Unfailing Love
by Max Lucado
"Love," Paul says, "never fails" (1 Cor. 13:8 NIV).
The verb Paul uses for the word fail is used elsewhere to describe the demise of a flower as it falls to the ground, withers, and decays. It carries the meaning of death and abolishment. God's love, says the apostle, will never fall to the ground, wither, and decay. By its nature, it is permanent. It is never abolished.
Love "will last forever" (NLT).
It "never dies" (MSG).
It "never ends" (RSV).
Love "is eternal" (TEV).
God's love "will never come to an end" (NEB).
Love never fails.
Governments will fail, but God's love will last. Crowns are temporary, but love is eternal. Your money will run out, but his love never will.
How could God have a love like this? No one has unfailing love. No person can love with perfection. You're right. No person can. But God is not a person. Unlike our love, his never fails. His love is immensely different from ours.
Our love depends on the receiver of the love. Let a thousand people pass before us, and we will not feel the same about each. Our love will be regulated by their appearance, by their personalities. Even when we find a few people we like, our feelings will fluctuate. How they treat us will affect how we love them. The receiver regulates our love.
Not so with the love of God. We have no thermostatic impact on his love for us. The love of God is born from within him, not from what he finds in us. His love is uncaused and spontaneous.
Does he love us because of our goodness? Because of our kindness? Because of our great faith? No, he loves us because of his goodness, kindness, and great faith. John says it like this: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us" (1 John 4:10 NIV).
Doesn't this thought comfort you? God's love does not hinge on yours. The abundance of your love does not increase his. The lack of your love does not diminish his. Your goodness does not enhance his love, nor does your weakness dilute it. What Moses said to Israel is what God says to us:
The LORD did not choose you and lavish his love on you because you were larger or greater than other nations, for you were the smallest of all nations! It was simply because the LORD loves you. (Deut. 7:7-8 NLT)
God loves you simply because he has chosen to do so.
He loves you when you don't feel lovely.
He loves you when no one else loves you. Others may abandon you, divorce you, and ignore you, but God will love you. Always. No matter what.
This is his sentiment: "I'll call nobodies and make them somebodies; I'll call the unloved and make them beloved" (Rom. 9:25 MSG).
This is his promise. "I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself" (Jer. 31:3 NLT).
FRIENDS:
Father, thank you for loving me. Where would I be without your love?.....In Jesus' name, Amen.
FOOD:
Chicken in Coconut Milk
serves 4
One 3-3.5 pound whole chicken
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 ounces (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 pound fingerling potatoes
2 cans (13 - 15oz) regular or light coconut milk
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
10 whole garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
Zest of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons chopped lemon grass stems
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
1 cinnamon stick
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper at a rate of about 1
tablespoon salt per pound and 1 tablespoon pepper per three pounds.
Heat the butter and sesame oil in a pot that will fit the chicken
snugly, like a Dutch oven, and set the chicken in the hot oil. Cook,
turning the chicken to get an even golden color on all sides, about 5
minutes total.
Remove from the heat, put the chicken on a plate, and dispose of the
fat left in the pot. Return the chicken to the pot with the rest of
the ingredients, and cook in the preheated oven, basting with the
cooking juices every 20 minutes, for 1 - 1.5 hours. It is done when
the meat pulls away from the bone without much effort and the potatoes
are tender when pricked with the end of a paring knife.
To serve, pull the meat off the bones and divide with potatoes between
plates or serve on a platter. Spoon over a hefty helping of the milky
sauce.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Noah...
When You Are Low on Hope by Max Lucado
Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it. Water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west. Water.
He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window.
All day he looked for the dove's return.Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the ...
You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You've known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse. You've seen the floodwater rise, and you've likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. You've been on Noah's boat.And you've needed what Noah needed; you've needed some hope. You're not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice.
Hope doesn't promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.That's all Noah needed. And that's all Noah received.
Here is how the Bible describes the moment: "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!" (Gen. 8:11 NIV).
An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn't that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf—evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk.
Don't we love the olive leaves of life? "It appears the cancer may be in remission." "I can help you with those finances." "We'll get through this together." What's more, don't we love the doves that bring them? Perhaps that's the reason so many loved Jesus.
To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, he proclaims, "Yes!" And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.Have you received yours? Don't think your ark is too isolated. Don't think your flood is too wide. Receive his hope, won't you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it.
Love always hopes. "Love ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
FRIENDS:
Father, you created us for a purpose beyond our understanding. We cannot discern this purpose by our own powers, but you revealed it to the world by the death and resurrection of your Son. He revealed to us that we are your children, and that you created us to dwell with you in love for all eternity. He overcame sin and death to reconcile us with you. Free us from every form of bondage that separates us from you and purify us by the fire of your love. Guide us by the light of your truth, and lead us to the eternal life you have prepared for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
14. JOHN 11:1-16; 1 JOHN 3:1-10; JOB 13; EZEKIEL 35-37
15. JOHN 11:17-37; 1 JOHN 3:11-18; JOB 14; EZEKIEL 38-39
16. JOHN 11:38-44; 1 JOHN 3:19-24; JOB 15:1-16; EZEKIEL 40-41
17. JOHN 11:45-57; 1 JOHN 4:1-6; JOB 15:17-35; EZEKIEL 42-44
FOOD:
3-in-1 Eye-Opener Mix
from The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook
8 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons sugar
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl with a wire whisk. Cut the butter into small chunks and add them to the dry mixture. Toss the butter to coat. Then, use a pastry cutter or slash two knives across each other to cut the butter chunks into smaller pieces. Keep cutting until the mixture is sandy in its consistency. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for this step. Store in freezer bags or an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Use the 3-in-1 Eye-Opener Mix in the following recipes or the same way you would use Bisquick. Yield: 9 cups dry mix.
Biscuits
2 cups Eye-Opener Mix
1 cup milk or buttermilk
Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the milk and Eye-Opener Mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Then, beat the dough briskly with the wooden spoon for 30 seconds. Using 2 tablespoons, drop 1/4 cup dough into each muffin cup. Bake for 23 minutes. Remove biscuits from the oven and serve warm, slathered with butter and drizzled with honey or molasses. Yield: 12 biscuits.
Pancakes
2 cups Eye-Opener Mix
1 1/2 cups milk
Butter for cooking and garnishing
Maple syrup
Mix the milk and the Eye-Opener Mix until the batter is blended, but still lumpy. Don't over mix.
Preheat a griddle or large nonstick frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. Butter the griddle. It will be ready when the butter foams on it.
Turn the heat down to medium-low and pour a scant 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. When bubbles on the pancakes start to pop and the edges are set, flip the pancakes and cook another half-minute or so. Serve hot with butter and syrup. Yield: 16 4-inch pancakes.
Waffles
4 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups Eye-Opener Mix
Preheat the waffle iron. Separate the eggs, putting the yolks in a bowl large enough to accommodate the final batter. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks, and set aside. Using a whisk, beat the egg yolks with the oil, milk and vanilla extract. Whisk in the Eye-Opener Mix, and lightly whisk half of the egg whites into the mixture. Fold the remaining egg whites into the batter with a rubber spatula.
Spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray right before adding the batter. Use 1 cup batter for each waffle, cooking for about 4 minutes, or until the waffle iron stops steaming. Yield: 6 7-inch waffles.
from The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook
FUN:
Returning from a trip to visit my grandmother in Canada, I was stopped by a state trooper in New York for exceeding the speed limit.
Grateful to have received a warning instead of a ticket, I gave him a small bag of my grandmother's delicious chocolate-chip cookies and proceeded on my way.
A short time later, I was stopped by another trooper.
"What have I done?" I asked.
"Nothing," the trooper said, smiling."I heard you were passing out great chocolate-chip cookies."
Water. All Noah can see is water. The evening sun sinks into it. The clouds are reflected in it. His boat is surrounded by it. Water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the west. Water.
He sent a raven on a scouting mission; it never returned. He sent a dove. It came back shivering and spent, having found no place to roost. Then, just this morning, he tried again. With a prayer he let it go and watched until the bird was no bigger than a speck on a window.
All day he looked for the dove's return.Now the sun is setting, and the sky is darkening, and he has come to look one final time, but all he sees is water. Water to the north. Water to the south. Water to the east. Water to the ...
You know the feeling. You have stood where Noah stood. You've known your share of floods. Flooded by sorrow at the cemetery, stress at the office, anger at the disability in your body or the inability of your spouse. You've seen the floodwater rise, and you've likely seen the sun set on your hopes as well. You've been on Noah's boat.And you've needed what Noah needed; you've needed some hope. You're not asking for a helicopter rescue, but the sound of one would be nice.
Hope doesn't promise an instant solution but rather the possibility of an eventual one. Sometimes all we need is a little hope.That's all Noah needed. And that's all Noah received.
Here is how the Bible describes the moment: "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf!" (Gen. 8:11 NIV).
An olive leaf. Noah would have been happy to have the bird but to have the leaf! This leaf was more than foliage; this was promise. The bird brought more than a piece of a tree; it brought hope. For isn't that what hope is? Hope is an olive leaf—evidence of dry land after a flood. Proof to the dreamer that dreaming is worth the risk.
Don't we love the olive leaves of life? "It appears the cancer may be in remission." "I can help you with those finances." "We'll get through this together." What's more, don't we love the doves that bring them? Perhaps that's the reason so many loved Jesus.
To all the Noahs of the world, to all who search the horizon for a fleck of hope, he proclaims, "Yes!" And he comes. He comes as a dove. He comes bearing fruit from a distant land, from our future home. He comes with a leaf of hope.Have you received yours? Don't think your ark is too isolated. Don't think your flood is too wide. Receive his hope, won't you? Receive it because you need it. Receive it so you can share it.
Love always hopes. "Love ... bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
FRIENDS:
Father, you created us for a purpose beyond our understanding. We cannot discern this purpose by our own powers, but you revealed it to the world by the death and resurrection of your Son. He revealed to us that we are your children, and that you created us to dwell with you in love for all eternity. He overcame sin and death to reconcile us with you. Free us from every form of bondage that separates us from you and purify us by the fire of your love. Guide us by the light of your truth, and lead us to the eternal life you have prepared for us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
14. JOHN 11:1-16; 1 JOHN 3:1-10; JOB 13; EZEKIEL 35-37
15. JOHN 11:17-37; 1 JOHN 3:11-18; JOB 14; EZEKIEL 38-39
16. JOHN 11:38-44; 1 JOHN 3:19-24; JOB 15:1-16; EZEKIEL 40-41
17. JOHN 11:45-57; 1 JOHN 4:1-6; JOB 15:17-35; EZEKIEL 42-44
FOOD:
3-in-1 Eye-Opener Mix
from The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook
8 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons sugar
8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold
Mix the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl with a wire whisk. Cut the butter into small chunks and add them to the dry mixture. Toss the butter to coat. Then, use a pastry cutter or slash two knives across each other to cut the butter chunks into smaller pieces. Keep cutting until the mixture is sandy in its consistency. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for this step. Store in freezer bags or an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Use the 3-in-1 Eye-Opener Mix in the following recipes or the same way you would use Bisquick. Yield: 9 cups dry mix.
Biscuits
2 cups Eye-Opener Mix
1 cup milk or buttermilk
Preheat oven to 400 F. Grease a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix the milk and Eye-Opener Mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Then, beat the dough briskly with the wooden spoon for 30 seconds. Using 2 tablespoons, drop 1/4 cup dough into each muffin cup. Bake for 23 minutes. Remove biscuits from the oven and serve warm, slathered with butter and drizzled with honey or molasses. Yield: 12 biscuits.
Pancakes
2 cups Eye-Opener Mix
1 1/2 cups milk
Butter for cooking and garnishing
Maple syrup
Mix the milk and the Eye-Opener Mix until the batter is blended, but still lumpy. Don't over mix.
Preheat a griddle or large nonstick frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. Butter the griddle. It will be ready when the butter foams on it.
Turn the heat down to medium-low and pour a scant 1/4 cup batter onto the griddle for each pancake. When bubbles on the pancakes start to pop and the edges are set, flip the pancakes and cook another half-minute or so. Serve hot with butter and syrup. Yield: 16 4-inch pancakes.
Waffles
4 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 cups Eye-Opener Mix
Preheat the waffle iron. Separate the eggs, putting the yolks in a bowl large enough to accommodate the final batter. Whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks, and set aside. Using a whisk, beat the egg yolks with the oil, milk and vanilla extract. Whisk in the Eye-Opener Mix, and lightly whisk half of the egg whites into the mixture. Fold the remaining egg whites into the batter with a rubber spatula.
