other verses which portray another facet of God's nature, eg.
(1 John 5:7 KJV)For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:
and these three are one.
they dont recognize that the two verses are describing different aspects of the same God. This may not be easy to understand, I admit, so you need to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom and understanding about these things.
This study starts out with a statement of faith, and then goes on to give some major verses in which God is trying to convey what He is like for our benefit and teaching.
God Bless you as you ponder these things.
In Christ...brother bob...<><
---------------------
"We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect
and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."
-----------------------
1 John 5:7 (KJV)
For there are three that bear record in heaven,
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost:
and these three are one.
Luke 3:21-22 (KJV)
Now when all the people were baptized,
it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized,
and praying, the heaven was opened,
{22} And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him,
and a voice came from heaven, which said,
Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.
Mat 28:18-20 (KJV)
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying,
All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
{19} Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY GHOST
{20} Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you:
and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 10:30 (KJV)
I and my Father are one.
Deu 6:4 (KJV)
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
Gen 3:22a (KJV)
And the LORD God said,
Behold, the man is become as one of US, to know good and evil:
(Gen 1:26-27 KJV)
And God said, LET US MAKE MAN IN OUR IMAGE, after our likeness:
and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air,
and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
{27} So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them.
Gen 11:6-7 (KJV)
And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one,
and they have all one language;
and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them,
which they have imagined to do.
{7} Go to, LET US GO DOWN, and there confound their language,
that they may not understand one another's speech.
2 Cor 13:14 (KJV)
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ,
and the love of God,
and the communion of the Holy Ghost,
be with you all. Amen.
Heb 1:1-3 (KJV)
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners
spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
{2} Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son,
whom he hath appointed heir of all things,
by whom also he made the worlds;
{3} Who being the brightness of his glory,
and the express image of his person,
and upholding all things by the word of his power,
when he had by himself purged our sins,
sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
1 Cor 8:6 (KJV)
But to us there is but one God, the Father,
of whom are all things, and we in him;
and one Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom are all things, and we by him.
John 5:17-23 (KJV)
But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
{18} Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him,
because he not only had broken the sabbath,
but said also that God was his Father,
making himself equal with God.
{19} Then answered Jesus and said unto them,
Verily, verily, I say unto you,
The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do:
for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
{20} For the Father loveth the Son,
and showeth him all things that himself doeth:
and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
{21} For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them;
even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
{22} For the Father judgeth no man,
but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
{23} That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.
He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
John 14:23-26 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto him,
If a man love me, he will keep my words:
and my Father will love him,
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
{24} He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings:
and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.
{25} These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you.
{26} But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost,
whom the Father will send in my name,
he shall teach you all things,
and bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:9-21 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you,
and yet hast thou not known me, Philip?
he that hath seen me hath seen the Father;
and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?
{10} Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?
the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself:
but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works.
{11} Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me:
or else believe me for the very works' sake.
{12} Verily, verily, I say unto you,
He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also;
and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.
{13} And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name,
that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
{14} If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
{15} If ye love me, keep my commandments.
{16} And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter,
that he may abide with you for ever;
{17} Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive,
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him:
but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
{18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
{19} Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more;
but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
{20} At that day ye shall know
that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
{21} He that hath my commandments,
and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me:
and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father,
and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
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
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
Non-Alcoholic Party Punch
Non-Alcoholic Party Punch
Makes: 15 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 28, 2007 Description -->
We've got a party drink that packs a heck of a punch. This non-alcoholic beverage with an orange twist has tiny bubbles that will make everyone feel fine.
Ingredients
1 gallon ginger ale 2 cups orange juice 2 oranges, sliced into rounds 20 maraschino cherries
Methods/steps
In a large punch bowl mix ginger ale and orange juice. Place sliced oranges on top of punch and arrange the cherries on top of the orange slices.
Additional Tips
Ready in 5 min
Makes: 15 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Friday, December 28, 2007 Description -->
We've got a party drink that packs a heck of a punch. This non-alcoholic beverage with an orange twist has tiny bubbles that will make everyone feel fine.
Ingredients
1 gallon ginger ale 2 cups orange juice 2 oranges, sliced into rounds 20 maraschino cherries
Methods/steps
In a large punch bowl mix ginger ale and orange juice. Place sliced oranges on top of punch and arrange the cherries on top of the orange slices.
Additional Tips
Ready in 5 min
6/5/09
Friday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 5, 2009
The Small Stuff
by Charles R. Swindoll
Colossians 3:17
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
Somebody said that to me the other day. It helped . . . momentarily. I needed reality's nudge. Being casual on the outside but a fairly thorough and disciplined soul within, I sometimes need to be reminded that few people will even notice the thing I'm camping on. Or care, for that matter. So? So sweating the small stuff can occasionally be a drag.
But there's another side to that coin. Greatness and the attention to detail, in my opinion, are welded together. A great piece of music is like that---carefully arranged orchestration carrying out a majestic melody with the whole sound of harmony. Haunting chords, rhythm, and lyrics. The choral group that performs is also committed to the fine line. Not much room for "don't sweat the small stuff" philosophy.
