1 lb. hericots verts (thin French green beans) or regular green beans
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tsp. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves (wash & dry before chopping)
1 tsp. freshly grated lemon zest
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Trim regular green beans if using & in lg. saucepan of boiling salted water, cook beans til crisp-tender -- 2 min. for hericots verts or 3-4 min. for regular green beans -- & drain in colander. In bowl toss beans w/ lemon juice, parsley, lemon zest & season w/ salt & pepper. Prep time: 15 min. Cook time: 5 min. Serves 8.
Monday, December 12, 2011
KENTUCKY DERBY CREAMY CHEDDAR GRITS SOUFFLE
1 c. grated, sharp Cheddar cheese
1 c. raw grits
4 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
A pinch of cayenne pepper
4 oz. butter
4 eggs, separated
Preheat oven to 375 deg. F. Grease 2 qt. souffle dish well & springkle 2 tbsp. of cheese around sides and bottom of dish. Cook grits in milk w/ salt til done. Add pepper, cayenne, butter, cheese & egg yolks to grits. Stir well & let cool.
Whip egg whites til stiff & carefully fold into grits mixture. Pour into prepared souffle dish & bake for 20-30 min. Serves 6-8.
1 c. raw grits
4 c. milk
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
A pinch of cayenne pepper
4 oz. butter
4 eggs, separated
Preheat oven to 375 deg. F. Grease 2 qt. souffle dish well & springkle 2 tbsp. of cheese around sides and bottom of dish. Cook grits in milk w/ salt til done. Add pepper, cayenne, butter, cheese & egg yolks to grits. Stir well & let cool.
Whip egg whites til stiff & carefully fold into grits mixture. Pour into prepared souffle dish & bake for 20-30 min. Serves 6-8.
BANANA CORN FRITTERS
3/4 c. yellow cornmeal
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. ground chipotle chili or cayenne pepper
1 1/4 c. roughly mashed bananas (about 3 med.)
1 lg. egg
2 tbsp. milk or buttermilk
2 tbsp. canola oil
Preheat oven to 400 deg. F. Coat baking sheet w/ cooking spray.
Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt cinnamon & chipotle (or cayenne) in med. bowl. Mix banana, egg & milk (or buttermilk) in another med. bowl. Add cornmeal mixture to banana mixture & stir til just incorporated.
Heat 1 tbsp. oil in lg. nonstick skillet over med.-high heat. Reduce heat to med.; using 2 tbsp. of batter for ea., space 5 fritters evenly in pan. Cook til golden brown, 30 sec. - 2 min. per side. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cook 2nd batch w/ remaining oil & batter, adjusting heat to prevent burning.
Transfer fritters to oven & bake til puffed & firm to touch, 8-10 min. (If you wish to make ahead: Reheat @ 350 deg. F. for 15-20 min.)
Makes 5 servings, 2 cakes ea.
Nutrition information per serving: 243 cal.; 8 g. fat (1 g. sat. fat); 43 mg. chol.; 41 g. carbs.; 5 g. pro.; 4 g. fiber; 326 mg. sodium.
Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers, often used to add heat & a smoky flavor to foods. Ground chipotle can be found in the specialty-spice section of most supermarkets.
1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 - 1/2 tsp. ground chipotle chili or cayenne pepper
1 1/4 c. roughly mashed bananas (about 3 med.)
1 lg. egg
2 tbsp. milk or buttermilk
2 tbsp. canola oil
Preheat oven to 400 deg. F. Coat baking sheet w/ cooking spray.
Whisk cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt cinnamon & chipotle (or cayenne) in med. bowl. Mix banana, egg & milk (or buttermilk) in another med. bowl. Add cornmeal mixture to banana mixture & stir til just incorporated.
Heat 1 tbsp. oil in lg. nonstick skillet over med.-high heat. Reduce heat to med.; using 2 tbsp. of batter for ea., space 5 fritters evenly in pan. Cook til golden brown, 30 sec. - 2 min. per side. Transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cook 2nd batch w/ remaining oil & batter, adjusting heat to prevent burning.
Transfer fritters to oven & bake til puffed & firm to touch, 8-10 min. (If you wish to make ahead: Reheat @ 350 deg. F. for 15-20 min.)
Makes 5 servings, 2 cakes ea.
Nutrition information per serving: 243 cal.; 8 g. fat (1 g. sat. fat); 43 mg. chol.; 41 g. carbs.; 5 g. pro.; 4 g. fiber; 326 mg. sodium.
Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeno peppers, often used to add heat & a smoky flavor to foods. Ground chipotle can be found in the specialty-spice section of most supermarkets.
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms
Preparation time: 25 min Servings: 6
Cooking time: 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp parsley, chopped, or 2 tsp parsley flakes
1 cup seasoned stuffing mix
1/4 tsp garlic powder, or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup unsalted butter
3 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb mushrooms
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove stems from mushrooms. Chop enough to make 1 cup stems and set aside. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Brush mushroom caps with butter and place top side down in a shallow baking pan. Melt remaining butter in same pan. Add chopped mushroom stems, onion and garlic powder and cook 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Add stuffing. Mix lightly. Spoon about 1 Tbsp stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap. Bake 10 minutes, or until mushrooms are heated through.
Cooking time: 10 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp parsley, chopped, or 2 tsp parsley flakes
1 cup seasoned stuffing mix
1/4 tsp garlic powder, or 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup unsalted butter
3 oz cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 lb mushrooms
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove stems from mushrooms. Chop enough to make 1 cup stems and set aside. Melt 2 Tbsp butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Brush mushroom caps with butter and place top side down in a shallow baking pan. Melt remaining butter in same pan. Add chopped mushroom stems, onion and garlic powder and cook 4-5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in cream cheese, Parmesan cheese and parsley. Add stuffing. Mix lightly. Spoon about 1 Tbsp stuffing mixture into each mushroom cap. Bake 10 minutes, or until mushrooms are heated through.