Spray the waffle iron with nonstick cooking spray right before adding the batter. Use 1 cup batter for each waffle, cooking for about 4 minutes, or until the waffle iron stops steaming. Yield: 6 7-inch waffles.
from The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook
FUN:
Returning from a trip to visit my grandmother in Canada, I was stopped by a state trooper in New York for exceeding the speed limit.
Grateful to have received a warning instead of a ticket, I gave him a small bag of my grandmother's delicious chocolate-chip cookies and proceeded on my way.
A short time later, I was stopped by another trooper.
"What have I done?" I asked.
"Nothing," the trooper said, smiling."I heard you were passing out great chocolate-chip cookies."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Problems = Promise
FAITH:
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
We often develop strategies, game-plans, life-plans – and then, at some obstacle or critical point, we say – “Just stick to the plan!” It’s usually good advice.
Life is always sending unexpected surprises, but praise God, nothing takes Him by surprise. He’s the master planner. Our family might turn against us, our friends let us down, illness, afflictions, problems and “situations” on every side…God still has a plan, for you, and for me.
Joseph is a prime example of life’s surprises. It took 13 years of endurance and character-building for him to fulfill this part of God’s plan. Sold as a slave into Egypt by his own brothers, betrayed and imprisoned, he must have wondered a lot where God was and what He was doing. But finally, as a prepared vessel, Joseph was placed in the highest position in the land, second only to Pharaoh, and commissioned to execute God’s plan for saving the world from famine. So the Lord had surprises of His own. Revealing himself to his brothers, Joseph summed it up beautifully:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, in order to bring it about as [it is] this day, to save many people alive. .” (Genesis 50:20)
When our situations are difficult to handle and downright impossible to explain, we need to remind ourselves that God said, “I know the plans I have for you.” Through these situations we discover how faithful and sovereign He truly is. He knows what we can handle and He will never give us more. When the test is completed, we come out with character, stronger in faith, more in love, more useful to Him, and ready……….. for our next test. (Oh yeah…)
The fact that we have problems is a sign that we also have a promise. It’s only a matter of time before God reveals His good intentions – so until then, let’s stick to the plan! His !!!
FRIENDS:
Father, in our present need, help us to believe that You are aware of all our anxiety and will do what is best for us. Give me the strength to trust You and put the present and future in Your Hands. Grant this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
10. JOHN 9:26-41; 1 JOHN 2:1-11; JOB 9:1-20; EZEKIEL 27-28
11. JOHN 10:1-10; 1 JOHN 2:12-17; JOB 10; EZEKIEL 29-30
12. JOHN 10:11-21; 1 JOHN 2:18-23; JOB 11; EZEKIEL 31-32
13. JOHN 10:22-42; 1 JOHN 2:24-29; JOB 12; EZEKIEL 33-34
FOOD:
Here we are again, at the beginning of the holiday season. Time to bake to share and give for gifts. Here is a great one to start.
Hello Dolly Bars
1 1/2 cups crushed cinnamon graham crackers (about 8 graham crackers)
2 cups of chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups of shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups of chopped pecans
1 14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup of butter
Method:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Melt the butter in a saucepan.Pour melted butter into an 11x7 or 8x8 cake pan.Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs into pan, and mix well with melted butter to form a crust.Layer on top of graham-cracker crust chocolate chips, coconut and pecans.Evenly pour sweetened condensed milk over everything.Bake in oven for 25 to 30 minutes, top should be light brown.Let cool in pan for at least half an hour, cut into bars and serve.
Variations: Some recipes use butterscotch and chocolate chips. Likewise, you can use walnuts or any other nut you like as well. I used cinnamon graham crackers because that's what I had in my pantry, and while plain graham crackers are more traditional, I thought the cinnamon added a nice touch.
Method:Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Melt the butter in a saucepan.Pour melted butter into an 11x7 or 8x8 cake pan.Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs into pan, and mix well with melted butter to form a crust.Layer on top of graham-cracker crust chocolate chips, coconut and pecans.Evenly pour sweetened condensed milk over everything.Bake in oven for 25 to 30 minutes, top should be light brown.Let cool in pan for at least half an hour, cut into bars and serve.
Variations: Some recipes use butterscotch and chocolate chips. Likewise, you can use walnuts or any other nut you like as well. I used cinnamon graham crackers because that's what I had in my pantry, and while plain graham crackers are more traditional, I thought the cinnamon added a nice touch.
FUN:
Can you figure these out? Read this when you really have the time to think, I bet you can figure most of them out.
1. A murderer is condemned to death. He has to choose between three rooms. The first is full of raging fires, the second is full of assassins with loaded guns, and the third is full of lions that haven't eaten in 3 years. Which room is the safest for him?
2. A woman shoots her husband. Then she holds him under water for over 5 minutes. Finally, she hangs him. But 5 minutes later they both go out together and enjoy a wonderful dinner together.. How can this be?
3. What is black when you buy it, red when you use it, and gray when you throw it away?
4. Can you name three consecutive days with out using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?
5. This is an unusual paragraph. I'm curious how quickly you can find out what is so unusual about it. It looks so plain you would think nothing was wrong with it. In fact, nothing is wrong with it! It is unusual though. Study it, and think about it, but you still may not find anything odd. But if you work at it a bit, you might find out. Try to do so without any coaching!
DON'T PEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Answers:
1. The third. Lions that haven't eaten in three years are dead.
2. The woman was a photographer. She shot a picture of her husband, developed it and hung it up to dry.
3. Charcoal.
4. Sure you can: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow!
5. The letter "e" which is the most common letter in the English language, does not appear once in the long paragraph.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Climbing.....with Jesus
FAITH:
Matthew 14:23
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
There were times that Jesus separated himself from the multitudes — and there are times when we need to separate ourselves from our lives and ministry, and spend some time with our Lord.
I love how Jesus climbed a mountain. It made me think of an interesting analogy. Picture the shape of a mountain. It starts out wide at the bottom — the higher we climb, the narrower it becomes — and the more we must stay close to the center. As we go even higher yet, there’s less room to move to the left or the right — and there’s less and less ground that can be compromised — the more focused we need to be and the less we can afford to be distracted. The higher we go, the less room we have to fool around!
Whatever you may be dealing with, you may just need to separate yourself and climb up to spend time with the Lord — get centered on Him and focused on what He’s calling you to.
God wants us to learn to climb to the top and focus all of our lives on His will! Let’s take out some time this weekend to try it!
FRIENDS:
Father, help us to see what is important, what is eternal., and what is lasting. Let us make decisions based on our eternal life and not on temporary things. Help us to put into practice the timeless truths found in your Word and most of all, thank you for loving us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
7. JOHN 8:48-59; 2 PETER 3:10-18; JOB 7; EZEKIEL 20-21
8. JOHN 9:1-12; 1 JOHN 1:1-4; JOB 8; EZEKIEL 22-23
9. JOHN 9:13-25; 1 JOHN 1:5-10; JOB 9:1-20; EZEKIEL 24-26
~ 1 JOHN ~
Tolerance. A prized virtue today. The ability to be understanding of those with whom you differ is a sign of sophistication. Jesus, too, was a champion of tolerance.
--Tolerant of the disciples when they doubted.
--Tolerant of the crowds when they misunderstood.
--Tolerant of us when we fall.
But there is one area where Jesus was intolerant. There was one area where he was unindulgent and dogmatic. Were he to share his opinion today, he would be accused of being narrow, biased, one-sided, even bigoted.
But as far as he was concerned, when it comes to salvation, there aren't several roads . . .there is only one road. There aren't several ways . . . there is only one way . . . there aren't several paths . . . there is only one path. And that path is Jesus himself.
That is why it is so hard for people to believe in Jesus. It's much easier to consider him one of several options rather than the option. But such a philosophy is no option. Jesus closed that door. Jesus positioned himself as the peerless Savior of the world. In defining who he is, Jesus is bold and unapologetic.
His disciple John was equally firm.
First John was written to dispel doubts about Jesus. False teachers had entered the church, denying the incarnation of Christ. John steps up to the bench and makes his defense. John knew him, walked with him. lived with him. He saw him heal. He heard his words. John had been to the empty tomb and he knew . . . Jesus is not one of many options. He is the only option or nothing at all.
There are times to be tolerant. And there are times to take a stand for truth. In this letter, John takes a stand.
FOOD:
15-Minute Chicken Fried Rice
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon onion powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen peas and carrots
7 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice, cold
1/4 cup soy sauce, or to taste
5 green onions, chopped
Cut chicken into small cubes and place in a bowl. Season generously with salt, pepper and onion powder. Add oyster sauce and stir well to coat chicken. Heat butter and oil in large skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic and chicken. Stir constantly and cook until chicken Is no longer pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add beaten eggs to the meat. Cook
for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until eggs are scrambled. Add frozen peas and carrots and stir to incorporate. Add cold rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry rice mixture until light golden brown. Stir in chopped green onions just before serving. Serves: 6 to 8.
Pork Fried Rice for Two
1/8 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/8 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup, plus 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
6 ounces boneless pork loin, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets
1 celery rib with leaves, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 1/2 cups cold cooked brown rice
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Combine brown sugar, 1/8 cup of soy sauce and five-spice powder in a bowl. Stir in cubed pork, cover and allow to marinate for several hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator. In a large nonstick skillet, stir-fry pork over high heat for 3 minutes or until brown. Remove and keep warm. Stir-fry fennel seed in 3/4 teaspoon oil for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, celery, carrot and onions. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until crisp but tender. Remove and keep warm.
Stir-fry the rice in remaining oil for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder and hoisin sauce. Return pork and vegetables to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently until heated through.
Serves: 2.
FUN:
~New Look On Grand Dad~
I have always had a beard.
One day, I decided to shave it off. I came into the room where my 3 year old granddaughter Tiffany was and asked her, "Notice anything different?"
To which she replied, "No," with a puzzled look on her face.
I then said to her, "My beard's gone."
Now the puzzled look disappeared and the innocent eyes appeared when she said "I didn't take it!"
Matthew 14:23
And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
There were times that Jesus separated himself from the multitudes — and there are times when we need to separate ourselves from our lives and ministry, and spend some time with our Lord.
I love how Jesus climbed a mountain. It made me think of an interesting analogy. Picture the shape of a mountain. It starts out wide at the bottom — the higher we climb, the narrower it becomes — and the more we must stay close to the center. As we go even higher yet, there’s less room to move to the left or the right — and there’s less and less ground that can be compromised — the more focused we need to be and the less we can afford to be distracted. The higher we go, the less room we have to fool around!
Whatever you may be dealing with, you may just need to separate yourself and climb up to spend time with the Lord — get centered on Him and focused on what He’s calling you to.
God wants us to learn to climb to the top and focus all of our lives on His will! Let’s take out some time this weekend to try it!
FRIENDS:
Father, help us to see what is important, what is eternal., and what is lasting. Let us make decisions based on our eternal life and not on temporary things. Help us to put into practice the timeless truths found in your Word and most of all, thank you for loving us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
7. JOHN 8:48-59; 2 PETER 3:10-18; JOB 7; EZEKIEL 20-21
8. JOHN 9:1-12; 1 JOHN 1:1-4; JOB 8; EZEKIEL 22-23
9. JOHN 9:13-25; 1 JOHN 1:5-10; JOB 9:1-20; EZEKIEL 24-26
~ 1 JOHN ~
Tolerance. A prized virtue today. The ability to be understanding of those with whom you differ is a sign of sophistication. Jesus, too, was a champion of tolerance.
--Tolerant of the disciples when they doubted.
--Tolerant of the crowds when they misunderstood.
--Tolerant of us when we fall.
But there is one area where Jesus was intolerant. There was one area where he was unindulgent and dogmatic. Were he to share his opinion today, he would be accused of being narrow, biased, one-sided, even bigoted.
But as far as he was concerned, when it comes to salvation, there aren't several roads . . .there is only one road. There aren't several ways . . . there is only one way . . . there aren't several paths . . . there is only one path. And that path is Jesus himself.
That is why it is so hard for people to believe in Jesus. It's much easier to consider him one of several options rather than the option. But such a philosophy is no option. Jesus closed that door. Jesus positioned himself as the peerless Savior of the world. In defining who he is, Jesus is bold and unapologetic.
His disciple John was equally firm.
First John was written to dispel doubts about Jesus. False teachers had entered the church, denying the incarnation of Christ. John steps up to the bench and makes his defense. John knew him, walked with him. lived with him. He saw him heal. He heard his words. John had been to the empty tomb and he knew . . . Jesus is not one of many options. He is the only option or nothing at all.