A great piece of writing is equally a masterpiece of detail. Phrases are turned. Words are chosen, shaped, sometimes chiseled so as to dovetail into the precise meaning or description the author requires. And behind such exactness, such literary beauty? Sweat. Trust me, a lot of sweat. Because great writing, like great music, comprises not only sweeping, broad-brush scenes but also small stuff, which takes time . . . so very much time.
Great artwork is the same. Look at the masters. Observe the choice of colors, the texture, the shading. Study the lines on that ton of white marble to which Michelangelo once put his hands. Those fluid lines in David's form don't just happen to flow. It's no accident that you're surprised to find the stonework cold to the touch. Something that real is supposed to have warm blood in it. Why? Because the Italian genius labored long hours over the small stuff. Something inside his head could settle for nothing less.
A solid biblical basis for such an emphasis on quality is not hard to find. Consider the superb manner in which the tabernacle was designed and constructed. Next, the temple built during Solomon's rule . . . with its "windows with artistic frames," elaborate beams, winding stairways, gold-covered cherubim, and "stone prepared at the quarry" so that "neither hammer nor axe nor iron tool [would be] heard in the house while it was being built" (1 Kings 6:4-8, 28). The name of God was exalted as people witnessed such detailed beauty. It still is.
What is true of grand music, great writing, priceless art, and quality construction is also true of the way some still practice medicine or law, do their architectural drawings, teach their students, type their letters, preach their sermons, play their instruments, cook meals, fix cars, coach teams, sell insurance, run a business, a home, a school, a restaurant, or a ministry. It makes them stand out in bold relief . . . clearly a cut above the average. It's not for the money or for the glory or for the fame it may bring. It's simply a matter of deep-seated personal pride and commitment. Nothing less satisfies. It all boils down to fine, rare, quality craftsmanship.
Decide now to do something special in the next twenty-four hours---something no one may ever notice except you and your Creator---in which you can demonstrate high-quality workmanship. While you're deciding what to do, read with reverence the first chapter of Genesis---and think about workmanship.
Sometimes the small stuff is a big deal.
Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
The Small Stuff
by Charles R. Swindoll
Colossians 3:17
"Don't sweat the small stuff."
Somebody said that to me the other day. It helped . . . momentarily. I needed reality's nudge. Being casual on the outside but a fairly thorough and disciplined soul within, I sometimes need to be reminded that few people will even notice the thing I'm camping on. Or care, for that matter. So? So sweating the small stuff can occasionally be a drag.
But there's another side to that coin. Greatness and the attention to detail, in my opinion, are welded together. A great piece of music is like that---carefully arranged orchestration carrying out a majestic melody with the whole sound of harmony. Haunting chords, rhythm, and lyrics. The choral group that performs is also committed to the fine line. Not much room for "don't sweat the small stuff" philosophy.
A great piece of writing is equally a masterpiece of detail. Phrases are turned. Words are chosen, shaped, sometimes chiseled so as to dovetail into the precise meaning or description the author requires. And behind such exactness, such literary beauty? Sweat. Trust me, a lot of sweat. Because great writing, like great music, comprises not only sweeping, broad-brush scenes but also small stuff, which takes time . . . so very much time.
Great artwork is the same. Look at the masters. Observe the choice of colors, the texture, the shading. Study the lines on that ton of white marble to which Michelangelo once put his hands. Those fluid lines in David's form don't just happen to flow. It's no accident that you're surprised to find the stonework cold to the touch. Something that real is supposed to have warm blood in it. Why? Because the Italian genius labored long hours over the small stuff. Something inside his head could settle for nothing less.
A solid biblical basis for such an emphasis on quality is not hard to find. Consider the superb manner in which the tabernacle was designed and constructed. Next, the temple built during Solomon's rule . . . with its "windows with artistic frames," elaborate beams, winding stairways, gold-covered cherubim, and "stone prepared at the quarry" so that "neither hammer nor axe nor iron tool [would be] heard in the house while it was being built" (1 Kings 6:4-8, 28). The name of God was exalted as people witnessed such detailed beauty. It still is.
What is true of grand music, great writing, priceless art, and quality construction is also true of the way some still practice medicine or law, do their architectural drawings, teach their students, type their letters, preach their sermons, play their instruments, cook meals, fix cars, coach teams, sell insurance, run a business, a home, a school, a restaurant, or a ministry. It makes them stand out in bold relief . . . clearly a cut above the average. It's not for the money or for the glory or for the fame it may bring. It's simply a matter of deep-seated personal pride and commitment. Nothing less satisfies. It all boils down to fine, rare, quality craftsmanship.
Decide now to do something special in the next twenty-four hours---something no one may ever notice except you and your Creator---in which you can demonstrate high-quality workmanship. While you're deciding what to do, read with reverence the first chapter of Genesis---and think about workmanship.
Sometimes the small stuff is a big deal.