Mushroom Bread Pudding
Preparation time: 20 min Servings: 4
Cooking time: 50 min
Ingredients:
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp unsalted butter
6 slices whole wheat bread, cut in half
3 eggs
1/4 tsp salt to taste (optional)
1/4 cup water
1/2 lb mushrooms, quartered
1/2 tsp oregano, or 2 tsp fresh
1/2 tsp thyme, or 2 tsp fresh
1 cup Swiss cheese, or provolone cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, coarsely chopped
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt butter in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Sauté onion, oregano and thyme 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, or until onion is softened. Add water if skillet becomes dry. Add oil and mushrooms. Sauté 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine milk and eggs in a bowl. Combine cheeses in another bowl. Butter a deep baking dish. Arrange half the bread evenly in bottom of baking dish. Top with mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Top with remaining bread. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Pour milk and egg mixture evenly over cheese. Cover and bake 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 10-15 minutes or until custard is set.
Cooking time: 50 min
Ingredients:
1 cup skim milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp unsalted butter
6 slices whole wheat bread, cut in half
3 eggs
1/4 tsp salt to taste (optional)
1/4 cup water
1/2 lb mushrooms, quartered
1/2 tsp oregano, or 2 tsp fresh
1/2 tsp thyme, or 2 tsp fresh
1 cup Swiss cheese, or provolone cheese, grated
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, coarsely chopped
Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Melt butter in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Sauté onion, oregano and thyme 7-8 minutes, stirring frequently, or until onion is softened. Add water if skillet becomes dry. Add oil and mushrooms. Sauté 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Combine milk and eggs in a bowl. Combine cheeses in another bowl. Butter a deep baking dish. Arrange half the bread evenly in bottom of baking dish. Top with mushroom mixture. Sprinkle with half the cheese. Top with remaining bread. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Pour milk and egg mixture evenly over cheese. Cover and bake 20 minutes. Remove cover and bake another 10-15 minutes or until custard is set.
Chinese Carrot and Mushroom Stir-Fry
Preparation time: 10 min Servings: 4
Cooking time: 5 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp vegetable broth
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
8-3/4 oz flat mushrooms, sliced
1/2 lb canned bamboo shoots, drained
6-1/4 oz carrots, cut into strips
1 green bell pepper, cored, deseeded and cubed
2 tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Directions:
Heat the oil in a wok or large heavy-based frying pan. Add the carrot and green pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, cover and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the bamboo shoots, then gradually stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, simmer for 1 minute, then serve immediately.
Nutritionist Recommended For:
Low Calories
Low Cholesterol
Cooking time: 5 min
Ingredients:
2 tbsp vegetable broth
2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
8-3/4 oz flat mushrooms, sliced
1/2 lb canned bamboo shoots, drained
6-1/4 oz carrots, cut into strips
1 green bell pepper, cored, deseeded and cubed
2 tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Directions:
Heat the oil in a wok or large heavy-based frying pan. Add the carrot and green pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, cover and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the bamboo shoots, then gradually stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and vegetable stock. Bring to the boil, simmer for 1 minute, then serve immediately.
Nutritionist Recommended For:
Low Calories
Low Cholesterol
Tofu with Artichoke and Mushroom Ragu
Preparation time: 15 min Servings: 4
Cooking time: 20 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp parsley, minced
2 tsp unsalted butter
1/4 lb mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 lb firm tofu, patted dry and cut into 1 in. slices
2 cups Italian style peeled tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp oregano, or 1-1/2 tsp fresh, chopped
1/4 tsp thyme, or 1 tsp fresh, chopped
9 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
Cooking Directions:
Melt butter in a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium high heat. Sauté mushrooms 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add stock and boil until mixture is reduced by half. Add next 4 ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens. Stir in parsley and remove from heat. Set aside and keep warm. Turn on broiler. Season tofu with pepper to taste. Arrange tofu on a broiler pan and broil 3-4 minutes per side or until tofu is golden. Serve tofu topped with sauce.
Nutritionist Recommended For:
Low Cholesterol
Cooking time: 20 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp parsley, minced
2 tsp unsalted butter
1/4 lb mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1 lb firm tofu, patted dry and cut into 1 in. slices
2 cups Italian style peeled tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 tsp oregano, or 1-1/2 tsp fresh, chopped
1/4 tsp thyme, or 1 tsp fresh, chopped
9 oz frozen artichoke hearts, thawed
Cooking Directions:
Melt butter in a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium high heat. Sauté mushrooms 4 minutes or until lightly browned. Add stock and boil until mixture is reduced by half. Add next 4 ingredients and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens. Stir in parsley and remove from heat. Set aside and keep warm. Turn on broiler. Season tofu with pepper to taste. Arrange tofu on a broiler pan and broil 3-4 minutes per side or until tofu is golden. Serve tofu topped with sauce.
Nutritionist Recommended For:
Low Cholesterol
Whistlin' Whiskey
Forget whistling Dixie -- you'll be whistling whiskey with this beverage. The combinations of a few traditional drinks comes together for a taste that's completely out of the ordinary. Stir up a bowl of this concoction and it will surely be the life of the party.
Ingredients
1 (12 fluid oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate 2 cups strong brewed black tea 1 cup white sugar 2 cups whiskey 7 cups water 1 quart ginger ale soda 2 lemons - cut into wedges, for garnish
Methods/steps
In a large plastic container combine lemonade concentrate, orange juice concentrate, tea, sugar, whiskey and water. Mix well and freeze for 24 hours. Scoop into a tall glass, 3/4 full, and pour ginger ale to fill the glass. Stir and garnish with lemon wedges.
Ingredients
1 (12 fluid oz.) can frozen lemonade concentrate 1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice concentrate 2 cups strong brewed black tea 1 cup white sugar 2 cups whiskey 7 cups water 1 quart ginger ale soda 2 lemons - cut into wedges, for garnish
Methods/steps
In a large plastic container combine lemonade concentrate, orange juice concentrate, tea, sugar, whiskey and water. Mix well and freeze for 24 hours. Scoop into a tall glass, 3/4 full, and pour ginger ale to fill the glass. Stir and garnish with lemon wedges.
Apple Tossed Salad
An apple a day keeps the doctor away... along with the dinnertime doldrums. Sink your teeth into this salad that's tossed with heavenly herbs and onions. It will put those simple garden salads to shame.