There are times to be tolerant. And there are times to take a stand for truth. In this letter, John takes a stand.
FOOD:
15-Minute Chicken Fried Rice
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon onion powder, or to taste
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1 (16-ounce) bag frozen peas and carrots
7 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice, cold
1/4 cup soy sauce, or to taste
5 green onions, chopped
Cut chicken into small cubes and place in a bowl. Season generously with salt, pepper and onion powder. Add oyster sauce and stir well to coat chicken. Heat butter and oil in large skillet or wok over high heat. Add garlic and chicken. Stir constantly and cook until chicken Is no longer pink, 2 to 3 minutes. Add beaten eggs to the meat. Cook
for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly until eggs are scrambled. Add frozen peas and carrots and stir to incorporate. Add cold rice and soy sauce. Stir-fry rice mixture until light golden brown. Stir in chopped green onions just before serving. Serves: 6 to 8.
Pork Fried Rice for Two
1/8 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1/8 cup brown sugar
1/8 cup, plus 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
6 ounces boneless pork loin, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed, crushed
2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
2 cups broccoli florets
1 celery rib with leaves, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 1/2 cups cold cooked brown rice
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Combine brown sugar, 1/8 cup of soy sauce and five-spice powder in a bowl. Stir in cubed pork, cover and allow to marinate for several hours (or overnight) in the refrigerator. In a large nonstick skillet, stir-fry pork over high heat for 3 minutes or until brown. Remove and keep warm. Stir-fry fennel seed in 3/4 teaspoon oil for 30 seconds. Add the broccoli, celery, carrot and onions. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until crisp but tender. Remove and keep warm.
Stir-fry the rice in remaining oil for 2 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon soy sauce, pepper, garlic powder and hoisin sauce. Return pork and vegetables to the pan. Cook, stirring frequently until heated through.
Serves: 2.
FUN:
~New Look On Grand Dad~
I have always had a beard.
One day, I decided to shave it off. I came into the room where my 3 year old granddaughter Tiffany was and asked her, "Notice anything different?"
To which she replied, "No," with a puzzled look on her face.
I then said to her, "My beard's gone."
Now the puzzled look disappeared and the innocent eyes appeared when she said "I didn't take it!"
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Choosing Intimacy
FAITH:
Luke 10:38-42
38 While Jesus and his followers were traveling, Jesus went into a town. A woman named Martha let Jesus stay at her house.39 Martha had a sister named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to him teach.40 But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me."
41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her."
So often in ministry, the Lord deals with my own spirit, saying – “You need to step back and get refocused!” And we all know how hard it is at times when we get so busy with the normal every day stresses of life tugging at our limited time.
Recently I was reading the story of Mary and Martha, and how Mary chose the better part, while Martha was doing the housework. Now let’s not deny the real importance of housework and practical matters; let’s face it, with nobody doing that stuff, what would get done? Life would be a mess! But according to Jesus, something was wrong, and Martha had her priorities out of line. And He made it very clear, Mary had chosen the better part! Mary preferred and chose relationship and intimacy with the Lord over the physical preparations and housework associated with His visit. And Jesus blessed and protected her choice.
And so the Lord has had to remind me, over and again of the importance of intimacy with Him…before getting down to the work!
It’s a constant temptation to slip into an emphasis on DOING the work at hand; and even in our own personal prayer time, to be mainly focused on those “urgent ministry needs”…and completely forgetting the most important thing, the “better part”- intimacy, personal communication, just BEING with Him.
Let’s resolve to choose intimacy with Jesus! Let’s choose the better part! Let’s resolve to spend time with the Lord and develop that intimate relationship He so wants with us. That way we will constantly experience how deep and awesome His love for us is. And it will make the work we’re called to do — so much easier!
FRIENDS:
Father, Give us strength as we try to be more like Jesus in our lifestyles. We ask you to keep the evil one away from us; keep us close to you. Let our lives be testimonies to those who see us and let it be about your love for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
4. JOHN 8:12-20; 2 PETER 2:10-16; JOB 4; EZEKIEL 13-15
5. JOHN 8:21-30; 2 PETER 2:17-22; JOB 5; EZEKIEL 16
6. JOHN 8:31-47; 2 PETER 3:1-9; JOB 6; EZEKIEL 17-19
FOOD:
Southwestern Beef & Bean Burger Wraps
The beans make the burgers a little fragile, so be careful when taking them off the broiler pan.
INGREDIENTS
12 ounces 93%-lean ground beef
1 cup refried beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos
1 avocado peeled and pitted
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 whole-wheat tortillas warmed
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 lime cut into 4 wedges
To warm tortillas: Wrap in foil; bake at 300°F until steaming, about 5 minutes. Or wrap in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds.
Position oven rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray.
Gently combine ground beef, beans, cilantro and jalapenos in a medium bowl (do not overmix). Shape into four 5-by-2-inch oblong patties and place on the prepared pan.
Broil the patties until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 12 to 14 minutes.
Meanwhile, mash together avocado, salsa and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread each with the guacamole, then sprinkle with lettuce and cheese. Top each with a burger and roll into a wrap. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.
FUN:
This looks like my "grand cat" Jasmine when she was younger..
Luke 10:38-42
38 While Jesus and his followers were traveling, Jesus went into a town. A woman named Martha let Jesus stay at her house.39 Martha had a sister named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to him teach.40 But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me."
41 But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. 42 Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her."
So often in ministry, the Lord deals with my own spirit, saying – “You need to step back and get refocused!” And we all know how hard it is at times when we get so busy with the normal every day stresses of life tugging at our limited time.
Recently I was reading the story of Mary and Martha, and how Mary chose the better part, while Martha was doing the housework. Now let’s not deny the real importance of housework and practical matters; let’s face it, with nobody doing that stuff, what would get done? Life would be a mess! But according to Jesus, something was wrong, and Martha had her priorities out of line. And He made it very clear, Mary had chosen the better part! Mary preferred and chose relationship and intimacy with the Lord over the physical preparations and housework associated with His visit. And Jesus blessed and protected her choice.
And so the Lord has had to remind me, over and again of the importance of intimacy with Him…before getting down to the work!
It’s a constant temptation to slip into an emphasis on DOING the work at hand; and even in our own personal prayer time, to be mainly focused on those “urgent ministry needs”…and completely forgetting the most important thing, the “better part”- intimacy, personal communication, just BEING with Him.
Let’s resolve to choose intimacy with Jesus! Let’s choose the better part! Let’s resolve to spend time with the Lord and develop that intimate relationship He so wants with us. That way we will constantly experience how deep and awesome His love for us is. And it will make the work we’re called to do — so much easier!
FRIENDS:
Father, Give us strength as we try to be more like Jesus in our lifestyles. We ask you to keep the evil one away from us; keep us close to you. Let our lives be testimonies to those who see us and let it be about your love for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
4. JOHN 8:12-20; 2 PETER 2:10-16; JOB 4; EZEKIEL 13-15
5. JOHN 8:21-30; 2 PETER 2:17-22; JOB 5; EZEKIEL 16
6. JOHN 8:31-47; 2 PETER 3:1-9; JOB 6; EZEKIEL 17-19
FOOD:
Southwestern Beef & Bean Burger Wraps
The beans make the burgers a little fragile, so be careful when taking them off the broiler pan.
INGREDIENTS
12 ounces 93%-lean ground beef
1 cup refried beans
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped pickled jalapenos
1 avocado peeled and pitted
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
4 whole-wheat tortillas warmed
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
1 lime cut into 4 wedges
To warm tortillas: Wrap in foil; bake at 300°F until steaming, about 5 minutes. Or wrap in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds.
Position oven rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler. Coat a broiler pan with cooking spray.
Gently combine ground beef, beans, cilantro and jalapenos in a medium bowl (do not overmix). Shape into four 5-by-2-inch oblong patties and place on the prepared pan.
Broil the patties until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165°F, 12 to 14 minutes.
Meanwhile, mash together avocado, salsa and garlic powder in a small bowl.
Place tortillas on a clean work surface. Spread each with the guacamole, then sprinkle with lettuce and cheese. Top each with a burger and roll into a wrap. Serve immediately, with lime wedges.
FUN:
This looks like my "grand cat" Jasmine when she was younger..
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Stand Your Ground
FAITH:
1 Chronicles 20:4-8
4 Later, at Gezer, war broke out with the Philistines. Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the Rephaites. So those Philistines were defeated.
5 Later, there was another battle with the Philistines. Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, who was from the town of Gath. His spear was as large as a weaver's rod.
6 At Gath another battle took place. A huge man was there; he had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four fingers and toes in all. This man also was one of the sons of Rapha.7 When he spoke against Israel, Jonathan son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him.
8 These descendants of Rapha from Gath were killed by David and his men.
When Saul was king of Israel, there were no giant slayers in their midst; so when Goliath stood against the armies of Israel, the Israelites trembled! There was, however, a young shepherd, whose intimate knowledge of His God inspired and empowered him to fight the evil giant, and defeat him.
David’s victory over Goliath paved the way for those after him to slay the giant’s offspring, who were also giants. So when those giants arose to fight, they already had knowledge that they could be defeated. David’s breakthrough had set a powerful precedent for all of Israel’s “mighty men”.
All around us there are “Goliaths”, evil giants…but none of them are “undefeatable”. In fact, we have an entire Bible full of examples of saints who stood their ground and routed their enemies. Let’s follow their example, and set new precedents fighting the giants of our day. We too can leave a legacy of victory, inspiring our children and grandchildren to victory over the “sons of Goliath”!
FRIENDS:
Father, we believe that when we see you, any suffering that we endured on the face of this earth will be worth it. We believe that the first five minutes we stand in heaven we will know that anything we endured on this globe will be forgotten. Father, Help us to understand and when we cannot understand, help us to trust. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~NOVEMBER
1. JOHN 7:37-44; 2 PETER 1:1-11; JOB 1; EZEKIEL 1-3
2. JOHN 7:45-53; 2 PETER 1:12-21; JOB 2; EZEKIEL 4-8
3. JOHN 8:1-11; 2 PETER 2:1-9; JOB 3; EZEKIEL 9-12
~EZEKIEL~
Out of the ruins of Jerusalem came a gutsy preacher named Ezekiel. He was among the Jews taken to Babylon after the fall of his country. He left behind his cityl. He left behind his Temple. He left behind his home.
But he didn't leave his faith.
He announced it to everyone who would listen. For twenty two years he paced the streets proclaiming both sides of the faith.
The bad side? Turn or burn. Forgive me for being so direct, but Ezekiel was.
The good side? Turn and learn. God has a great plan for his people. A great city. Justice will reign and worship will be restored. Unlike Jerusalem, God's city is eternal. Who will be in God's city? Ezekiel answers that with the final words of the book ---- The Lord Is There.
Out of the ruins came Ezekiel. Out of the ruins came the promise. Our of the ruins came the new hope.
Is your life in ruins? Look ahead to God's city: The Lord Is There.
FOOD:
Here's a twist on an old favorite - made a little healthier with chicken. This, believe it or not, is a diet recipe - only 247 calories per serving of the chicken (I use low-fat soup). Serve over noodles.
Chicken Stroganoff
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut into strips
Flour, salt and pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
2 ounces onion soup mix
1/2 cup chicken broth
8 ounces fresh mushrooms
8 ounces reduced fat sour cream
Dredge chicken with flour seasoned with salt (go light on the salt because of the soup) and pepper. Heat oil and saute chicken in frying pan until browned. Place chicken in crock pot, followed by mushrooms.
Combine mushroom soup, onion soup mix and water together in a small bowl; pour over chicken. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours. Add sour cream and turn up to high 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings
Low Cal Cake Dessert
"An easy, quick no-bake cake made with angel food cake, fruit, flavored gelatin, and whipped topping."
1 (10 inch tube pan) angel food cake
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches
3 bananas
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
Directions:
Break angel food or pound cake into bite size pieces. Put into a 9x13 inch pan (preferably glass).
Dissolve 1 package of flavored gelatin in 1 cup of water and pour over cake pieces, spreading to the edges of pan. Drain the peaches and pour the juice over the gelatin in the pan. Slice bananas on top of gelatin. Arrange peach slices on top of banana slices. If desired, add crushed pineapple.
Prepare instant pudding according to instructions on box and spread evenly over fruit.
Spread whipped topping on top of the pudding. Try to keep the layers separate.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
166 Calories per Serving
FUN:
1 Chronicles 20:4-8
4 Later, at Gezer, war broke out with the Philistines. Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, who was one of the descendants of the Rephaites. So those Philistines were defeated.
5 Later, there was another battle with the Philistines. Elhanan son of Jair killed Lahmi, the brother of Goliath, who was from the town of Gath. His spear was as large as a weaver's rod.