Reprinted by permission. Day by Day, Charles Swindoll, July 2005, Thomas Nelson, inc., Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Potato Pancakes
Potato Pancakes
8 pancakes
I have made these at the house of a friend who gives a party featuring potato pancakes every year. He loves making them and gets really creative, tossing in hot sauce or different herbs. You can be as creative as you like with yours. Mine are a simple version, and I like to serve them with fresh applesauce.
Ingredients:
3 large Idaho or Yukon potatoes (about 2 pounds)
1 large sweet onion
1 cup matzo meal, medium grain
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/4 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil
GARNISH:
Low-fat sour cream
Fresh applesauce
Instructions:
1. Peel and grate the potatoes and onion by hand or in a food processor and put them in a large bowl. (If you grate the potatoes ahead of time, make sure to soak them in water to keep them from turning color, then drain and squeeze when ready to use.)
2. Add the matzo meal and the egg. Sprinkle in the salt and blend everything together until the onions and potatoes are coated with the egg and matzo meal. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. With clean hands, roll a ball of dough just big enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and flatten it out with your palms to make a round cake. Repeat the process until you have used up all the batter.
4. Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Lay 4 pancakes in the hot oil and cook for 1 minute on each side, until they turn golden brown. Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Repeat, adding more olive oil to the pan, until all pancakes are cooked. Serve with sour cream and a side of fresh applesauce.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
246 calories
8 g total fat (1 g sat)
27 mg cholesterol
39 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
3 g fiber
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
8 pancakes
I have made these at the house of a friend who gives a party featuring potato pancakes every year. He loves making them and gets really creative, tossing in hot sauce or different herbs. You can be as creative as you like with yours. Mine are a simple version, and I like to serve them with fresh applesauce.
Ingredients:
3 large Idaho or Yukon potatoes (about 2 pounds)
1 large sweet onion
1 cup matzo meal, medium grain
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste
1/4 cup quality extra-virgin olive oil
GARNISH:
Low-fat sour cream
Fresh applesauce
Instructions:
1. Peel and grate the potatoes and onion by hand or in a food processor and put them in a large bowl. (If you grate the potatoes ahead of time, make sure to soak them in water to keep them from turning color, then drain and squeeze when ready to use.)
2. Add the matzo meal and the egg. Sprinkle in the salt and blend everything together until the onions and potatoes are coated with the egg and matzo meal. Let stand for 5 minutes.
3. With clean hands, roll a ball of dough just big enough to fit into the palm of your hand, and flatten it out with your palms to make a round cake. Repeat the process until you have used up all the batter.
4. Set a medium saucepan over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Lay 4 pancakes in the hot oil and cook for 1 minute on each side, until they turn golden brown. Transfer the pancakes to a paper towel to soak up any excess oil. Repeat, adding more olive oil to the pan, until all pancakes are cooked. Serve with sour cream and a side of fresh applesauce.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
246 calories
8 g total fat (1 g sat)
27 mg cholesterol
39 g carbohydrate
5 g protein
3 g fiber
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/4/09
Low Sodium Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Low Sodium Strawberry & Spinach Salad
Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, January 12, 2008
Popeye ate all his spinach, and so we'll your children when they taste this gourmet salad prepared with a scrumptious strawberry twist. Go green tonight!
Ingredients
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. minced onion
10 oz. fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Methods/steps
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour and 10 min
Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, January 12, 2008
Popeye ate all his spinach, and so we'll your children when they taste this gourmet salad prepared with a scrumptious strawberry twist. Go green tonight!
Ingredients
2 tbsp. sesame seeds
1 tbsp. poppy seeds
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp. minced onion
10 oz. fresh spinach - rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces
1 quart strawberries - cleaned, hulled and sliced
1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered
Methods/steps
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour and 10 min
Thursday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
Editor's Note: Please accept our apologies if you did not receive your regularly scheduled June 3 devotional. The server issues have been resolved. Please click here to read yesterday's devotional.
June 4, 2009
Beauty After the Storm
Holly Good She Speaks! Graduate
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
Devotion:
My first personal "storm" occurred when I was 14 years old. It was filled with heartache, death, mystery, fear and freedom. It's a storm that took me years to piece together.
And many more years to realize the beauty born from it.
School was out for the summer. I had just finished the 8th grade and could hardly wait to go to the beach with my family. I can remember the harried havoc as if it was yesterday - snack food, suitcases, and beach necessities were strewn all throughout our kitchen. We were excitedly packing that evening, getting ready for the next morning's early departure for Ocean City, New Jersey.
My memory also perfectly recalls the knock on the door that evening which would define the next 12 years of my life.
It was my friends' dad who lived down the street. "Did you see Evie today? Do you know where she might be?" he asked with hope. "She never came home tonight."
I had not seen her that day. Nor would I ever again.
A neighbor of mine had asked my girlfriend Evie to clean his house. As it turns out, he had other plans in mind for her that day.
Shortly after she arrived at his home, he forced her into his car, restrained her hands, gagged her and drove to a densely wooded area several miles away. Over an undisclosed period of time he performed unspeakable acts and then he left her for dead.