Ingredients
1/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil 3 tbsp. water 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp. dried parsley flakes 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 8 cups torn romaine 1 medium red apple, thinly sliced 1 small sweet onion, sliced and separated into rings 1/4 cup sunflower kernels or walnuts
Methods/steps
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first nine ingredients; shake well. In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, apple, onion and sunflower kernel. Add dressing and toss to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1/3 cup red wine vinegar or cider vinegar 1/4 cup olive or vegetable oil 3 tbsp. water 1 garlic clove, minced 1 tsp. onion powder 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 1/4 tsp. dried parsley flakes 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 8 cups torn romaine 1 medium red apple, thinly sliced 1 small sweet onion, sliced and separated into rings 1/4 cup sunflower kernels or walnuts
Methods/steps
In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the first nine ingredients; shake well. In a salad bowl, combine the romaine, apple, onion and sunflower kernel. Add dressing and toss to coat. Let stand for 30 minutes.
Bread Bowl Fondue
It's not the traditional cheese fondue you are accustomed to, but it's every bit as good. We've even found a great-tasting way to ham it up. One bite and there's no denying that this medley will melt in your mouth.
Ingredients
1 (1 lb.) loaf round bread 8 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed 2 cups sour cream 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup diced fully cooked ham 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tbsp. butter, melted Assorted fresh vegetables
Methods/steps
Cut the top fourth off the loaf of bread; set top aside. Carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. Cube removed bread; set aside. In a bowl, combine the process cheese, sour cream and cream cheese. Stir in the ham, green onions, chilies and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon into bread shell; replace top. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil and place on a baking sheet; bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until the filling is heated through. Meanwhile, toss reserved bread cubes with oil and butter. Place in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Unwrap loaf and remove bread top; stir filling. Serve with vegetables and toasted bread cubes.
Additional Tips
Prep time 15 min Cook time 1 hr Ready in 1 hr 15 min
Ingredients
1 (1 lb.) loaf round bread 8 oz. cheddar cheese, cubed 2 cups sour cream 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup diced fully cooked ham 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 tbsp. vegetable oil 1 tbsp. butter, melted Assorted fresh vegetables
Methods/steps
Cut the top fourth off the loaf of bread; set top aside. Carefully hollow out bottom, leaving a 1/2-in. shell. Cube removed bread; set aside. In a bowl, combine the process cheese, sour cream and cream cheese. Stir in the ham, green onions, chilies and Worcestershire sauce. Spoon into bread shell; replace top. Wrap tightly in heavy-duty foil and place on a baking sheet; bake at 350 degrees for 60-70 minutes or until the filling is heated through. Meanwhile, toss reserved bread cubes with oil and butter. Place in a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Unwrap loaf and remove bread top; stir filling. Serve with vegetables and toasted bread cubes.
Additional Tips
Prep time 15 min Cook time 1 hr Ready in 1 hr 15 min
Broccoli Soup
Even those picky eaters that aren't big fans of vegetables won't be able to resist this scrumptious broccoli soup. Made from scratch, you can -- and you will -- love every spoonful of this palate-pleasing pottage. For a variety, experiment with the vegetables of your choice.
Ingredients
1 lb. broccoli 1 tbsp. instant onion flakes 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 1 tbsp. flour 1 tsp. sweet basil 1 1/3 cups water 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 (13 oz.) can of evaporated milk
Methods/steps
Fresh broccoli should be washed, trimmed and broken into small pieces. Place broccoli in medium saucepan; add next 7 ingredients. Cover and bring to boil; simmer until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove some florets and set aside for garnish. Pure or blend remaining broccoli, return to heat, and stir in evaporated milk. Heat to serving temperature.
Additional Tips
Ready in 40 minutes
Ingredients
1 lb. broccoli 1 tbsp. instant onion flakes 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. white pepper 1 tbsp. flour 1 tsp. sweet basil 1 1/3 cups water 1 chicken bouillon cube 1 (13 oz.) can of evaporated milk
Methods/steps
Fresh broccoli should be washed, trimmed and broken into small pieces. Place broccoli in medium saucepan; add next 7 ingredients. Cover and bring to boil; simmer until tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove some florets and set aside for garnish. Pure or blend remaining broccoli, return to heat, and stir in evaporated milk. Heat to serving temperature.
Additional Tips
Ready in 40 minutes
Beef Pot Pie
There's no question as to where the beef is. This tasty beef pot pie is where's it at. If you're in search of a quick after-school meal that satisfies, this pie is a slice of heaven.
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 1 jar of Taco sauce, 16 oz. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup Original Bisquick 1/2 cup of milk 1 egg
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cook beef and onion in ovenproof 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in taco sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Stir remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over beef mixture. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 1 jar of Taco sauce, 16 oz. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup Original Bisquick 1/2 cup of milk 1 egg
Methods/steps
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Cook beef and onion in ovenproof 10-inch skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in taco sauce. Sprinkle with cheese. Stir remaining ingredients until blended. Pour over beef mixture. Bake about 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Additional Tips
Ready in 1 hour
PHILADELPHIA-STYLE APPLE CAKE
Be sure to grease Bundt pan really well, & avoid cooking spray as it could cause cake to stick.
6 c. peeled & thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 3 lg.)
½ c. + 5 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
4 eggs
½ c. light brown sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
½ c. orange juice
2 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease, sugar & flour 10” Bundt or tube pan.
2. Combine apple slices w/ 5 tbsp. granulated sugar & cinnamon; set aside.
3. Combine flour, baking powder & salt in bowl & set aside.
4. Beat eggs w/ remaining granulated sugar & brown sugar. Add vegetable oil, orange juice & vanilla; beat well. Gradually blend in flour mixture & mix til well blended (about 1 min.).
5. Pour 1/3 of batter into pan. Top w/ ½ the apple slices, draining of any liquid. Pour in ½ remaining batter & top w/ remaining apple slices. Top w/ remaining batter, making sure apples are covered.
6. Bake 55-60 min., til top turns golden brown & knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool 10 min. in pan. Turn out onto wire rack & let cool completely. Serves 16.
Nutritional fact per serving: 320 cal.; 15 g. fat; 55 mg. chol.; 4 g. pro.; 47 g. carbs.; 2 g. fiber; 190 mg. sodium.
6 c. peeled & thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 3 lg.)
½ c. + 5 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
4 eggs
½ c. light brown sugar
1 c. vegetable oil
½ c. orange juice
2 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease, sugar & flour 10” Bundt or tube pan.
2. Combine apple slices w/ 5 tbsp. granulated sugar & cinnamon; set aside.
3. Combine flour, baking powder & salt in bowl & set aside.
4. Beat eggs w/ remaining granulated sugar & brown sugar. Add vegetable oil, orange juice & vanilla; beat well. Gradually blend in flour mixture & mix til well blended (about 1 min.).