6 At Gath another battle took place. A huge man was there; he had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot—twenty-four fingers and toes in all. This man also was one of the sons of Rapha.7 When he spoke against Israel, Jonathan son of Shimea, David's brother, killed him.
8 These descendants of Rapha from Gath were killed by David and his men.
When Saul was king of Israel, there were no giant slayers in their midst; so when Goliath stood against the armies of Israel, the Israelites trembled! There was, however, a young shepherd, whose intimate knowledge of His God inspired and empowered him to fight the evil giant, and defeat him.
David’s victory over Goliath paved the way for those after him to slay the giant’s offspring, who were also giants. So when those giants arose to fight, they already had knowledge that they could be defeated. David’s breakthrough had set a powerful precedent for all of Israel’s “mighty men”.
All around us there are “Goliaths”, evil giants…but none of them are “undefeatable”. In fact, we have an entire Bible full of examples of saints who stood their ground and routed their enemies. Let’s follow their example, and set new precedents fighting the giants of our day. We too can leave a legacy of victory, inspiring our children and grandchildren to victory over the “sons of Goliath”!
FRIENDS:
Father, we believe that when we see you, any suffering that we endured on the face of this earth will be worth it. We believe that the first five minutes we stand in heaven we will know that anything we endured on this globe will be forgotten. Father, Help us to understand and when we cannot understand, help us to trust. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE ~NOVEMBER
1. JOHN 7:37-44; 2 PETER 1:1-11; JOB 1; EZEKIEL 1-3
2. JOHN 7:45-53; 2 PETER 1:12-21; JOB 2; EZEKIEL 4-8
3. JOHN 8:1-11; 2 PETER 2:1-9; JOB 3; EZEKIEL 9-12
~EZEKIEL~
Out of the ruins of Jerusalem came a gutsy preacher named Ezekiel. He was among the Jews taken to Babylon after the fall of his country. He left behind his cityl. He left behind his Temple. He left behind his home.
But he didn't leave his faith.
He announced it to everyone who would listen. For twenty two years he paced the streets proclaiming both sides of the faith.
The bad side? Turn or burn. Forgive me for being so direct, but Ezekiel was.
The good side? Turn and learn. God has a great plan for his people. A great city. Justice will reign and worship will be restored. Unlike Jerusalem, God's city is eternal. Who will be in God's city? Ezekiel answers that with the final words of the book ---- The Lord Is There.
Out of the ruins came Ezekiel. Out of the ruins came the promise. Our of the ruins came the new hope.
Is your life in ruins? Look ahead to God's city: The Lord Is There.
FOOD:
Here's a twist on an old favorite - made a little healthier with chicken. This, believe it or not, is a diet recipe - only 247 calories per serving of the chicken (I use low-fat soup). Serve over noodles.
Chicken Stroganoff
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - cut into strips
Flour, salt and pepper
2 tsp. olive oil
1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
2 ounces onion soup mix
1/2 cup chicken broth
8 ounces fresh mushrooms
8 ounces reduced fat sour cream
Dredge chicken with flour seasoned with salt (go light on the salt because of the soup) and pepper. Heat oil and saute chicken in frying pan until browned. Place chicken in crock pot, followed by mushrooms.
Combine mushroom soup, onion soup mix and water together in a small bowl; pour over chicken. Cook on low 6 to 7 hours. Add sour cream and turn up to high 15 minutes before serving. Makes 6 servings
Low Cal Cake Dessert
"An easy, quick no-bake cake made with angel food cake, fruit, flavored gelatin, and whipped topping."
1 (10 inch tube pan) angel food cake
1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin
1 (15 ounce) can sliced peaches
3 bananas
1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 (20 ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained
Directions:
Break angel food or pound cake into bite size pieces. Put into a 9x13 inch pan (preferably glass).
Dissolve 1 package of flavored gelatin in 1 cup of water and pour over cake pieces, spreading to the edges of pan. Drain the peaches and pour the juice over the gelatin in the pan. Slice bananas on top of gelatin. Arrange peach slices on top of banana slices. If desired, add crushed pineapple.
Prepare instant pudding according to instructions on box and spread evenly over fruit.
Spread whipped topping on top of the pudding. Try to keep the layers separate.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.
166 Calories per Serving
FUN:
Friday, October 30, 2009
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE A MIRACLE
FAITH:
Exodus 5:18-23
18 Now, go back to work! We will not give you any straw, but you must make just as many bricks as you did before."
19 The Israelite foremen knew they were in trouble, because the king had told them, "You must make just as many bricks each day as you did before."20 As they were leaving the meeting with the king, they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them.21 So they said to Moses and Aaron, "May the Lord punish you. You caused the king and his officers to hate us. You have given them an excuse to kill us."
Moses Complains to God
22 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, "Lord, why have you brought this trouble on your people? Is this why you sent me here?23 I went to the king and said what you told me to say, but ever since that time he has made the people suffer. And you have done nothing to save them."
The story of the Exodus is a story of miracles – yet in the beginning when Moses first appeared before Pharaoh to deliver the children of Israel from 400 years of slavery, the Israelites were severely tempted and became angry because of the initial hardships that were laid upon them.
They leveled their anger at Moses because suddenly they were told that they would have to gather their own straw for making bricks. They were concerned about offending their slave-masters, fearing that they would slay them.
The Israelites were so accustomed to their slavery that they didn’t want their lives disrupted despite the fact that freedom was at hand. Resigned to this miserable life, they utterly failed to apprehend or appreciate the freedom that was soon approaching. Yes, there was a temporary price: increased hardship and great pressure would set the stage for their final deliverance.
The same can happen to us. It has often been said “The darkest night is just before the dawn”…
Perhaps the enemy senses his impending defeat and pulls out all the stops to prevent it. Perhaps the Lord loves a good story with a really dramatic and climactic ending and great glory for His Name…in any case –
Don’t let yourself remain accustomed to any form of bondage – seek and believe for the freedom that God has given us through His Son. Expect a life of great victory over sin and demonic oppression – Why? Because that is His promise to us!
FRIENDS:
Father, Thy Kingdom Come. Let your kingdom live in the hearts of people, let your kingdom live in society, let the church be strong, and let your kingdom come eternally. In His Name, Amen.
FOOD:
Wouldn't one of these take good on a chilly evening......
Pumpkin Latte
--2 cups milk (I used 1%)
--2 T canned pumpkin
--2 T white sugar
--2 T vanilla (not a typo. it asks for tablespoons)
--1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
OR: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny pinch of ground ginger
--1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
--garnish with whipped cream (optional)
This will make enough for 2 people to have a big mug with a bit leftover. If you are having friends over, adjust the recipe accordingly. I used a 4-quart crockpot, but as small as a 1.5 quart will work with these amounts.
Add the coffee/espresso and milk to the crockpot. Whisk in the pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again.
Ladle into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon. I added a cinnamon stick to be fancy
Gingerbread Latte
--4 cups milk (2% or lower is best to not worry about curdling)
--1/2 cup white sugar (I like Baker's sugar because it dissolves nicely)
--2 tsp ground ginger
--2 tsp vanilla extract
--1 tsp ground cinnamon
--1/4 tsp cloves
--1/4 tsp nutmeg
--cinnamon stick, whipped cream for garnish (optional)
--1/2 cup strong black coffee, or a freshly-brewed shot of espresso
The Directions.
This could serve 4, especially if you are adding the milk on top of coffee. Otherwise it serves 2 with a bit of milk left for kid cups.
I used a 4 quart crockpot, you could get away with going as small as a 1.5 to 2 quart.
Put the milk into your crockpot, and whisk in the dried spices. Don't add the coffee.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or high for 1-2. The milk should be quite hot, but if your crockpot tends to get hot enough to boil, keep an eye on it. Don't let the milk boil.
Pour over hot coffee or espresso.
Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick.
Chai Latte
--4 cups milk
--4 black tea bags
--1/4 tsp ground cloves
--1/2 tsp ginger
--4 sticks cinnamon (or 2 tsp ground)
--4 cardamom pods
--1 tsp vanilla extract
--1 T sugar (I like the Baker's because it dissolves nicely)
The Directions.
This will serve 2-4 adults, dependent on how much they like tea.
Put everything into your crockpot. I used a 4 quart. Anything over a 2 quart will work just fine. Float the cinnamon sticks, cardamon pods, and tea bags on top.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until heated through. I cooked ours on low for 2 hours and another hour on high.
FUN:
Exodus 5:18-23
18 Now, go back to work! We will not give you any straw, but you must make just as many bricks as you did before."
19 The Israelite foremen knew they were in trouble, because the king had told them, "You must make just as many bricks each day as you did before."20 As they were leaving the meeting with the king, they met Moses and Aaron, who were waiting for them.21 So they said to Moses and Aaron, "May the Lord punish you. You caused the king and his officers to hate us. You have given them an excuse to kill us."
Moses Complains to God
22 Then Moses returned to the Lord and said, "Lord, why have you brought this trouble on your people? Is this why you sent me here?23 I went to the king and said what you told me to say, but ever since that time he has made the people suffer. And you have done nothing to save them."
The story of the Exodus is a story of miracles – yet in the beginning when Moses first appeared before Pharaoh to deliver the children of Israel from 400 years of slavery, the Israelites were severely tempted and became angry because of the initial hardships that were laid upon them.
They leveled their anger at Moses because suddenly they were told that they would have to gather their own straw for making bricks. They were concerned about offending their slave-masters, fearing that they would slay them.
The Israelites were so accustomed to their slavery that they didn’t want their lives disrupted despite the fact that freedom was at hand. Resigned to this miserable life, they utterly failed to apprehend or appreciate the freedom that was soon approaching. Yes, there was a temporary price: increased hardship and great pressure would set the stage for their final deliverance.
The same can happen to us. It has often been said “The darkest night is just before the dawn”…
Perhaps the enemy senses his impending defeat and pulls out all the stops to prevent it. Perhaps the Lord loves a good story with a really dramatic and climactic ending and great glory for His Name…in any case –
Don’t let yourself remain accustomed to any form of bondage – seek and believe for the freedom that God has given us through His Son. Expect a life of great victory over sin and demonic oppression – Why? Because that is His promise to us!
FRIENDS:
Father, Thy Kingdom Come. Let your kingdom live in the hearts of people, let your kingdom live in society, let the church be strong, and let your kingdom come eternally. In His Name, Amen.
FOOD:
Wouldn't one of these take good on a chilly evening......
Pumpkin Latte
--2 cups milk (I used 1%)
--2 T canned pumpkin
--2 T white sugar
--2 T vanilla (not a typo. it asks for tablespoons)
--1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
OR: 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp cloves, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and a teeny tiny pinch of ground ginger
--1/2 cup brewed espresso or 3/4 cup strong brewed coffee
--garnish with whipped cream (optional)
This will make enough for 2 people to have a big mug with a bit leftover. If you are having friends over, adjust the recipe accordingly. I used a 4-quart crockpot, but as small as a 1.5 quart will work with these amounts.
Add the coffee/espresso and milk to the crockpot. Whisk in the pumpkin, spices, sugar, and vanilla.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours if everything is cold. Whisk again.
Ladle into mugs, and garnish with whipped cream and additional cinnamon. I added a cinnamon stick to be fancy
Gingerbread Latte
--4 cups milk (2% or lower is best to not worry about curdling)
--1/2 cup white sugar (I like Baker's sugar because it dissolves nicely)
--2 tsp ground ginger
--2 tsp vanilla extract
--1 tsp ground cinnamon
--1/4 tsp cloves
--1/4 tsp nutmeg
--cinnamon stick, whipped cream for garnish (optional)
--1/2 cup strong black coffee, or a freshly-brewed shot of espresso
The Directions.
This could serve 4, especially if you are adding the milk on top of coffee. Otherwise it serves 2 with a bit of milk left for kid cups.
I used a 4 quart crockpot, you could get away with going as small as a 1.5 to 2 quart.
Put the milk into your crockpot, and whisk in the dried spices. Don't add the coffee.
Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, or high for 1-2. The milk should be quite hot, but if your crockpot tends to get hot enough to boil, keep an eye on it. Don't let the milk boil.
Pour over hot coffee or espresso.
Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of nutmeg, and a cinnamon stick.
Chai Latte
--4 cups milk
--4 black tea bags
--1/4 tsp ground cloves
--1/2 tsp ginger
--4 sticks cinnamon (or 2 tsp ground)
--4 cardamom pods
--1 tsp vanilla extract
--1 T sugar (I like the Baker's because it dissolves nicely)
The Directions.