It took the authorities more than 6 months to find her body and solve what had come to be a nation-wide mystery.
During the many months they searched for her, and worked to piece it all together, I became consumed with fear. I promised myself that I would never be at home alone again. And for the most part, I stuck to that vow for many years.
Eventually I found freedom from this fear. It was a gradual process that came to fruition as I grew in my faith. Christ intervened, and I gradually let go. I am no longer consumed by the details of her death or the remnants of my fear.
Several years ago the Lord quietly revealed a most special memory of Evie that I had long forgotten. We were having a sleepover one evening. As we were lying in my bed laughing, talking, and dreaming as girlfriends do, she very nonchalantly asked me if I wanted to be sure to get into Heaven. Of course I wanted to be sure. I knew that Heaven was a wonderful place. I waited in eager anticipation for her next words.
"Ask Jesus into your heart," she pronounced. "That's it? Just ask Him into my heart?" I quipped. "Well yes. There's more, but that's the start..." she said.
And that precious little Evie prayed with me right there in the wee hours of the night, helping me to ask Jesus into my heart.
One young God-honoring friend.
One unutterable death.
At least one life saved...
...this was the beauty that He faithfully revealed to me years after my storm.
Dear Lord, thank You for the life You have given me. I praise You for the ways You have spoken to me through Your Word, through prayer, and through other people. Thank You for healing me and delivering me from my fear. Help me to focus on You today and not become distracted by anything that is not of You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
Do You Know Him?
Traveling Together: Thoughts on Women, Friendship and the Journey of Faith by Karla Worley
Hidden Joy in a Dark Corner: The Transforming Power of God's Story by Wendy Blight
To read more about how God delivered Holly from these fears, see her post on Lysa TerKeurst's blog
Application Steps:
What is God revealing to you about a storm you are experiencing right now?
What storm from your past can you pray for clarity in a lesson that you never learned?
Reflections:
Who can you thank for sharing their faith with you?
Who can you share your faith with?
Power Verses:
1 Corinthians 1:18, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (NIV)
John 17:26, "I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." (NIV)
© 2009 by Holly Good. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G Matthews-Mint Hill Road
Matthews, NC 28105
www.proverbs31.org
6/3/09
God Spoke the Heavens and Earth into Existence Out of Nothing
God Spoke the Heavens and Earth into Existence Out of Nothing
Basic Bible Doctrine #2
(Gen 1:1-25 KJV)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
{2} And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
{3} AND GOD SAID, LET THERE BE LIGHT : and there was light.
{4} And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
{5} And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.
And the evening and the morning were the first day.
{6} AND GOD SAID, LET THERE BE A FIRMAMENT in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
{7} And God made the firmament,
and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
{8} And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
{9} AND GOD SAID, LET THE WATERS UNDER HEAVEN BE GATHERED together unto one place,
and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
{10} And God called the dry land Earth;
and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
{11} AND GOD SAID, LET THE THE EARTH BRING FORTH grass, the herb yielding seed,
and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
{12} And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind,'
and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
13} And the evening and the morning were the third day.
{14} AND GOD SAID, LET THERE BE LIGHTS IN THE FIRMAMENT of the heaven to divide the day from the night;
and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
{15} And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
{16} And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day,
and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
{17} And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
{18} And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
{19} And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
{20} AND GOD SAID, LET THE WATERS BRING FORTH abundantly the moving creature that hath life,
and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
{21} And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth,
which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind,
and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
{22} And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply,
and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
{23} And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
{24} AND GOD SAID, LET THE EARTH BRING FORTH the living creature after his kind,
cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
{25} And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind,
and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Exo 20:11 (KJV)
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is,
and rested the seventh day:
wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day,
and hallowed it (Heb=declared it ceremonialy holy).
(Psa 95:1-6 KJV)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
{2} Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
{3} For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
{4} In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
{5} The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
{6} O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
(Psa 19:1-6 KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament{Heb=the visible arch of the sky} showeth his handiwork {Heb.=workanship}.
{2} Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
{3} There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
{4} Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
{5} Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
{6} His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it:
and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
(Psa 33:4-9 KJV)
For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
{5} He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
{6} By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
{7} He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
{8} Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
{9} For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
(Isa 45:5-12 The Living Bible)
{5}I am Jehovah; there is no other God.
I will strengthen you and send you out to victory
even though you don't know me,
{6} and all the world from east to west
will know there is no other God.
I am Jehovah and there is no one else.
I alone am God.
{7} I form the light and make the dark.
I send good times and bad.
I, Jehovah, am he who does these things.
{8} Open up, O heavens.
Let the skies pour out their righteousness.
Let salvation and righteousness sprout up together from the earth.
I, Jehovah, created them.
{9} "Woe to the man who fights with his Creator.
Does the pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with him who forms it, saying,
'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'
or the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be!'?
{10} Woe to the baby just being born
who squalls to his father and mother,
'Why have you produced me?
Can't you do anything right at all?'"
{11} Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, Israel's Creator, says:
"What right have you to question what I do?
Who are you to command me concerning the work of my hands?