5. Pour 1/3 of batter into pan. Top w/ ½ the apple slices, draining of any liquid. Pour in ½ remaining batter & top w/ remaining apple slices. Top w/ remaining batter, making sure apples are covered.
6. Bake 55-60 min., til top turns golden brown & knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool 10 min. in pan. Turn out onto wire rack & let cool completely. Serves 16.
Nutritional fact per serving: 320 cal.; 15 g. fat; 55 mg. chol.; 4 g. pro.; 47 g. carbs.; 2 g. fiber; 190 mg. sodium.
PUMPKIN PIE
Makes 1-9” pie, enough to serve 10-12.
1 unbaked 9” Pie Crust, homemade or store bought
1-15 oz. can pumpkin puree (Libby’s Pure Pumpkin)
¾ c. sugar
1 ½ tsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground allspice
¼ tsp. ground mace
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 ½ c. whole milk
2 extra-lg. eggs
1) Position rack in center of oven & preheat to 450° F.
2) Put pumpkin, sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, mace, & vanilla in bowl of stand mixer fitted w/ paddle attachment. Paddle @ low-med. speed approximately 2 min.
3) W/ motor running, pour in milk in 2 additions. Stop motor, scrape sides of bowl w/ wooden spatula, restart, & paddle for additional 2 min. Add eggs & paddle til absorbed, approximately 2 additional min.
4) Pour mixture into 9” pie crust in pan & bake 15 min., then lower heat to 375° F. & bake til finger dabbed onto surface emerges clean, 30-40 min.
5) Remove pie from oven & let cool 1-2 hrs. Slice & serve right away or cover w/ plastic & refrigerate for up to 3 days.
1 unbaked 9” Pie Crust, homemade or store bought
1-15 oz. can pumpkin puree (Libby’s Pure Pumpkin)
¾ c. sugar
1 ½ tsp. cornstarch
½ tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground cloves
¼ tsp. ground ginger
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground allspice
¼ tsp. ground mace
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 ½ c. whole milk
2 extra-lg. eggs
1) Position rack in center of oven & preheat to 450° F.
2) Put pumpkin, sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, mace, & vanilla in bowl of stand mixer fitted w/ paddle attachment. Paddle @ low-med. speed approximately 2 min.
3) W/ motor running, pour in milk in 2 additions. Stop motor, scrape sides of bowl w/ wooden spatula, restart, & paddle for additional 2 min. Add eggs & paddle til absorbed, approximately 2 additional min.
4) Pour mixture into 9” pie crust in pan & bake 15 min., then lower heat to 375° F. & bake til finger dabbed onto surface emerges clean, 30-40 min.
5) Remove pie from oven & let cool 1-2 hrs. Slice & serve right away or cover w/ plastic & refrigerate for up to 3 days.
OATMEAL COOKIES
¾ c. butter flavored shortening
1 ¼ c. brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 c. milk
1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
3 c. rolled oats
1 c. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. raisins (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° F. (190° C.) Grease cookie sheets.
In lg. bowl, cream together butter-flavored shortening & brown sugar til smooth. Beat in egg then stir in milk & vanilla. Mix in flour, oats, baking soda & cinnamon til well blended. Fold in walnuts & if desired, raisins. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 min. in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet 5 min. before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
1 ¼ c. brown sugar
1 egg
1/3 c. milk
1 ½ tsp. vanilla extract
3 c. rolled oats
1 c. all-purpose flour
½ tsp. baking soda
¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
1 c. chopped walnuts
1 c. raisins (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375° F. (190° C.) Grease cookie sheets.
In lg. bowl, cream together butter-flavored shortening & brown sugar til smooth. Beat in egg then stir in milk & vanilla. Mix in flour, oats, baking soda & cinnamon til well blended. Fold in walnuts & if desired, raisins. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet.
Bake 8-10 min. in preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet 5 min. before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
PANCAKE DIRECTIONS
2 c. Bakery Mix
1 ½ c. water or milk
For richer pancakes use any or all of these additional ingredients:
1-2 eggs
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. melted shortening or oil
Beat ingredients by hand w/ wire whisk or hand beater til well blended.
Pour ¼ c. batter onto hot 375° F. lightly greased griddle.
Cook about 1 min. til top is bubbled & edges are dry. Turn, cook another min. or til golden brown. Serve w/ butter & syrup or jelly.
1 ½ c. water or milk
For richer pancakes use any or all of these additional ingredients:
1-2 eggs
2 tbsp. sugar
2 tbsp. melted shortening or oil
Beat ingredients by hand w/ wire whisk or hand beater til well blended.
Pour ¼ c. batter onto hot 375° F. lightly greased griddle.
Cook about 1 min. til top is bubbled & edges are dry. Turn, cook another min. or til golden brown. Serve w/ butter & syrup or jelly.
MUFFIN DIRECTIONS
2 c. Bakery Mix
1 1/8 c. milk (for cholesterol free muffins us skim milk)
1 egg (for cholesterol free muffins use 2 egg whites or ¼ c. cholesterol free egg product)
1/3 c. sugar
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
Preheat conventional oven to 400° F.
Grease 12-c. regular muffin pan or line w/ paper baking cups.
Beat eggs & liquid ingredients slightly in bowl; stir in dry ingredients just til moistened. Divide batter evenly among cups.
Bake muffins 13-15 min. or til golden brown. Yields 12 muffins.
High-Altitude: Heat oven to 425° F.
1 1/8 c. milk (for cholesterol free muffins us skim milk)
1 egg (for cholesterol free muffins use 2 egg whites or ¼ c. cholesterol free egg product)
1/3 c. sugar
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
Preheat conventional oven to 400° F.
Grease 12-c. regular muffin pan or line w/ paper baking cups.
Beat eggs & liquid ingredients slightly in bowl; stir in dry ingredients just til moistened. Divide batter evenly among cups.
Bake muffins 13-15 min. or til golden brown. Yields 12 muffins.
High-Altitude: Heat oven to 425° F.
BISCUIT DIRECTIONS
3 1/3 c. Bakery Mix
1 c. Cold water
Preheat conventional oven to 450° F.
Mix ingredients about 30 sec. til soft dough forms. If dough is too sticky, gradually mix in enough bakery mix (up to ¼ c.) to make dough easy to handle.