This will serve 2-4 adults, dependent on how much they like tea.
Put everything into your crockpot. I used a 4 quart. Anything over a 2 quart will work just fine. Float the cinnamon sticks, cardamon pods, and tea bags on top.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours, or until heated through. I cooked ours on low for 2 hours and another hour on high.
FUN:
Sunday, October 25, 2009
God knows.....
FAITH:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
In her book, Let Me Be a Woman, Elizabeth Elliot records the story of a friend who had great difficulty accepting the looks God had given her. While everyone this girl knew had grown beautiful golden hair, hers was black. And while they were all still growing, she had stopped. She grew to be only about four feet ten inches tall.
Eventually, she reached the country to which God had called her to be a missionary. One day, she stood on the wharf in Shanghai and looked around at the people to whom He had called her. “Every single one of them” she said, “had black hair. And every one of them had stopped growing when I did.” She was able to look to God and exclaim, “Lord God, You know what You’re doing!”
Are you struggling with something specific today? Have you been asking, “Why Lord?!” Whether we realize it or not, God knows what He’s doing! We may not understand it today — but He has known these things from the very beginning. And He really is carrying out His great plan in us! Cheer up! God is preparing His vessels for GREAT things! There’s so much work to be done!
FRIENDS:
Father, You are in control and how often we need to be reminded of that. Your mercy towards us in unlimited. The only reason this world continues is because you have mercy upon us. Millions of people today are receiving food for which they'll never give thanks. We're breathing air that we take for granted. Somehow, though, you continue to bless us and we are grateful for that. In Jesus' name, Amen.
~JOB~
It's easy to thank God when he does what we want. But God doesn't always do what we want. Ask Job.
His empire collapsed, his children were killed, and what was a healthy body became a rage of boils. from whence came this torrent? From whence will come any help.
Not from his wife, You can't blame her for telling Job to curse God. but to curse God and die?
Then come his friends. They mean well, but they comfort poorly. They tell him he must have been pretty bad to get it so bad.
"With friends like you guys. . . ." Job says and ten tells them to take their theology back to the dime store where they bought it. Getting no comfort from family or friend, he goes straight to God and pleads his case. His head hurts. His body hurts. His heart hurts. And he can't tolerate anymore half-baked answers. "Why is this happening to me?" he demands.
And God answers. Not with answers but with questions. An ocean of questions. Space doesn't permit their listing, but one or two will convey the point. "Can you shout an order to the clouds and cover your self with a flood of water? Can you send lightning bolts on their way? do they come to you and say, 'Here we are'?" (38:34-35)
After several dozen of these, Job is left on the beach drenched and wide-eyed, knowing he will never argue with the ocean again. He lifts his hand and cries, "Enough." He has gotten the point. What is it.
God owes no one anything. No reasons. No explanations. Nothing. If he gave them, we couldn't understand them.
Which makes the conclusion of the book all the more moving. Even though God owed Job nothing, he have him everything. New health new business, new family. And most of all, new insight.
God is God. He knows what he is doing. When you can't trace his hand, trust his heart.
FOOD:
Two recipes today....one reduced fat and the other....not.
SOUTHWEST BURGERS....a great way to cut the fat content in hamburger.
These tasty, low fat burgers use extra-lean ground beef combined with mashed black beans to reduce fat content and make moist, flavorful patties. The jalapeno pepper, cumin and cilantro add a nice little kick. Use a hotter chile pepper if you prefer, or omit it altogether if you want a more subtle flavor. Serve burgers on a whole grain or sourdough bun with plenty of low fat condiments. Fresh salsa and low fat sour cream work perfectly.
* 1 cup reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed
* 1/4 cup minced red onion
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
* 2 tsp ground cumin
* 3/4 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1/4 cup tomato sauce
* 1 egg white
* 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
Preparation:
In a small bowl, mash black beans with a fork. Add onion, jalapeño pepper and cumin. Mix well. Place ground beef in a large bowl, followed by the bean mixture. Add sauce, egg white and cilantro. Blend well with a fork.
Form into four 3/4-inch patties.
Broil or grill for 5-6 per side until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Per Serving: Calories 145, Calories from Fat 40, Total Fat 4.4g (sat 2.2g
Old-School King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This is a dish you will find at all Texas church potlucks
1 cooked 2 1/2 pound fryer (cooked with cumin, onion, celery and garlic) shredded
10 corn tortillas
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, diced
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of chicken broth
1 can of Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 tsp. of chile powder
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine soups, broth, Ro-Tel tomatoes and chile powder; blend until smooth.
3. Place a layer of chicken in a greased casserole dish.
4. Add layers of tortillas, onion, bell peppers, cheese and sauce.
5. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for half an hour or until brown and bubbling.
FUN:
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
In her book, Let Me Be a Woman, Elizabeth Elliot records the story of a friend who had great difficulty accepting the looks God had given her. While everyone this girl knew had grown beautiful golden hair, hers was black. And while they were all still growing, she had stopped. She grew to be only about four feet ten inches tall.
Eventually, she reached the country to which God had called her to be a missionary. One day, she stood on the wharf in Shanghai and looked around at the people to whom He had called her. “Every single one of them” she said, “had black hair. And every one of them had stopped growing when I did.” She was able to look to God and exclaim, “Lord God, You know what You’re doing!”
Are you struggling with something specific today? Have you been asking, “Why Lord?!” Whether we realize it or not, God knows what He’s doing! We may not understand it today — but He has known these things from the very beginning. And He really is carrying out His great plan in us! Cheer up! God is preparing His vessels for GREAT things! There’s so much work to be done!
FRIENDS:
Father, You are in control and how often we need to be reminded of that. Your mercy towards us in unlimited. The only reason this world continues is because you have mercy upon us. Millions of people today are receiving food for which they'll never give thanks. We're breathing air that we take for granted. Somehow, though, you continue to bless us and we are grateful for that. In Jesus' name, Amen.
~JOB~
It's easy to thank God when he does what we want. But God doesn't always do what we want. Ask Job.
His empire collapsed, his children were killed, and what was a healthy body became a rage of boils. from whence came this torrent? From whence will come any help.
Not from his wife, You can't blame her for telling Job to curse God. but to curse God and die?
Then come his friends. They mean well, but they comfort poorly. They tell him he must have been pretty bad to get it so bad.
"With friends like you guys. . . ." Job says and ten tells them to take their theology back to the dime store where they bought it. Getting no comfort from family or friend, he goes straight to God and pleads his case. His head hurts. His body hurts. His heart hurts. And he can't tolerate anymore half-baked answers. "Why is this happening to me?" he demands.
And God answers. Not with answers but with questions. An ocean of questions. Space doesn't permit their listing, but one or two will convey the point. "Can you shout an order to the clouds and cover your self with a flood of water? Can you send lightning bolts on their way? do they come to you and say, 'Here we are'?" (38:34-35)
After several dozen of these, Job is left on the beach drenched and wide-eyed, knowing he will never argue with the ocean again. He lifts his hand and cries, "Enough." He has gotten the point. What is it.
God owes no one anything. No reasons. No explanations. Nothing. If he gave them, we couldn't understand them.
Which makes the conclusion of the book all the more moving. Even though God owed Job nothing, he have him everything. New health new business, new family. And most of all, new insight.
God is God. He knows what he is doing. When you can't trace his hand, trust his heart.
FOOD:
Two recipes today....one reduced fat and the other....not.
SOUTHWEST BURGERS....a great way to cut the fat content in hamburger.
These tasty, low fat burgers use extra-lean ground beef combined with mashed black beans to reduce fat content and make moist, flavorful patties. The jalapeno pepper, cumin and cilantro add a nice little kick. Use a hotter chile pepper if you prefer, or omit it altogether if you want a more subtle flavor. Serve burgers on a whole grain or sourdough bun with plenty of low fat condiments. Fresh salsa and low fat sour cream work perfectly.
* 1 cup reduced-sodium black beans, rinsed
* 1/4 cup minced red onion
* 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
* 2 tsp ground cumin
* 3/4 pound extra-lean ground beef
* 1/4 cup tomato sauce
* 1 egg white
* 2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
Preparation:
In a small bowl, mash black beans with a fork. Add onion, jalapeño pepper and cumin. Mix well. Place ground beef in a large bowl, followed by the bean mixture. Add sauce, egg white and cilantro. Blend well with a fork.
Form into four 3/4-inch patties.
Broil or grill for 5-6 per side until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees.
Per Serving: Calories 145, Calories from Fat 40, Total Fat 4.4g (sat 2.2g
Old-School King Ranch Chicken Casserole
This is a dish you will find at all Texas church potlucks
1 cooked 2 1/2 pound fryer (cooked with cumin, onion, celery and garlic) shredded
10 corn tortillas
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, diced
2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
1 can of cream of mushroom soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1 cup of chicken broth
1 can of Ro-Tel tomatoes
1 tsp. of chile powder
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine soups, broth, Ro-Tel tomatoes and chile powder; blend until smooth.
3. Place a layer of chicken in a greased casserole dish.
4. Add layers of tortillas, onion, bell peppers, cheese and sauce.
5. Repeat layers, ending with cheese.
6. Bake uncovered for half an hour or until brown and bubbling.
FUN:
Friday, October 23, 2009
Are you kind?
FAITH:
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family--e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee--without being asked?
Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn't speak the language. Maybe she doesn't fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor's trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they'll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: "When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers" (Gal. 6:10).
And, here is a challenge--what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it's not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32 ).
Jesus said:
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.... If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? ... [L]ove your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27-28, 32, 35-36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don't you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can't we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don't know me, Max. You don't know my faults and my thoughts. You don't know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don't, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn't hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift?
No, he is kind to you. Why don't you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don't you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don't you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself?
Be kind to yourself. God thinks you're worth his kindness. And he's a good judge of character. by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, Help us to have the faith of a child. Help us to remember what it was like when we first believed. Help us to gain back the awesome feeling of love that swept over us when we first understood just how big You are and just how much You love us. Lord. Help us to love the hard-to-love and to be kind to them. Help us to encourage others to love You more and love people more. We praise you and thank you Father for your unconditional love that gave us saving grace through your Son Jesus. In His precious name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
23. JOHN 7:1-13; I PETER 4:12-19; SONG OF S. 7; LAM. 2
24. JOHN 7:14-24; I PETER 5:1-7; SONG OF S. 8:1-7; LAM 3
25. JOHN 7:25-36; 1 PETER 5:8-14; SONG OF S. 8:8-14; LAM 4-5
Time to stop for this month. We will start up in November with three new books.
~ 2 PETER ~
If a friend warns you, it's one thing. If a doctor warns you, you listen. but if your friend is your doctor, you lean forward and take note.
My friend is my doctor. My doctor is my friend. Most of my physical exams are salted with friendly chatter and jokes. There have been occasions, however, when his tone gets solemn and his voice urgent.
"We're going to have to watch this."
"You haven't been exercising, have you..."
"With your family's history, you have to watch your diet."
When it's a warning from a friend, you listen.
The second letter from Peter is a warning from a friend. His first letter was a warning about trials from without (persecution). His second caution is a warning about trials from within (heresy).
In this the last letter we have from him, he urges Christians to be careful. Avoid shortsightedness (1:2-11). Be on guard for false teachers (2:1-22). And most importantly, be vigilant against personal complacency which will lead to a lazy faith.
The doctor's task is to detect concerns from within and urge you to take caution. Peter's task is the same. Heed his counsel.
FOOD:
Someone recently asked me for some healthy recipes and this one is about as healthy as you can get. I also included some comments that were made by some people that made it.
HEALTHY SOUP------Recipe is from Good Housekeeping.
* 5 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch slices
* 3 medium celery ribs, sliced
* 3 large onions, chopped or 3 medium leeks, each cut into 1 inch slices
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes (in juice)
* 1/2 medium cauliflower, cut into bite sized pieces
* 12 ounces green beans, each cut into thirds
* 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1 inch slices
* 2 (5 ounce) packages baby spinach leaves
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 chicken bouillon cubes
* 12 cups water
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1. Coat pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Over medium high heat add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon.
5. Add cauliflower, remaining ingredients and 12 cups of water.
6. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until vegetables become tender.
8. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
Recipe makes 24 Cups
Calories 35, Dietary Fiber 2.5g
Some comments made by those who have made it:
--Made as directed and LOVED it! My teenage daughter and I have been eating this for five days and following a Med-Rim diet: olives, olive oil, hummus, almonds, avocados, healthy mono-unsaturated fats and lean proteins. We've lost 11 pounds in five days: she lost 7 and 4 for me! I can easily fit this into my eating and cooking routine.