{12} I have made the earth and created man upon it.
With my hands I have stretched out the heavens
and commanded all the vast myriads of stars.
1 Chr 16:23-31 (KJV)
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth;
show forth from day to day his salvation.
{24} Declare his glory among the heathen;
his marvellous works among all nations.
{25} For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised:
he also is to be feared above all gods.
{26} For all the gods of the people are idols (Heb=nothing):
but the LORD made the heavens.
{27} Glory and honour are in his presence;
strength and gladness are in his place.
{28} Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people,
give unto the LORD glory and strength.
{29} Give{Heb=ascribe} unto the LORD the glory due unto his name:
bring an offering, and come before him:
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
{30} Fear before him, all the earth:
the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
{31} Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice:
and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Neh 9:5b-6 (KJV)
Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever:
and blessed be thy glorious name,
which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
{6} Thou, even thou, art LORD alone;
thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens,
with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein,
and thou preservest them all;
and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Job 38:4-13 (KJV)
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding.
{5} Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest?
or who hath stretched the line upon it?
{6} Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?
or who laid the corner stone thereof;
{7} When the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
{8} Or who shut up the sea with doors,
when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
{9} When I made the cloud the garment thereof,
and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
{10} And brake up for it my decreed place,
and set bars and doors,
{11} And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:
and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
{12} Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days;
and caused the dayspring to know his place;
{13} That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
Psa 8:3-9 (KJV)
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
{4} What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
{5} For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
{6} Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;
thou hast put all things under his feet:
{7} All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
{8} The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,
and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
{9} O LORD our Lord,
how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
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
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
Basic Bible Doctrine #2
(Gen 1:1-25 KJV)
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
{2} And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.
And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
{3} AND GOD SAID, LET THERE BE LIGHT : and there was light.
{4} And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
{5} And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night.
And the evening and the morning were the first day.
{6} AND GOD SAID, LET THERE BE A FIRMAMENT in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.
{7} And God made the firmament,
and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so.
{8} And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day.
{9} AND GOD SAID, LET THE WATERS UNDER HEAVEN BE GATHERED together unto one place,
and let the dry land appear: and it was so.
{10} And God called the dry land Earth;
and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.
{11} AND GOD SAID, LET THE THE EARTH BRING FORTH grass, the herb yielding seed,
and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
{12} And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind,'
and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
13} And the evening and the morning were the third day.
{14} AND GOD SAID, LET THERE BE LIGHTS IN THE FIRMAMENT of the heaven to divide the day from the night;
and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:
{15} And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so.
{16} And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day,
and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.
{17} And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth,
{18} And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good.
{19} And the evening and the morning were the fourth day.
{20} AND GOD SAID, LET THE WATERS BRING FORTH abundantly the moving creature that hath life,
and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.
{21} And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth,
which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind,
and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
{22} And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply,
and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.
{23} And the evening and the morning were the fifth day.
{24} AND GOD SAID, LET THE EARTH BRING FORTH the living creature after his kind,
cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.
{25} And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind,
and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good.
Exo 20:11 (KJV)
For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
the sea, and all that in them is,
and rested the seventh day:
wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day,
and hallowed it (Heb=declared it ceremonialy holy).
(Psa 95:1-6 KJV)
O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.
{2} Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.
{3} For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods.
{4} In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also.
{5} The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.
{6} O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
(Psa 19:1-6 KJV)
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.
The heavens declare the glory of God;
and the firmament{Heb=the visible arch of the sky} showeth his handiwork {Heb.=workanship}.
{2} Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge.
{3} There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
{4} Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
{5} Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
{6} His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it:
and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
(Psa 33:4-9 KJV)
For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth.
{5} He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
{6} By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.
{7} He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses.
{8} Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.
{9} For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.
(Isa 45:5-12 The Living Bible)
{5}I am Jehovah; there is no other God.
I will strengthen you and send you out to victory
even though you don't know me,
{6} and all the world from east to west
will know there is no other God.
I am Jehovah and there is no one else.
I alone am God.
{7} I form the light and make the dark.
I send good times and bad.
I, Jehovah, am he who does these things.
{8} Open up, O heavens.
Let the skies pour out their righteousness.
Let salvation and righteousness sprout up together from the earth.
I, Jehovah, created them.
{9} "Woe to the man who fights with his Creator.
Does the pot argue with its maker?
Does the clay dispute with him who forms it, saying,
'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'
or the pot exclaim, 'How clumsy can you be!'?
{10} Woe to the baby just being born
who squalls to his father and mother,
'Why have you produced me?
Can't you do anything right at all?'"
{11} Jehovah, the Holy One of Israel, Israel's Creator, says:
"What right have you to question what I do?
Who are you to command me concerning the work of my hands?
{12} I have made the earth and created man upon it.
With my hands I have stretched out the heavens
and commanded all the vast myriads of stars.
1 Chr 16:23-31 (KJV)
Sing unto the LORD, all the earth;
show forth from day to day his salvation.
{24} Declare his glory among the heathen;
his marvellous works among all nations.