Turn dough onto lightly surface & roll in bakery mix to coat. Shape into ball & knead gently 8-10 x’s. Roll ½” thick. Cut biscuits w/ floured 3” biscuit cutter.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 11-13 min. or til golden brown. Yields 10-12 biscuits.
Drop Biscuits: Follow recipe above except do not knead. After mixing, drop by spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet & bake as directed for 11-13 min.
High-Altitude: Heat oven to 475° F.
1 c. Cold water
Preheat conventional oven to 450° F.
Mix ingredients about 30 sec. til soft dough forms. If dough is too sticky, gradually mix in enough bakery mix (up to ¼ c.) to make dough easy to handle.
Turn dough onto lightly surface & roll in bakery mix to coat. Shape into ball & knead gently 8-10 x’s. Roll ½” thick. Cut biscuits w/ floured 3” biscuit cutter.
Bake on ungreased cookie sheet 11-13 min. or til golden brown. Yields 10-12 biscuits.
Drop Biscuits: Follow recipe above except do not knead. After mixing, drop by spoonful onto ungreased cookie sheet & bake as directed for 11-13 min.
High-Altitude: Heat oven to 475° F.
SPLIT PEA SOUP
Serves 8.
Serve w/ cornbread for a classic combination.
1 meaty ham hock
2 qts. Water
1 ½ c. USA dry split peas
¾ c. diced carrot
1 ½ c. diced celery
½ c. chopped onion
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp. thyme
¼ tsp. pepper
Cover ham hock w/ 2 qts. Cold water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, & simmer 1 hr.
Take bone from pot, remove all meat from bone, & cut meat into sm. pcs. Return meat to pot.
Add dry split peas, carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf, thyme, & pepper to pot. Cover & simmer 45 min., or til peas are tender. Longer cooking will give creamier texture. (Remove bay leaf before serving).
Add salt & pepper, to taste.
Per serving: Cal. 158; Pro. 11 g.; Carbs. 25 g.; Dietary Fiber 10 g.; Fat 2 g.; Chol. 7 mg.; Folate 111 mcg.
Serve w/ cornbread for a classic combination.
1 meaty ham hock
2 qts. Water
1 ½ c. USA dry split peas
¾ c. diced carrot
1 ½ c. diced celery
½ c. chopped onion
1 bay leaf
¼ tsp. thyme
¼ tsp. pepper
Cover ham hock w/ 2 qts. Cold water. Bring to boil. Reduce heat, cover, & simmer 1 hr.
Take bone from pot, remove all meat from bone, & cut meat into sm. pcs. Return meat to pot.
Add dry split peas, carrot, celery, onion, bay leaf, thyme, & pepper to pot. Cover & simmer 45 min., or til peas are tender. Longer cooking will give creamier texture. (Remove bay leaf before serving).
Add salt & pepper, to taste.
Per serving: Cal. 158; Pro. 11 g.; Carbs. 25 g.; Dietary Fiber 10 g.; Fat 2 g.; Chol. 7 mg.; Folate 111 mcg.
TREASURE CHEST COOKIES
Makes 3-4 doz.
1 jar. Treasure Chest Cookie Mix
¼ c. butter or margarine, softened
½ c. peanut butter
1 egg
½ tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven 375° F. In lg. bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, egg & vanilla. Slowly add & stir Treasure Chest Cookie Mix til mixture is well blended. Form dough into 1” balls & place on greased cookie sheet. Dip bottom of glass in sugar & use to flatten cookies. Bake for 11-12 min. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
1 jar. Treasure Chest Cookie Mix
¼ c. butter or margarine, softened
½ c. peanut butter
1 egg
½ tsp. vanilla
Preheat oven 375° F. In lg. bowl, cream butter, peanut butter, egg & vanilla. Slowly add & stir Treasure Chest Cookie Mix til mixture is well blended. Form dough into 1” balls & place on greased cookie sheet. Dip bottom of glass in sugar & use to flatten cookies. Bake for 11-12 min. Transfer to wire racks to cool.
BISCUITS
Makes 8-12 biscuits.
Ingredients
2 c. Flour
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
1/3 c. Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
1/3 c. Shortening
¾ c. Water
Directions
Combine 1st 4 ingredients thoroughly. Cut in shortening w/ fork til mixture is crumbly. Stir water in gradually to make dough that is soft but not sticky. Knead gently on floured board. Roll dough ½ or ¾” thickness. Cut w/ round cookie cutter or into sqs. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake @ 450° F. for 12-15 min. or til golden brown.
Ingredients
2 c. Flour
1 tbsp. Baking Powder
1 tsp. Salt
1/3 c. Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
1/3 c. Shortening
¾ c. Water
Directions
Combine 1st 4 ingredients thoroughly. Cut in shortening w/ fork til mixture is crumbly. Stir water in gradually to make dough that is soft but not sticky. Knead gently on floured board. Roll dough ½ or ¾” thickness. Cut w/ round cookie cutter or into sqs. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake @ 450° F. for 12-15 min. or til golden brown.
INSTANT COCOA MIX
Makes 20 c.
Ingredients
4 c. Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
2 c. Sugar
1 c. Unsweetened Cocoa
½ tsp. Salt
Directions
Combine all ingredients & mix thoroughly. Store in airtight container. For hot chocolate, use ¼ c. mix per c. of boiling water. For a Mocha Treat, use ¼ c. mix per c. of coffee & top w/ whip cream.
Ingredients
4 c. Instant Nonfat Dry Milk
2 c. Sugar
1 c. Unsweetened Cocoa
½ tsp. Salt
Directions
Combine all ingredients & mix thoroughly. Store in airtight container. For hot chocolate, use ¼ c. mix per c. of boiling water. For a Mocha Treat, use ¼ c. mix per c. of coffee & top w/ whip cream.
MIXING INSTRUCTIONS FOR POWDERED MILK
MIXING INSTRUCTIONS
(For 1 qt. reconstituted skim milk)
Low heat for beverage or cooking.
1. Put 3 ¾ c. cold water in a container.
2. Add 1 1/3 c. River Valley Products Instant Nonfat Dry Milk.
3. Stir to dissolve.
4. Cover & chill for 2 hrs. before serving.
5. Store in refrigerator.
6. Use w/i 5-6 days.
Note: The above instructions will make approximately 1 qt. fluid milk. To make exactly 1 qt., add 3.2 oz.(by weight) to 3 ¾ c. water. Due to settling, the number of qts. Made by following measuring cup method may be less than the number declared on label.