--This actually works. I did it and lost 100 lbs. I did variations, though. I added tofu, soy sauce and Chinese veggies (bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, cabbage and the like) to vary the taste. A little cayenne pepper works too. I have used just cabbage instead of the spinach and added curry powder to give me some variety. The soup really has very little calories so I could "pig out" on all of the flavors.
--I'm a big fan of this soup. The version I make uses cabbage as well as chopped kale, collards or escarole. I don't like overcooked spinach and since I make this in a big batch for the week, the cabbage holds up well. My other standard ingredients are chopped baby carrots, chopped green beans, cauliflower, chopped parsley, sliced zucchini, and a can of diced tomato and I add a good handful of frozen edemame. Also I use "Better than Bullion" brand vegetable base. I use this soup as a foundation and I vary it every time I eat it. Some of things I might add to a portion before heating it up are: diced turkey bacon (adds a nice smoky flavor and good texture) or any leftover chicken, meat or fish. For a little more "heft" I add a small amount of cooked barley or brown rice or left over pasta or a bit of diced potato, and I change the seasonings sometimes adding Parmesan cheese and Italian spices, or hot sauce, or Thai fish sauce, or curry powder...etc. etc. I eat a big bowl of this soup for a meal and I stay full all the way through to the next meal - it is very satisfying.
--This soup was delicious and serves a guideline for all sorts of diet soups. It was my first time making it and I didn't have all the ingredients. Some things I added were cilantro, ground red pepper flakes for spice, cumin, mixed frozen veggies, and green onion. This red pepper and cilantro really made it easy for me to eat in addition to all the other ingredients. I guess we could call mine a Mexican diet soup. Thinking of adding black beans next time. This is definitely a soup I could eat 3-4 times a week as a dinner substitute or with dinner. It was so good I had two bowls just because it tasted so good, and imagine with no guilt about eating when you aren't hungry!
FUN:
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family--e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee--without being asked?
Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn't speak the language. Maybe she doesn't fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor's trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they'll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: "When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers" (Gal. 6:10).
And, here is a challenge--what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it's not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you" (Eph. 4:32 ).
Jesus said:
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.... If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? ... [L]ove your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27-28, 32, 35-36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don't you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can't we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don't know me, Max. You don't know my faults and my thoughts. You don't know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don't, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn't hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift?
No, he is kind to you. Why don't you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don't you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don't you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself?
Be kind to yourself. God thinks you're worth his kindness. And he's a good judge of character. by Max Lucado
FRIENDS:
Father, Help us to have the faith of a child. Help us to remember what it was like when we first believed. Help us to gain back the awesome feeling of love that swept over us when we first understood just how big You are and just how much You love us. Lord. Help us to love the hard-to-love and to be kind to them. Help us to encourage others to love You more and love people more. We praise you and thank you Father for your unconditional love that gave us saving grace through your Son Jesus. In His precious name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
23. JOHN 7:1-13; I PETER 4:12-19; SONG OF S. 7; LAM. 2
24. JOHN 7:14-24; I PETER 5:1-7; SONG OF S. 8:1-7; LAM 3
25. JOHN 7:25-36; 1 PETER 5:8-14; SONG OF S. 8:8-14; LAM 4-5
Time to stop for this month. We will start up in November with three new books.
~ 2 PETER ~
If a friend warns you, it's one thing. If a doctor warns you, you listen. but if your friend is your doctor, you lean forward and take note.
My friend is my doctor. My doctor is my friend. Most of my physical exams are salted with friendly chatter and jokes. There have been occasions, however, when his tone gets solemn and his voice urgent.
"We're going to have to watch this."
"You haven't been exercising, have you..."
"With your family's history, you have to watch your diet."
When it's a warning from a friend, you listen.
The second letter from Peter is a warning from a friend. His first letter was a warning about trials from without (persecution). His second caution is a warning about trials from within (heresy).
In this the last letter we have from him, he urges Christians to be careful. Avoid shortsightedness (1:2-11). Be on guard for false teachers (2:1-22). And most importantly, be vigilant against personal complacency which will lead to a lazy faith.
The doctor's task is to detect concerns from within and urge you to take caution. Peter's task is the same. Heed his counsel.
FOOD:
Someone recently asked me for some healthy recipes and this one is about as healthy as you can get. I also included some comments that were made by some people that made it.
HEALTHY SOUP------Recipe is from Good Housekeeping.
* 5 medium carrots, cut into 1 inch slices
* 3 medium celery ribs, sliced
* 3 large onions, chopped or 3 medium leeks, each cut into 1 inch slices
* 1 garlic clove, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can tomatoes (in juice)
* 1/2 medium cauliflower, cut into bite sized pieces
* 12 ounces green beans, each cut into thirds
* 3 medium zucchini, cut into 1 inch slices
* 2 (5 ounce) packages baby spinach leaves
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 2 chicken bouillon cubes
* 12 cups water
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
1. Coat pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Over medium high heat add carrots, celery, onions, and garlic.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes with their liquid, breaking up tomatoes with side of spoon.
5. Add cauliflower, remaining ingredients and 12 cups of water.
6. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring occasionally.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 15 minutes or until vegetables become tender.
8. Add more salt and pepper if desired.
Recipe makes 24 Cups
Calories 35, Dietary Fiber 2.5g
Some comments made by those who have made it:
--Made as directed and LOVED it! My teenage daughter and I have been eating this for five days and following a Med-Rim diet: olives, olive oil, hummus, almonds, avocados, healthy mono-unsaturated fats and lean proteins. We've lost 11 pounds in five days: she lost 7 and 4 for me! I can easily fit this into my eating and cooking routine.
--This actually works. I did it and lost 100 lbs. I did variations, though. I added tofu, soy sauce and Chinese veggies (bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, cabbage and the like) to vary the taste. A little cayenne pepper works too. I have used just cabbage instead of the spinach and added curry powder to give me some variety. The soup really has very little calories so I could "pig out" on all of the flavors.
--I'm a big fan of this soup. The version I make uses cabbage as well as chopped kale, collards or escarole. I don't like overcooked spinach and since I make this in a big batch for the week, the cabbage holds up well. My other standard ingredients are chopped baby carrots, chopped green beans, cauliflower, chopped parsley, sliced zucchini, and a can of diced tomato and I add a good handful of frozen edemame. Also I use "Better than Bullion" brand vegetable base. I use this soup as a foundation and I vary it every time I eat it. Some of things I might add to a portion before heating it up are: diced turkey bacon (adds a nice smoky flavor and good texture) or any leftover chicken, meat or fish. For a little more "heft" I add a small amount of cooked barley or brown rice or left over pasta or a bit of diced potato, and I change the seasonings sometimes adding Parmesan cheese and Italian spices, or hot sauce, or Thai fish sauce, or curry powder...etc. etc. I eat a big bowl of this soup for a meal and I stay full all the way through to the next meal - it is very satisfying.
--This soup was delicious and serves a guideline for all sorts of diet soups. It was my first time making it and I didn't have all the ingredients. Some things I added were cilantro, ground red pepper flakes for spice, cumin, mixed frozen veggies, and green onion. This red pepper and cilantro really made it easy for me to eat in addition to all the other ingredients. I guess we could call mine a Mexican diet soup. Thinking of adding black beans next time. This is definitely a soup I could eat 3-4 times a week as a dinner substitute or with dinner. It was so good I had two bowls just because it tasted so good, and imagine with no guilt about eating when you aren't hungry!
FUN:
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Stewardship....
FAITH:
Matthew 25:14-30
14 "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was going to another place for a visit. Before he left, he called for his servants and told them to take care of his things while he was gone. 15 He gave one servant five bags of gold, another servant two bags of gold, and a third servant one bag of gold, to each one as much as he could handle. Then he left.16 The servant who got five bags went quickly to invest the money and earned five more bags.17 In the same way, the servant who had two bags invested them and earned two more. 18 But the servant who got one bag went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money.
19 "After a long time the master came home and asked the servants what they did with his money. 20 The servant who was given five bags of gold brought five more bags to the master and said, 'Master, you trusted me to care for five bags of gold, so I used your five bags to earn five more.' 21 The master answered, 'You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my joy with me.'
22 "Then the servant who had been given two bags of gold came to the master and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of gold to care for, so I used your two bags to earn two more.' 23 The master answered, 'You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my joy with me.'
24 "Then the servant who had been given one bag of gold came to the master and said, 'Master, I knew that you were a hard man. You harvest things you did not plant. You gather crops where you did not sow any seed. 25 So I was afraid and went and hid your money in the ground. Here is your bag of gold.'26 The master answered, 'You are a wicked and lazy servant! You say you knew that I harvest things I did not plant and that I gather crops where I did not sow any seed. 27 So you should have put my gold in the bank. Then, when I came home, I would have received my gold back with interest.'
28 "So the master told his other servants, 'Take the bag of gold from that servant and give it to the servant who has ten bags of gold. 29 Those who have much will get more, and they will have much more than they need. But those who do not have much will have everything taken away from them.' 30 Then the master said, 'Throw that useless servant outside, into the darkness where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.'
Reading this parable, we are struck by the serious consequences of failing to produce Kingdom fruit. But there’s something I want to particularly point out. Many of the great heroes of the faith – people like Moses and David, were not given great responsibilities immediately. Each of these men first served as a lowly shepherd, tending sheep. Having tested them first in this humble vocation, God then felt confident to elevate them to positions of greatness – but it all started with a small step!
God is testing his saints in the little things – as we pass our early tests, the Lord will promote us to greater things. Don’t despise the day of small things – a single talent invested wisely can produce a bountiful harvest! And remember that it begins with faithful stewardship of whatever gift or talent that God has allocated to you.
Let’s be wise stewards in these last days, using our divinely given abilities for His glory and purposes so that we can produce an abundant return on the Lord’s investment in our lives. Let’s heed the warning and the encouragement that Jesus gives us in this parable, multiplying, rather than hiding our talent. Amen!
FRIENDS:
Generous God, I give thanks to you for the gifts you have given me. My life, my family, my friends, time, talents and material possessions. All that I have comes from you. Help me to remember this and rejoice in your goodness. Walk with me, and help me on my spiritual journey, so that I may constantly renew my relationship with you. Renew in me your Spirit and give me the strength and courage to become a better follower of Jesus. i will give glory to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
21. JOHN 6:41-59; JAMES 3:13-22; SONG OF S. 5; JEREMIAH 52
22. JOHN 6:60-71; JAMES 4:1-11; SONG OF S. 6; LAM. 1
FOOD:
Lower Fat Chicken Scaloppine With Lemon Glaze
This is a wonderful lower-fat restaurant-quality dish that is easy to make, I also like to add in a few tablespoons of capers and cook with the lemon glaze if you are a lover of capers then add them in as it really adds to the flavour of this dish --- this lemon sauce is not a heavy creamy sauce which is what makes this dish lower in fat, it is more like a glaze that soaks into the chicken, and I would strongly suggest to double or even triple the glaze I most always do, and please be certain to use only dry breadcrumbs as fresh will not stick to the chicken as well --- this is *very* good! ...makes enough for 4
* 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to about 1/3-inch thickness)
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 large egg (you may need two)
* 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
* 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
* 1-2 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Lemon glaze
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (can use more to taste)
* 4-5 thin lemon slices
* fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
1. In a small bowl or shallow dish whisk together mustard and eggs; set aside.
2. Combine the dry bread crumbs with poultry seasoning, garlic powder and seasoning salt; spread on a piece of waxed paper.
3. Dip the breasts firstly in egg/mustard mixture (shake off any excess egg) then coat well with the crumb mixture, pressing downs with hands to adhear the crumbs to the breast.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add in the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until it is no longer pink inside; remove and transfer to a plate to keep warm.
6. For the glaze; in the same skillet add in the broth, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, if using capers add in now) bring to a boil scraping any brown bits from the pan.
7. Add in lemon slices and parsley; mix to combine for about 1 minute.
8. Spoon the glaze/sauce over chicken
FUN:
Matthew 25:14-30
14 "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who was going to another place for a visit. Before he left, he called for his servants and told them to take care of his things while he was gone. 15 He gave one servant five bags of gold, another servant two bags of gold, and a third servant one bag of gold, to each one as much as he could handle. Then he left.16 The servant who got five bags went quickly to invest the money and earned five more bags.17 In the same way, the servant who had two bags invested them and earned two more. 18 But the servant who got one bag went out and dug a hole in the ground and hid the master's money.
19 "After a long time the master came home and asked the servants what they did with his money. 20 The servant who was given five bags of gold brought five more bags to the master and said, 'Master, you trusted me to care for five bags of gold, so I used your five bags to earn five more.' 21 The master answered, 'You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my joy with me.'