{25} For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised:
he also is to be feared above all gods.
{26} For all the gods of the people are idols (Heb=nothing):
but the LORD made the heavens.
{27} Glory and honour are in his presence;
strength and gladness are in his place.
{28} Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people,
give unto the LORD glory and strength.
{29} Give{Heb=ascribe} unto the LORD the glory due unto his name:
bring an offering, and come before him:
worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
{30} Fear before him, all the earth:
the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved.
{31} Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice:
and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth.
Neh 9:5b-6 (KJV)
Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever:
and blessed be thy glorious name,
which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
{6} Thou, even thou, art LORD alone;
thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens,
with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein,
the seas, and all that is therein,
and thou preservest them all;
and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
Job 38:4-13 (KJV)
Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?
declare, if thou hast understanding.
{5} Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest?
or who hath stretched the line upon it?
{6} Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened?
or who laid the corner stone thereof;
{7} When the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
{8} Or who shut up the sea with doors,
when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
{9} When I made the cloud the garment thereof,
and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
{10} And brake up for it my decreed place,
and set bars and doors,
{11} And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further:
and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?
{12} Hast thou commanded the morning since thy days;
and caused the dayspring to know his place;
{13} That it might take hold of the ends of the earth,
that the wicked might be shaken out of it?
Psa 8:3-9 (KJV)
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
{4} What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
{5} For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels,
and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
{6} Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands;
thou hast put all things under his feet:
{7} All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
{8} The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea,
and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.
{9} O LORD our Lord,
how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
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
ALWAYS FREE OF CHARGE
(but not necessarily free of COST)
Feel free to redistribute these materials to whomever you want.
Please submit all questions, comments, suggestions,
or REQUESTS FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS to ixtheus@execpc.com
Request a free email copy of my evangelistic presentation:
"The God Who is Really There" from ixtheus@execpc.com
Coconut Shrimp
Coconut Shrimp
Makes: 12 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, December 26, 2007
It's a dish that's shrimply irresistible. If you're in the market for a tropical take on a seafood favorite, this shrimp dish does the trick. It's a shell of a meal.
Ingredients
1/2 pint heavy cream
1/2 pint half-and-half
3 eggs
3 bags coconut
2 cups breadcrumbs
5 cups flour
80 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Methods/steps
Mix together cream, half-and-half and eggs in a bowl. In another bowl, mix together coconut and breadcrumbs. Place flour in a third bowl. Dredge shrimp in flour, then in egg/cream mixture. Dredge in flour again, then in egg mixture again. Dredge in coconut/breadcrumb mixture. Deep fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Makes: 12 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Wednesday, December 26, 2007
It's a dish that's shrimply irresistible. If you're in the market for a tropical take on a seafood favorite, this shrimp dish does the trick. It's a shell of a meal.
Ingredients
1/2 pint heavy cream
1/2 pint half-and-half
3 eggs
3 bags coconut
2 cups breadcrumbs
5 cups flour
80 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
Methods/steps
Mix together cream, half-and-half and eggs in a bowl. In another bowl, mix together coconut and breadcrumbs. Place flour in a third bowl. Dredge shrimp in flour, then in egg/cream mixture. Dredge in flour again, then in egg mixture again. Dredge in coconut/breadcrumb mixture. Deep fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
Black Bean Soup
Black Bean Soup
8 Servings
Among the most inexpensive of foods, dried beans offer a bounty of fiber, iron, protein, folic acid and B vitamins. Black beans, also known as "turtle beans," are an especially tasty variety, and make a lovely soup. Do not salt dried beans until they are cooked, as the salt slows down the softening process. On another note, so-called "cooking" wines or sherries contain lots of added salt. Do your palate and your body a favor and use a drinkable sherry in this recipe.
Ingredients:
1 pound black beans
1/3 bay leaf
1 large onion, sliced
Salt to taste
A few cloves of chopped garlic
1 tsp dry mustard powder
1 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry)
Instructions:
1. Pick over beans to remove any dirt, stones or foreign objects. Wash well, then soak for 8 hours in ample cold water.
2. Place beans and soaking liquid in a large saucepan with 1/3 bay leaf and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim off foam, lower heat, and simmer, partially covered, till beans are just tender, about 1 hour.
3. Add onion and continue to cook until onion melts into liquid, about 1 more hour.
4. Add salt to taste and garlic. Continue to cook, adding a little boiling water if necessary, until beans are very soft and start to melt into liquid, about 1-2 hours more.
5. Remove bay leaf and turn off heat. Ladle beans in batches into blender or food processor and puree or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the saucepan.
6. Add dry mustard powder and dry sherry. Correct seasoning. Reheat and serve, adding any garnishes you wish, such as slices of lemon or freshly chopped herbs.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
103 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
19 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
4 g fiber
220 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
8 Servings
Among the most inexpensive of foods, dried beans offer a bounty of fiber, iron, protein, folic acid and B vitamins. Black beans, also known as "turtle beans," are an especially tasty variety, and make a lovely soup. Do not salt dried beans until they are cooked, as the salt slows down the softening process. On another note, so-called "cooking" wines or sherries contain lots of added salt. Do your palate and your body a favor and use a drinkable sherry in this recipe.