(For 1 qt. reconstituted skim milk)
Low heat for beverage or cooking.
1. Put 3 ¾ c. cold water in a container.
2. Add 1 1/3 c. River Valley Products Instant Nonfat Dry Milk.
3. Stir to dissolve.
4. Cover & chill for 2 hrs. before serving.
5. Store in refrigerator.
6. Use w/i 5-6 days.
Note: The above instructions will make approximately 1 qt. fluid milk. To make exactly 1 qt., add 3.2 oz.(by weight) to 3 ¾ c. water. Due to settling, the number of qts. Made by following measuring cup method may be less than the number declared on label.
VOLCANO BURGER
Ingredients
1 pkg. JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE Extra lean Ground Turkey
Shredded Extra iceberg lettuce
½ c. ketchup
¼ c. shredded low fat mozzarella cheese
¼ c. shredded low fat Cheddar cheese
5 sm. whole wheat buns
Directions
Divide ground turkey into 5 portions. Shape ea. portion into a cone-shape (so it looks like a volcano with center somewhat hollowed. Place formed burgers on baking sheet & bake @ 400° F. for approximately 40 minutes, to an internal temperature of 165° F. Top bun w/ lettuce & burger. Pour ketchup into hollowed out burger & sprinkle w/ cheeses.
1 pkg. JENNIE-O TURKEY STORE Extra lean Ground Turkey
Shredded Extra iceberg lettuce
½ c. ketchup
¼ c. shredded low fat mozzarella cheese
¼ c. shredded low fat Cheddar cheese
5 sm. whole wheat buns
Directions
Divide ground turkey into 5 portions. Shape ea. portion into a cone-shape (so it looks like a volcano with center somewhat hollowed. Place formed burgers on baking sheet & bake @ 400° F. for approximately 40 minutes, to an internal temperature of 165° F. Top bun w/ lettuce & burger. Pour ketchup into hollowed out burger & sprinkle w/ cheeses.
COOKIE JAR GINGERSNAPS
3/4 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
2 c. all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
Additional sugar
In lg. mixing bowl, cream shortening & sugar. Beat in egg & molasses. Combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon & salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Roll teaspoonsful of dough into balls. Dip 1 side of ea. ball into sugar; place w/ sugar side up on greased baking sheet. Bake @ 350 deg. F. for 12-15 min. or til lightly browned & tops are cracked.
Yield: 3-4 doz.
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1/4 c. molasses
2 c. all-purpose flour
3 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
Additional sugar
In lg. mixing bowl, cream shortening & sugar. Beat in egg & molasses. Combine flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon & salt; gradually add to creamed mixture. Roll teaspoonsful of dough into balls. Dip 1 side of ea. ball into sugar; place w/ sugar side up on greased baking sheet. Bake @ 350 deg. F. for 12-15 min. or til lightly browned & tops are cracked.
Yield: 3-4 doz.
GRANDMA'S ORANGE ROLLS
1 pkg. (1/4 o z.) active dry yeast
1/4 c. warm water (110-115 deg. F.)
1 c. warm milk (110-115 deg. F.)
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 1/2 - 3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
Filling:
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 tbsp. grated orange peel
Glaze:
1 c. confectioners' sugar
4 tsp. butter, softened
4-5 tsp. milk
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
In sm. bowl, dissolve yeast in water. In lg. mixing bowl, mix milk, shortening, sugar, salt & egg. Add yeast mixture & blend. Stir in enough flour to form soft blend. Knead on lightly floured surface til smooth & elastic, about 6-8 min.
Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover & let rise in warm place til doubled, about 1 hr. Punch dough down; divide in 1/2. Roll ea. 1/2 into 15x10" rectangle. Mix filling ingredients til smooth. Spread 1/2 filling on ea. rectangle. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting w/ long end. Cut ea. into 15 rolls.
Place in 2 greased 11x7x2" baking pans. Cover & let rise til doubled, about 45 min. Bake @ 375 deg. F. for 20-25 min. or til lightly browned. Mix glaze ingredients; spread over warm rolls.
Yield: 30 rolls.
1/4 c. warm water (110-115 deg. F.)
1 c. warm milk (110-115 deg. F.)
1/4 c. shortening
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
3 1/2 - 3 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
Filling:
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. butter, softened
2 tbsp. grated orange peel
Glaze:
1 c. confectioners' sugar
4 tsp. butter, softened
4-5 tsp. milk
1/2 tsp. lemon extract
In sm. bowl, dissolve yeast in water. In lg. mixing bowl, mix milk, shortening, sugar, salt & egg. Add yeast mixture & blend. Stir in enough flour to form soft blend. Knead on lightly floured surface til smooth & elastic, about 6-8 min.
Place in greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover & let rise in warm place til doubled, about 1 hr. Punch dough down; divide in 1/2. Roll ea. 1/2 into 15x10" rectangle. Mix filling ingredients til smooth. Spread 1/2 filling on ea. rectangle. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting w/ long end. Cut ea. into 15 rolls.
Place in 2 greased 11x7x2" baking pans. Cover & let rise til doubled, about 45 min. Bake @ 375 deg. F. for 20-25 min. or til lightly browned. Mix glaze ingredients; spread over warm rolls.