22 "Then the servant who had been given two bags of gold came to the master and said, 'Master, you gave me two bags of gold to care for, so I used your two bags to earn two more.' 23 The master answered, 'You did well. You are a good and loyal servant. Because you were loyal with small things, I will let you care for much greater things. Come and share my joy with me.'
24 "Then the servant who had been given one bag of gold came to the master and said, 'Master, I knew that you were a hard man. You harvest things you did not plant. You gather crops where you did not sow any seed. 25 So I was afraid and went and hid your money in the ground. Here is your bag of gold.'26 The master answered, 'You are a wicked and lazy servant! You say you knew that I harvest things I did not plant and that I gather crops where I did not sow any seed. 27 So you should have put my gold in the bank. Then, when I came home, I would have received my gold back with interest.'
28 "So the master told his other servants, 'Take the bag of gold from that servant and give it to the servant who has ten bags of gold. 29 Those who have much will get more, and they will have much more than they need. But those who do not have much will have everything taken away from them.' 30 Then the master said, 'Throw that useless servant outside, into the darkness where people will cry and grind their teeth with pain.'
Reading this parable, we are struck by the serious consequences of failing to produce Kingdom fruit. But there’s something I want to particularly point out. Many of the great heroes of the faith – people like Moses and David, were not given great responsibilities immediately. Each of these men first served as a lowly shepherd, tending sheep. Having tested them first in this humble vocation, God then felt confident to elevate them to positions of greatness – but it all started with a small step!
God is testing his saints in the little things – as we pass our early tests, the Lord will promote us to greater things. Don’t despise the day of small things – a single talent invested wisely can produce a bountiful harvest! And remember that it begins with faithful stewardship of whatever gift or talent that God has allocated to you.
Let’s be wise stewards in these last days, using our divinely given abilities for His glory and purposes so that we can produce an abundant return on the Lord’s investment in our lives. Let’s heed the warning and the encouragement that Jesus gives us in this parable, multiplying, rather than hiding our talent. Amen!
FRIENDS:
Generous God, I give thanks to you for the gifts you have given me. My life, my family, my friends, time, talents and material possessions. All that I have comes from you. Help me to remember this and rejoice in your goodness. Walk with me, and help me on my spiritual journey, so that I may constantly renew my relationship with you. Renew in me your Spirit and give me the strength and courage to become a better follower of Jesus. i will give glory to you. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
21. JOHN 6:41-59; JAMES 3:13-22; SONG OF S. 5; JEREMIAH 52
22. JOHN 6:60-71; JAMES 4:1-11; SONG OF S. 6; LAM. 1
FOOD:
Lower Fat Chicken Scaloppine With Lemon Glaze
This is a wonderful lower-fat restaurant-quality dish that is easy to make, I also like to add in a few tablespoons of capers and cook with the lemon glaze if you are a lover of capers then add them in as it really adds to the flavour of this dish --- this lemon sauce is not a heavy creamy sauce which is what makes this dish lower in fat, it is more like a glaze that soaks into the chicken, and I would strongly suggest to double or even triple the glaze I most always do, and please be certain to use only dry breadcrumbs as fresh will not stick to the chicken as well --- this is *very* good! ...makes enough for 4
* 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to about 1/3-inch thickness)
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 1 large egg (you may need two)
* 1 cup dry breadcrumbs
* 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or to taste)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4-1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
* 1-2 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
Lemon glaze
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (can use more to taste)
* 4-5 thin lemon slices
* fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
1. In a small bowl or shallow dish whisk together mustard and eggs; set aside.
2. Combine the dry bread crumbs with poultry seasoning, garlic powder and seasoning salt; spread on a piece of waxed paper.
3. Dip the breasts firstly in egg/mustard mixture (shake off any excess egg) then coat well with the crumb mixture, pressing downs with hands to adhear the crumbs to the breast.
4. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
5. Add in the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until it is no longer pink inside; remove and transfer to a plate to keep warm.
6. For the glaze; in the same skillet add in the broth, lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, if using capers add in now) bring to a boil scraping any brown bits from the pan.
7. Add in lemon slices and parsley; mix to combine for about 1 minute.
8. Spoon the glaze/sauce over chicken
FUN:
Monday, October 19, 2009
Fearless............Part 4
FAITH:
Make sure the hull of your convictions can withstand the stress of collisions. Builders of the Titanic should have been so wise. The luxury liner sank because contractors settled for cheap rivets and suffered from poor planning. Rivets are the glue that hold the steel plates together. Facing a shortage of quality bolts, the builders used substandard ones that popped their heads upon impact with the iceberg.
How sturdy are the bolts of your belief? Reinforce them with daily Bible readings, regular worship, and earnest communion with God. “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
And remember: “All these [challenging times] are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8), and birth pangs aren’t all bad. (Easy for me to say.) Birth pains signal the onset of the final push. The pediatrician assures the mom-to-be, “It’s going to hurt for a time, but it’s going to get better.” Jesus assures us of the same. Global conflicts indicate our date on the maternity calendar. We are in the final hours, just a few pushes from delivery, a few brief ticks of eternity’s clock from the great crowning of creation. A whole new world is coming!
“These things must come to pass” (Matt. 24:6). Must is a welcome word that affirms that all events, even the most violent, are under a divine plan. Every trial and trouble has a place in God’s scheme. “The reason why we ought not be terrified is not because wars are not terrifying. Quite the contrary. It is because above all chaos reigns a divine plan.
All things, big and small, flow out of the purpose of God and serve his good will. When the world appears out of control, it isn’t. When warmongers appear to be in charge, they aren’t. When ecological catastrophes dominate the day, don’t let them dominate you.
Let’s trust our heavenly Father.
by Max Lucado from his book Fearless
FRIENDS:
Father, we want only to please you. We cherish your promise to take care of your children. And yet we often come to you with unreasonable fears because we forget that you are in charge, watching out for our best. We are unsure of what to do and instead of just trusting, we panic and frantically beat on Heaven's doors, crying out to you. We are uncertain of your will for our lives. Thank you Father for the assurance that our imperfect prayers cannot hinder your incredible power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
19. JOHN 6: 16-24; 1 PETER 3:1-7; SONG OF S. 4:1-7; JEREMIAH 50
20. JOHN 6:25-40; 1 PETER 3:8-12; SONG OF S 4:8-16; JEREMIAH 51
FOOD:
There are a million recipes for GOULASH in the Naked City.
This can be done in the crock pot if you are sure yours will hold it. (Instructions at the end...with Bigos recipe [5*Variation.) Either way, it's nice centerpiece dish for a winter Holiday buffet. It's colorful & smells wonderful enough to get the guests to the table Serve a good sweet-rye bread & or Potato bread with this.
************
ZZA'S ZZA'S* GOULASH ~ 8 Servings.
4 Thick Slices Bacon. [1*]
3 Lb. Boneless Beef Shank. Trim & cut into 2" cubes. [2*]
3 T. Flour.
2 T. Olive Oil or Butter--Or 1 T. of each.
1/2 tsp Salt.
2 Med. Onions--Chopped.
3 Garlic Cloves--Crushed & Minced.
2 Roasted Red Bell Peppers--Peeled & Sliced (If too expensive, use green.)
1 or 2 Lb. bulk Sauerkraut. (In Market Refrigerated in bags.)
3 T. Hungarian SWEET Paprika.
0 Black Pepper. [3*]
2 tsp. caraway Seed--Toasted & ground.
2 T. Red Wine Vinegar.
1 - 15 Oz Can whole, peeled Tomatoes. Crush between your fingers.
6 C. beef broth--Reg or low sodium.
4 Lg Russet Potatoes [4*]-- Peeled & thickly sliced.
1/2 C. Sour Cream
Chopped Fresh Parsley.
Snip a corner from the sauerkraut bag(s), hold over a sieve and squeeze out the liquid. Fill the bag with water, swish it around & squeeze it out. Open the bag fully & scrape out the sauerkraut, press out as much liquid as possible & pick the kraut apart. Let it stand & drain while you proceed with the recipe.
In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, fry bacon about 5 mins. Remove & drain on a wire rack while proceeding with the recipe.
Add the beef to the bacon fat. Season with S & P. and sprinkle with flour.
Brown it evenly on all sides while you stir to keep flour from lumping--Add a little oil if necessary to keep it from sticking.
Add the garlic & onion & cook & stir about 2 or 3 minutes.
Add the peppers & sauerkraut & cook & stir about 6 or 7 minutes.
Add the vinegar, tomatoes & broth, mix, add the paprika & caraway, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for an hour, covered, stirring occasionally.
Add the potatoes [4*] & CRUMBLED bacon [1*] & continue to cook, partially covered, for about 30 min's: until potatoes are tender.
Correct the seasonings & Remove from the heat.
Just before serving, Stir in the sour cream & garnish with parsley. Some prefer not to add the sour cream but serve it separately. We like to put a little more sour cream on top.
NOTES AND VARIATIONS:
[1*] You can omit the bacon and use butter instead of the bacon fat.
[2*] In place of shank, you can use meaty neck bones or lean, boneless Chuck if shanks or neck bones are too hard to find. Personally, I think neck bones have the best flavor. Use pork if you prefer or (Bohemian) chicken pieces. Brown them in sweet butter first.
[3*] Do not use Black pepper with Paprika. It changes the flavor: makes it unpleasant.
CHECK Paprika, in the palm of your hand, for weevils before adding it to food. Do it every time you use it. If you buy a new can; do this as soon as you arrive home: if you put it rightin your cupboard, and the bugs were in it at the store, they will be in everything in no time. Always do the same with chili powder.
Zza Zza kept these spices separate from food, I pooh-poohed the idea and had to feed a whole pot of chili to the neighbors Alsatian.(Never feed your own dog beans.)
[4*] If you prefer, you can omit the potatoes & serve boiled or mashed potatoes on the side. Or serve this over egg noodles.
[5*] If you add 1 Lb. of sliced mushrooms,
1-or-2 Lb. of Kielbasa sausage, sliced on an angle. (In addition to the other meat(s).)
half-a-cup of red wine.
half-a-head of shredded red cabbage
you will have Bigos, a Polish version of Goulash.
This can be made in a crock pot (As can the above Goulash.)
Meats should be browned before being laid atop everything else, then cooked on low for 7-to-9 hours.
Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in half-a-pint of (real) sour cream.
I'd make mine in quantity & use a ceramic-clad cast-Iron Dutch Oven--And do the slow cooking over over low heat (Back burner) or @ 225 in the (Regular) oven.
FUN:
Autumn is officially here...
Make sure the hull of your convictions can withstand the stress of collisions. Builders of the Titanic should have been so wise. The luxury liner sank because contractors settled for cheap rivets and suffered from poor planning. Rivets are the glue that hold the steel plates together. Facing a shortage of quality bolts, the builders used substandard ones that popped their heads upon impact with the iceberg.
How sturdy are the bolts of your belief? Reinforce them with daily Bible readings, regular worship, and earnest communion with God. “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.”
And remember: “All these [challenging times] are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8), and birth pangs aren’t all bad. (Easy for me to say.) Birth pains signal the onset of the final push. The pediatrician assures the mom-to-be, “It’s going to hurt for a time, but it’s going to get better.” Jesus assures us of the same. Global conflicts indicate our date on the maternity calendar. We are in the final hours, just a few pushes from delivery, a few brief ticks of eternity’s clock from the great crowning of creation. A whole new world is coming!
“These things must come to pass” (Matt. 24:6). Must is a welcome word that affirms that all events, even the most violent, are under a divine plan. Every trial and trouble has a place in God’s scheme. “The reason why we ought not be terrified is not because wars are not terrifying. Quite the contrary. It is because above all chaos reigns a divine plan.
All things, big and small, flow out of the purpose of God and serve his good will. When the world appears out of control, it isn’t. When warmongers appear to be in charge, they aren’t. When ecological catastrophes dominate the day, don’t let them dominate you.
Let’s trust our heavenly Father.
by Max Lucado from his book Fearless
FRIENDS:
Father, we want only to please you. We cherish your promise to take care of your children. And yet we often come to you with unreasonable fears because we forget that you are in charge, watching out for our best. We are unsure of what to do and instead of just trusting, we panic and frantically beat on Heaven's doors, crying out to you. We are uncertain of your will for our lives. Thank you Father for the assurance that our imperfect prayers cannot hinder your incredible power. In Jesus' name, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
19. JOHN 6: 16-24; 1 PETER 3:1-7; SONG OF S. 4:1-7; JEREMIAH 50
20. JOHN 6:25-40; 1 PETER 3:8-12; SONG OF S 4:8-16; JEREMIAH 51
FOOD:
There are a million recipes for GOULASH in the Naked City.