Ingredients:
1 pound black beans
1/3 bay leaf
1 large onion, sliced
Salt to taste
A few cloves of chopped garlic
1 tsp dry mustard powder
1 cup dry sherry (not cooking sherry)
Instructions:
1. Pick over beans to remove any dirt, stones or foreign objects. Wash well, then soak for 8 hours in ample cold water.
2. Place beans and soaking liquid in a large saucepan with 1/3 bay leaf and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim off foam, lower heat, and simmer, partially covered, till beans are just tender, about 1 hour.
3. Add onion and continue to cook until onion melts into liquid, about 1 more hour.
4. Add salt to taste and garlic. Continue to cook, adding a little boiling water if necessary, until beans are very soft and start to melt into liquid, about 1-2 hours more.
5. Remove bay leaf and turn off heat. Ladle beans in batches into blender or food processor and puree or use an immersion blender and puree soup directly in the saucepan.
6. Add dry mustard powder and dry sherry. Correct seasoning. Reheat and serve, adding any garnishes you wish, such as slices of lemon or freshly chopped herbs.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
103 calories
3 g total fat (0 g sat)
19 g carbohydrate
3 g protein
4 g fiber
220 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/2/09
Tuesday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 2, 2009 The Lord is My Shepherd, Part 1Mary Southerland
Today's Truth Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him; we are his people, the sheep he tends. (Psalm 100:3 NCV)
Friend to Friend Shepherding was one of the oldest callings in Israel, even before farming. Shepherds traveled from place to place, living in tents while driving their flocks from one pasture to another. The sheep and their shepherd lived together every minute of every day. In fact, they were so intimately bound together that individual sheep, even when mixed with other flocks, could recognize the voice of their own shepherd and would come immediately when called by name.
A shepherd owned and marked his sheep. In some cases, the sheep were even branded, although branding is no longer an accepted method of identification because of the damage it does to the wool. Today, the ears of sheep are pierced with identification tags but for thousands of years, shepherds around the world marked their sheep by notching their ears with a sharp knife. Each shepherd had his own distinctive notch that indicated identity and ownership.
When we come to Jesus Christ in complete surrender and begin the journey of becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ, we are redeemed by his forgiveness, made whole by his grace and marked with his love through the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13 "You were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal; the promised Holy Spirit."
For years, I desperately struggled to be a Christian with only head knowledge of who God was and wanted to be in my life. The result was a pitifully shallow existence with stress and frustration as my constant companions. I grew up in a Christian home, attending church just about every time the doors were open. I sang all of the right songs, spoke all of the right words and did all of the right things in front of all the right people. I fervently prayed that my works would validate my faith and desperately hoped that by following the rules, I would please the Ruler. It was not until middle school that the authentic life and spiritual integrity of a dynamic youth pastor made me hunger and thirst for something more. I wanted to know God -- not only as my Lord and King - but as my Shepherd, the one who would lead me, provide for me and love me like no other.
During a special Saturday evening revival service at our small country church, I sat in my usual spot, desperately clutching the back of the pew in front of me while wrestling with God over the condition of my soul and my eternal security. After all, I was a very active church member, a soloist and pianist for our worship services, and even directed a children's choir. I never missed a service unless I was deathly ill. I was a leader in our youth group, rarely failed to attend a youth activity and often brought friends who were lost, unlike me, of course, and needed to know God. How embarrassing to walk down that aisle, admitting to everyone that I had been living a lie. I clung to that pew in sheer arrogance and argued that I was a Christian. I must be. Look at all of the good things I had done. I looked liked a believer, talked like a believer and even acted like I was fully devoted to God ... but was I? (Don't miss the answer to that question in tomorrow's devotion!)
Let's Pray Father, I confess that I have allowed fear and anxiety to fill my mind and heart. I want to trust You above all else. Please give me the faith to believe the promises in Your Word and the strength to take the first step of obedience. Help me remember that I am a sheep, totally dependent upon You, my Shepherd. Thank You for Your perfect provision for my life.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
Now It's Your Turn
Read Psalm 23.
List three ways that sheep are dependent on the shepherd.
List three ways that shepherds care for their sheep.
Compare the two lists. What similarities do you find in your own life?
More From The Girlfriends I am such a sheep! My Shepherd is constantly providing my needs while I wander around and look for ways I can take care of myself. I take the wrong path and end up trapped in a dangerous place only to have the Shepherd rescue me. Today, I am reminded to rest in the care of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, instead of frantically trying to "fix" my world. He is God. He is Lord. He is my Shepherd. I encourage you to do the same. Choose trust over worry. Choose faith over fear. Blessings!
Mary's book, Escaping the Stress Trap, is based on Psalm 23 and is a step-by-step plan for dealing with stress -- God's way. (Also available on CD) Need encouragement? Check out Mary's weekly online bible study, Light for the Journey. The current topic is "How to Manage Your Emotions."