Yield: 30 rolls.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FEEL DISCOURAGED
The people the LORD has freed will return and enter Jerusalem with joy. Their happiness will last forever. They will have joy and gladness, and all sadness and sorrow will be gone far away. --Isaiah 51:11
This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can be proved to be pure by fire but will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is shown to you. You have not seen Christ, but still you love Him. You cannot see Him now, but you believe in Him. So you are filled with a joy that cannot be explained, a joy full of glory. And you are receiving the goal of your faith the salvation of your souls. --1 Peter 1:6-9
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. --Philippians 4:6-8
LORD, even when I have trouble all around me, you will keep me alive. When my enemies are angry, you will reach down and save me by your power. --Psalm 138:7
Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me." --John 14:1
I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid. --John 14:27
We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. --2 Corinthians 4:8-9
So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has a great reward. You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised. --Hebrews 10:35-36
God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again. --Philippians 1:6
We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. --Galatians 6:9
All you who put your hope in the LORD be strong and brave. --Psalm 31:24
The LORD is my light and the one who saves me. I fear no one. The LORD protects my life; I am afraid of no one. Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated. If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the LORD. I ask only one thing from the LORD. This is what I want: Let me live in the LORD's house all my life. Let me see the LORD's beauty and look with my own eyes at his Temple. During danger he will keep me safe in his shelter. He will hide me in his Holy Tent, or he will keep me safe on a high mountain. My head is higher than my enemies around me. I will offer joyful sacrifices in his Holy Tent. I will sing and praise the LORD. LORD, hear me when I call; have mercy and answer me. My heart said of you, "Go worship him." So I come to worship you, LORD. Do not turn away from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger; you have helped me. Do not push me away or leave me alone, God, my Savior. If my father and mother leave me, the LORD will take me in. LORD, teach me your ways, and guide me to do what is right because I have enemies. Do not hand me over to my enemies, because they tell lies about me and say they will hurt me. I truly believe I will to see the LORD's goodness. Wait for the LORD's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the LORD's help. --Psalm 27:1-14
This makes you very happy, even though now for a short time different kinds of troubles may make you sad. These troubles come to prove that your faith is pure. This purity of faith is worth more than gold, which can be proved to be pure by fire but will ruin. But the purity of your faith will bring you praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is shown to you. You have not seen Christ, but still you love Him. You cannot see Him now, but you believe in Him. So you are filled with a joy that cannot be explained, a joy full of glory. And you are receiving the goal of your faith the salvation of your souls. --1 Peter 1:6-9
Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks. And God's peace, which is so great we cannot understand it, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, think about the things that are good and worthy of praise. Think about the things that are true and honorable and right and pure and beautiful and respected. --Philippians 4:6-8
LORD, even when I have trouble all around me, you will keep me alive. When my enemies are angry, you will reach down and save me by your power. --Psalm 138:7
Jesus said, "Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me." --John 14:1
I leave you peace; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world does. So don't let your hearts be troubled or afraid. --John 14:27
We have troubles all around us, but we are not defeated. We do not know what to do, but we do not give the hope of living. We are persecuted, but God does not leave us. We are hurt sometimes, but we are not destroyed. --2 Corinthians 4:8-9
So do not lose the courage you had in the past, which has a great reward. You must hold on, so you can do what God wants and receive what he has promised. --Hebrews 10:35-36
God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again. --Philippians 1:6
We must not become tired of doing good. We will receive our harvest of eternal life at the right time if we do not give up. --Galatians 6:9
All you who put your hope in the LORD be strong and brave. --Psalm 31:24
The LORD is my light and the one who saves me. I fear no one. The LORD protects my life; I am afraid of no one. Evil people may try to destroy my body. My enemies and those who hate me attack me, but they are overwhelmed and defeated. If an army surrounds me, I will not be afraid. If war breaks out, I will trust the LORD. I ask only one thing from the LORD. This is what I want: Let me live in the LORD's house all my life. Let me see the LORD's beauty and look with my own eyes at his Temple. During danger he will keep me safe in his shelter. He will hide me in his Holy Tent, or he will keep me safe on a high mountain. My head is higher than my enemies around me. I will offer joyful sacrifices in his Holy Tent. I will sing and praise the LORD. LORD, hear me when I call; have mercy and answer me. My heart said of you, "Go worship him." So I come to worship you, LORD. Do not turn away from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger; you have helped me. Do not push me away or leave me alone, God, my Savior. If my father and mother leave me, the LORD will take me in. LORD, teach me your ways, and guide me to do what is right because I have enemies. Do not hand me over to my enemies, because they tell lies about me and say they will hurt me. I truly believe I will to see the LORD's goodness. Wait for the LORD's help. Be strong and brave, and wait for the LORD's help. --Psalm 27:1-14
Thursday, November 24, 2011
IT'S THE REAL DEAL
READ: 1 PETER 1:3-12
I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU BRIEFLY, EXHORTING AND TESTIFYING THAT THIS IS THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD IN WHICH YOU STAND. --1 PETER 5:12
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 22-24; 2 CORINTHIANS 8
One of the coolest things hanging on the wall in my home office is a Certificate of Authenticity.
It has on it the logo of US Space Shuttle flight 110, which was launched in April 2002. Aboard the ATLANTIS on that flight was Mission Specialist Rex Walheim, who took into outer space an article from OUR DAILY BREAD titled "Seeing God's Glory." Lt. Col. Walheim sent me the certificate to prove that this devotional page actually left earth's atmosphere.
Sometimes we need these kinds of things--documents that verify truth. If I were to show that article to someone and say, "This flew on the Space Shuttle," I could be doubted because I would have no proof. But when Walheim sent me the Certificate of Authenticity, he gave me verification.
In 1 Peter, Simon Peter created a Certificate of Authenticity for his message about the grace of God. In chapter 5, he wrote, "I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this [letter] is the true grace of God" (v. 12). Peter was assuring his readers that the many messages of 1 Peter--themes of hope and courage and even suffering--were all authentic and demonstrate the grace of God.
Looking for evidence of God's grace? Read 1 Peter, and be confident that its teaching is the real deal. --Dave Branon
THE BIBLE STANDS LIKE A MOUNTAIN TOWERING
FAR ABOVE THE WORKS OF MEN;
ITS TRUTH BY NONE EVER WAS REFUTED,
AND DESTROY IT THEY CAN NEVER CAN. --LILLENAS
TO TRUST GOD IS TO TRUST IN HIS HOLY WORD.
Our Daily Bread. RBC Ministries. September/October/November 2010.
I HAVE WRITTEN TO YOU BRIEFLY, EXHORTING AND TESTIFYING THAT THIS IS THE TRUE GRACE OF GOD IN WHICH YOU STAND. --1 PETER 5:12
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 22-24; 2 CORINTHIANS 8
One of the coolest things hanging on the wall in my home office is a Certificate of Authenticity.
It has on it the logo of US Space Shuttle flight 110, which was launched in April 2002. Aboard the ATLANTIS on that flight was Mission Specialist Rex Walheim, who took into outer space an article from OUR DAILY BREAD titled "Seeing God's Glory." Lt. Col. Walheim sent me the certificate to prove that this devotional page actually left earth's atmosphere.