This can be done in the crock pot if you are sure yours will hold it. (Instructions at the end...with Bigos recipe [5*Variation.) Either way, it's nice centerpiece dish for a winter Holiday buffet. It's colorful & smells wonderful enough to get the guests to the table Serve a good sweet-rye bread & or Potato bread with this.
************
ZZA'S ZZA'S* GOULASH ~ 8 Servings.
4 Thick Slices Bacon. [1*]
3 Lb. Boneless Beef Shank. Trim & cut into 2" cubes. [2*]
3 T. Flour.
2 T. Olive Oil or Butter--Or 1 T. of each.
1/2 tsp Salt.
2 Med. Onions--Chopped.
3 Garlic Cloves--Crushed & Minced.
2 Roasted Red Bell Peppers--Peeled & Sliced (If too expensive, use green.)
1 or 2 Lb. bulk Sauerkraut. (In Market Refrigerated in bags.)
3 T. Hungarian SWEET Paprika.
0 Black Pepper. [3*]
2 tsp. caraway Seed--Toasted & ground.
2 T. Red Wine Vinegar.
1 - 15 Oz Can whole, peeled Tomatoes. Crush between your fingers.
6 C. beef broth--Reg or low sodium.
4 Lg Russet Potatoes [4*]-- Peeled & thickly sliced.
1/2 C. Sour Cream
Chopped Fresh Parsley.
Snip a corner from the sauerkraut bag(s), hold over a sieve and squeeze out the liquid. Fill the bag with water, swish it around & squeeze it out. Open the bag fully & scrape out the sauerkraut, press out as much liquid as possible & pick the kraut apart. Let it stand & drain while you proceed with the recipe.
In a Dutch oven, over medium heat, fry bacon about 5 mins. Remove & drain on a wire rack while proceeding with the recipe.
Add the beef to the bacon fat. Season with S & P. and sprinkle with flour.
Brown it evenly on all sides while you stir to keep flour from lumping--Add a little oil if necessary to keep it from sticking.
Add the garlic & onion & cook & stir about 2 or 3 minutes.
Add the peppers & sauerkraut & cook & stir about 6 or 7 minutes.
Add the vinegar, tomatoes & broth, mix, add the paprika & caraway, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for an hour, covered, stirring occasionally.
Add the potatoes [4*] & CRUMBLED bacon [1*] & continue to cook, partially covered, for about 30 min's: until potatoes are tender.
Correct the seasonings & Remove from the heat.
Just before serving, Stir in the sour cream & garnish with parsley. Some prefer not to add the sour cream but serve it separately. We like to put a little more sour cream on top.
NOTES AND VARIATIONS:
[1*] You can omit the bacon and use butter instead of the bacon fat.
[2*] In place of shank, you can use meaty neck bones or lean, boneless Chuck if shanks or neck bones are too hard to find. Personally, I think neck bones have the best flavor. Use pork if you prefer or (Bohemian) chicken pieces. Brown them in sweet butter first.
[3*] Do not use Black pepper with Paprika. It changes the flavor: makes it unpleasant.
CHECK Paprika, in the palm of your hand, for weevils before adding it to food. Do it every time you use it. If you buy a new can; do this as soon as you arrive home: if you put it rightin your cupboard, and the bugs were in it at the store, they will be in everything in no time. Always do the same with chili powder.
Zza Zza kept these spices separate from food, I pooh-poohed the idea and had to feed a whole pot of chili to the neighbors Alsatian.(Never feed your own dog beans.)
[4*] If you prefer, you can omit the potatoes & serve boiled or mashed potatoes on the side. Or serve this over egg noodles.
[5*] If you add 1 Lb. of sliced mushrooms,
1-or-2 Lb. of Kielbasa sausage, sliced on an angle. (In addition to the other meat(s).)
half-a-cup of red wine.
half-a-head of shredded red cabbage
you will have Bigos, a Polish version of Goulash.
This can be made in a crock pot (As can the above Goulash.)
Meats should be browned before being laid atop everything else, then cooked on low for 7-to-9 hours.
Fifteen minutes before serving, stir in half-a-pint of (real) sour cream.
I'd make mine in quantity & use a ceramic-clad cast-Iron Dutch Oven--And do the slow cooking over over low heat (Back burner) or @ 225 in the (Regular) oven.
FUN:
Autumn is officially here...
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Fearless............Part 3
FAITH:
Jesus equipped his followers with farsighted courage. He listed the typhoons of life and then pointed them “to the end.” Trust in ultimate victory gives ultimate courage. Author Jim Collins makes reference to this outlook in his book Good to Great. Collins tells the story of Admiral James Stockdale, who was a prisoner of war for eight years during the Vietnam War.
After Stockdale’s release Collins asked him how in the world he survived eight years in a prisoner-of-war camp. He replied, “I never lost faith in the end of the story. I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.” Collins then asked, “Who didn’t make it out?” Admiral Stockdale replied, “Oh, that’s easy. The optimists. . . . they were the ones who said, ‘We’re going to be out by Christmas.’ And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say, ‘We’re going to be out by Easter.’ And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.”
Real courage embraces the twin realities of current difficulty and ultimate triumph. Yes, life stinks. But it won’t forever. As one of my friends likes to say, “Everything will work out in the end. If it’s not working out, it’s not the end.” Though the church is winnowed down like Gideon’s army, though God’s earth is buffeted by climate changes and bloodied by misfortune, though creation itself seems stranded on the Arctic seas, don’t over react. “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes” (Ps. 37:7).
Avoid Pollyanna optimism. We gain nothing by glossing over the brutality of human existence. This is a toxic world. But neither do we join the Chicken Little chorus of gloom and doom. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Somewhere between Pollyanna and Chicken Little, between blind denial and blatant panic, stands the levelheaded, clear thinking, still-believing follower of Christ. Wide eyed, yet unafraid. Unterrified by the terrifying. The calmest kid on the block, not for lack of bullies, but for faith in his older Brother. The old people of God knew this peace: “Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident” (Ps. 27:3).
After the bombs of World War II ravaged downtown Warsaw, only one skeletal structure remained on the city’s main street. “The badly damaged structure was the Polish headquarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the words on its only remaining wall were clearly legible from the street . . . ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’ ” This is the picture of the Christian hope. Though the world may collapse, the work of Christ will endure.
So, see to it that you are not alarmed (Matt. 24:6 niv).
“See to it . . . ” Bosses and teachers are known to use that phrase. “See to it that you fill out the reports.” Or “Your essay is due tomorrow. See to it that you finish your work.” The words call for additional attention, special focus, extra resolve. Isn’t this what Christ is asking of us? In this dangerous day, on this Fabergé-fragile globe, with financial collapse on the news and terrorists on the loose, we have every reason to retreat into bunkers of dread and woe. But Christ says to us, “See to it that you are not alarmed” . “Keep your head and don’t panic”. “See that you are not troubled”. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10) .
FRIENDS:
Father in Heaven, you are the Father of comfort and the God of Peace. We pray that your kingdom would come into our hearts and that peace would rule. Teach us what it means to be peace makers. Help us cultivate peace between others and you. Teach us the art of building bridges and not walls. We glorify your name, the great God of peace. It is in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
17. JOHN 5:31-47; 1 PETER 2:9-17; SONG OF S. 2; JEREMIAH 47-48
18. JOHN 6:1-15; 1 PETER 2:18-25; SONG OF S. 3; JEREMIAH 49
FOOD:
Apple Pizza
1 loaf frozen bread dough
5 medium apples, pared, cored and sliced thin
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Let frozen dough set at room temperature until thawed. Roll dough into a circle for a 12 inch pizza pan. Cover dough with the sliced apples.
Combine remainder ingredients and sprinkle over the apples. Let rise. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 375F.
Makes 8 servings.
FUN:
There is a mama lion, a daddy lion & a baby lion. The mama lion & the daddy lion were having a lot of fights so they decided to get a divorce.
The lion family goes in front of a judge to decide custody of the baby lion.
The judge asks the baby lion "Do you wanna live with mama lion?" The baby lion nswers "No mama lion beats me."
The judge said "Alright, do you wanna live with daddy lion?"
The baby lion answers "No daddy lion beats me worse."
The judge asks "who do you wanna live with then?" The baby answers "The Detroit Lions, they don't beat anybody."
Jesus equipped his followers with farsighted courage. He listed the typhoons of life and then pointed them “to the end.” Trust in ultimate victory gives ultimate courage. Author Jim Collins makes reference to this outlook in his book Good to Great. Collins tells the story of Admiral James Stockdale, who was a prisoner of war for eight years during the Vietnam War.
After Stockdale’s release Collins asked him how in the world he survived eight years in a prisoner-of-war camp. He replied, “I never lost faith in the end of the story. I never doubted not only that I would get out, but also that I would prevail in the end and turn the experience into the defining event of my life, which, in retrospect, I would not trade.” Collins then asked, “Who didn’t make it out?” Admiral Stockdale replied, “Oh, that’s easy. The optimists. . . . they were the ones who said, ‘We’re going to be out by Christmas.’ And Christmas would come, and Christmas would go. Then they’d say, ‘We’re going to be out by Easter.’ And Easter would come, and Easter would go. And then Thanksgiving, and then it would be Christmas again. And they died of a broken heart.”
Real courage embraces the twin realities of current difficulty and ultimate triumph. Yes, life stinks. But it won’t forever. As one of my friends likes to say, “Everything will work out in the end. If it’s not working out, it’s not the end.” Though the church is winnowed down like Gideon’s army, though God’s earth is buffeted by climate changes and bloodied by misfortune, though creation itself seems stranded on the Arctic seas, don’t over react. “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes” (Ps. 37:7).
Avoid Pollyanna optimism. We gain nothing by glossing over the brutality of human existence. This is a toxic world. But neither do we join the Chicken Little chorus of gloom and doom. “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!” Somewhere between Pollyanna and Chicken Little, between blind denial and blatant panic, stands the levelheaded, clear thinking, still-believing follower of Christ. Wide eyed, yet unafraid. Unterrified by the terrifying. The calmest kid on the block, not for lack of bullies, but for faith in his older Brother. The old people of God knew this peace: “Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident” (Ps. 27:3).
After the bombs of World War II ravaged downtown Warsaw, only one skeletal structure remained on the city’s main street. “The badly damaged structure was the Polish headquarters of the British and Foreign Bible Society, and the words on its only remaining wall were clearly legible from the street . . . ‘Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’ ” This is the picture of the Christian hope. Though the world may collapse, the work of Christ will endure.
So, see to it that you are not alarmed (Matt. 24:6 niv).
“See to it . . . ” Bosses and teachers are known to use that phrase. “See to it that you fill out the reports.” Or “Your essay is due tomorrow. See to it that you finish your work.” The words call for additional attention, special focus, extra resolve. Isn’t this what Christ is asking of us? In this dangerous day, on this Fabergé-fragile globe, with financial collapse on the news and terrorists on the loose, we have every reason to retreat into bunkers of dread and woe. But Christ says to us, “See to it that you are not alarmed” . “Keep your head and don’t panic”. “See that you are not troubled”. “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10) .
FRIENDS:
Father in Heaven, you are the Father of comfort and the God of Peace. We pray that your kingdom would come into our hearts and that peace would rule. Teach us what it means to be peace makers. Help us cultivate peace between others and you. Teach us the art of building bridges and not walls. We glorify your name, the great God of peace. It is in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
DAILY BIBLE CHALLENGE
17. JOHN 5:31-47; 1 PETER 2:9-17; SONG OF S. 2; JEREMIAH 47-48
18. JOHN 6:1-15; 1 PETER 2:18-25; SONG OF S. 3; JEREMIAH 49
FOOD:
Apple Pizza
1 loaf frozen bread dough
5 medium apples, pared, cored and sliced thin
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup chopped nuts
Let frozen dough set at room temperature until thawed. Roll dough into a circle for a 12 inch pizza pan. Cover dough with the sliced apples.
Combine remainder ingredients and sprinkle over the apples. Let rise. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes at 375F.
Makes 8 servings.
FUN:
There is a mama lion, a daddy lion & a baby lion. The mama lion & the daddy lion were having a lot of fights so they decided to get a divorce.
The lion family goes in front of a judge to decide custody of the baby lion.
The judge asks the baby lion "Do you wanna live with mama lion?" The baby lion nswers "No mama lion beats me."
The judge said "Alright, do you wanna live with daddy lion?"
The baby lion answers "No daddy lion beats me worse."
The judge asks "who do you wanna live with then?" The baby answers "The Detroit Lions, they don't beat anybody."
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