Seeking God? Click here to find out more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Girlfriends in GodP.O. Box 725Matthews, NC 28106info@girlfriendsingod.comwww.girlfriendsingod.com
Click here to learn more about hosting a Girlfriends in God conference in your area or having one of the GiGs speak at your next women's event.
Red Pepper Vinaigrette
Red Pepper Vinaigrette
8 Servings
This salad dressing is nothing like your basic vinaigrette formula — but you'll soon want to use it nearly every day. The classic vinaigrette is made with 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. As you can see, this version has no oil in it at all, making it extremely low in calories. But don't worry — it's very high in flavor. Once you've tried this I'm sure it'll become your basic everyday staple for salad. And you can never eat too much salad!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano
Pinches of rosemary and thyme
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 of a roasted red bell pepper
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender container. Blend to mix thoroughly.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
8 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
2 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
0 g fiber
50 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
8 Servings
This salad dressing is nothing like your basic vinaigrette formula — but you'll soon want to use it nearly every day. The classic vinaigrette is made with 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar. As you can see, this version has no oil in it at all, making it extremely low in calories. But don't worry — it's very high in flavor. Once you've tried this I'm sure it'll become your basic everyday staple for salad. And you can never eat too much salad!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried whole oregano
Pinches of rosemary and thyme
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 of a roasted red bell pepper
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender container. Blend to mix thoroughly.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving:
8 calories
0 g total fat (0 g sat)
0 mg cholesterol
2 g carbohydrate
0 g protein
0 g fiber
50 mg sodium
-Recipe reprinted with permission of DrWeil.com
6/1/09
Chicken Express
Chicken Express
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
When time isn't on your side, this recipe is. For a meal that won't ruffle your feathers, prepare this simple poultry dish that can be cooked up in a matter of minutes.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts cut in half
1/2 lb. butter, melted
Corn flake crumbs
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Parsley sprigs for garnish
Methods/steps
Skin and debone breasts. Dip into melted butter; coat with mixture of 1/2 crumbs and 1/2 cheese. Brush pieces of aluminum foil big enough to cover the chicken with melted butter. Press the ends together. Place pkg. of chicken on baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. To serve, remove carefully from foil wrappers and garnish with fresh parsley.
Additional Tips
Ready in 30 min
Makes: 4 servings
Created by The MDM Team, Tuesday, January 22, 2008
When time isn't on your side, this recipe is. For a meal that won't ruffle your feathers, prepare this simple poultry dish that can be cooked up in a matter of minutes.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts cut in half
1/2 lb. butter, melted
Corn flake crumbs
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Parsley sprigs for garnish
Methods/steps
Skin and debone breasts. Dip into melted butter; coat with mixture of 1/2 crumbs and 1/2 cheese. Brush pieces of aluminum foil big enough to cover the chicken with melted butter. Press the ends together. Place pkg. of chicken on baking sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. To serve, remove carefully from foil wrappers and garnish with fresh parsley.
Additional Tips
Ready in 30 min
Monday - A Dose of Daily Inspiration
June 1, 2009Holding Onto Our Hope 1 Samuel 1:1-18
Hannah's situation looked hopeless. She was heartbroken because "the Lord had closed her womb." This alone was a source of great disgrace for a Hebrew woman. But Hannah suffered even more because of the deliberate provocation by her husband's other wife, who was blessed with children.
Holding onto hope can be difficult when circumstances are miserable and show no signs of improving. For believers, this can be even more discouraging, because they know that God could fulfill their hopes and remedy the situation, but He hasn't.
Hannah was a woman of great faith, even in the midst of her disappointment and pain. Year after year she kept going to Shiloh to worship the Lord. Perseverance is a quality that the Father highly values in His people. Endurance in trials leads to godly character and hope that does not disappoint (Rom. 5:3-5).
Great pain often drives us to the Lord. Hannah had faithfully worshiped God with all of Israel, but this time she went by herself to the tabernacle and prayed to the only One who could help her. Weeping bitterly, she poured out her soul before the Lord and offered Him a sacrifice of the very thing she valued most--a child: she laid her hope at His feet and promised that if He fulfilled her desire, she would give Him her son.
That which we strive to hold can be kept only by surrendering it to God. This biblical principle applies to our hopes as well as to our very life (Luke 9:24). Learn from Hannah's example of faith, and pour out your heart to God. Lay your hopes before Him--the only One who can fulfill your desires or change them to match His will.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.organdclick here to listen to Dr. Stanley at OnePlace.com.
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The NASB Life Principles Bible
You can now read the Scriptures in Dr. Stanley's favorite teaching translation -- the New American Standard -- while learning the 30 Life Principles that have guided him for more than 50 years. The new NASB Life Principles Bible will enhance your personal study time through explanation of key passages, plus helpful resources like "Answers to Life's Questions," concordance, maps, and much more. Available in leather and hardcover.
Used with permission from In Touch Ministries, Inc. © 2009 All Rights Reserved.
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