Sometimes we need these kinds of things--documents that verify truth. If I were to show that article to someone and say, "This flew on the Space Shuttle," I could be doubted because I would have no proof. But when Walheim sent me the Certificate of Authenticity, he gave me verification.
In 1 Peter, Simon Peter created a Certificate of Authenticity for his message about the grace of God. In chapter 5, he wrote, "I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this [letter] is the true grace of God" (v. 12). Peter was assuring his readers that the many messages of 1 Peter--themes of hope and courage and even suffering--were all authentic and demonstrate the grace of God.
Looking for evidence of God's grace? Read 1 Peter, and be confident that its teaching is the real deal. --Dave Branon
THE BIBLE STANDS LIKE A MOUNTAIN TOWERING
FAR ABOVE THE WORKS OF MEN;
ITS TRUTH BY NONE EVER WAS REFUTED,
AND DESTROY IT THEY CAN NEVER CAN. --LILLENAS
TO TRUST GOD IS TO TRUST IN HIS HOLY WORD.
Our Daily Bread. RBC Ministries. September/October/November 2010.
JESUS IS YOUR ANSWER
And God can give you more blessings than you need. Then you will always have plenty of everything--enough to give to every good work. --2 Corinthians 9:8
My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. --Philippians 4:19
So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you. --Mark 11:24
We are not saying that we can do this work ourselves. It is God who makes us able to do all that we do. --2 Corinthians 3:5
I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. --Philippians 4:12-13
And you will know that God's power is very great for us who believe. That power is the same as the great strength God used to raise Christ from the dead and put Him at His right side in the heavenly world. --Ephesians 1:19-20
But He said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When your are weak, My power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. --2 Corinthians 12:9
But in all these things we have full victory through God who showed His love for us. --Romans 8:37
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. --Ephesians 1:3
If you remain in Me and follow My teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you. --John 15:7
And if you ask for anything in My name, I will do it for you so that the Father's glory will be shown through the Son. --John 14:13
In the day you will not ask Me for anything. I tell you the truth, My Father will give you anything you ask for in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy. --John 16:23-24
If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer. --Matthew 21:22
So what should we say about this? If God is with us, no one can defeat us. He did not spare His own Son but gave Him for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. --Romans 8:31-32
Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know Him. Jesus called us by His glory and goodness. Through these He gave us the very great and precious promises. With these gifts you can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires. --2 Peter 1:3-4
My whole being, praise the LORD and do not forget all His kindnesses. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He saves my life from the grave and loads me with love and mercy. --Psalm 103:2-4
My God will use His wonderful riches in Christ Jesus to give you everything you need. --Philippians 4:19
So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you. --Mark 11:24
We are not saying that we can do this work ourselves. It is God who makes us able to do all that we do. --2 Corinthians 3:5
I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens, when I have enough to eat and when I go hungry, when I have more than I need and when I do not have enough. I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. --Philippians 4:12-13
And you will know that God's power is very great for us who believe. That power is the same as the great strength God used to raise Christ from the dead and put Him at His right side in the heavenly world. --Ephesians 1:19-20
But He said to me, "My grace is enough for you. When your are weak, My power is made perfect in you." So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ's power can live in me. --2 Corinthians 12:9
But in all these things we have full victory through God who showed His love for us. --Romans 8:37
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, God has given us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. --Ephesians 1:3
If you remain in Me and follow My teachings, you can ask anything you want, and it will be given to you. --John 15:7
And if you ask for anything in My name, I will do it for you so that the Father's glory will be shown through the Son. --John 14:13
In the day you will not ask Me for anything. I tell you the truth, My Father will give you anything you ask for in My name. Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy. --John 16:23-24
If you believe, you will get anything you ask for in prayer. --Matthew 21:22
So what should we say about this? If God is with us, no one can defeat us. He did not spare His own Son but gave Him for us all. So with Jesus, God will surely give us all things. --Romans 8:31-32
Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given us everything we need to live and to serve God. We have these things because we know Him. Jesus called us by His glory and goodness. Through these He gave us the very great and precious promises. With these gifts you can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin you with its evil desires. --2 Peter 1:3-4
My whole being, praise the LORD and do not forget all His kindnesses. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He saves my life from the grave and loads me with love and mercy. --Psalm 103:2-4
What I Am Thankful For?
This Thanksgiving, it is a day for being thankful for what you do have instead of focusing on what you don't. That is one thing I would like to work on is being thankful for what I do have and not focus on things I do not have. I am thankful for my family, especially my son. I am thankful for my job and for a way to get there, even though I don't get many hours, but have managed to get by on very little. I am thankful for my friends who accept me, and for a great guy in my life who has been there more times than I can count.
But most of all, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who has died for my sins and granted me the right to be a child of God.
But most of all, I am thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ who has died for my sins and granted me the right to be a child of God.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Lost Ones
READ: LUKE 15:4-6
REJOICE WITH ME, FOR I HAVE FOUND MY SHEEP WHICH WAS LOST! --LUKE 15:6
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 8-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 3
In my college years I worked as a guide, taking boys on treks into Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. On one occasion one of my hikers--a small, slow chap--lagged behind and took the wrong fork on a trail. When we arrived at our campsite he was nowhere to be found. I frantically went out to search for him.
Just before dark, I came across him sitting by a small lake--utterly lost and alone. In my joy, I gave him a bear hug, hoisted him on my shoulders, and carried him down the trail to his companions.
In a story by Scottish writer George MacDonald, he describes a young woman finding a child alone and lost in the woods. She gathered him up in her arms and carried him home to her father, at which point she gained an insight that was never to leave her: "Now she understood the heart of the Son of Man, [who came] to find and carry back the stray children to their Father and His."
I want you too to know the heart of Jesus, the Son of Man, who came to find and carry back His straying children to their Father, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). No matter how far you may have strayed and how lost you may be, He came to seek and to save you. --David Roper
JESUS CAME TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST,
LEFT HEAVEN'S GLORY, MINDING NOT THE COST;
LOOKING HIGH AND LOW AND FAR AND WIDE,
THE SON OF MAN FOR ALL WAS CRUCIFIED. --HESS
TO FIND SALVATION, YOU MUST ADMIT THAT YOU'RE LOST.
REJOICE WITH ME, FOR I HAVE FOUND MY SHEEP WHICH WAS LOST! --LUKE 15:6
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 8-9; 2 CORINTHIANS 3
In my college years I worked as a guide, taking boys on treks into Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. On one occasion one of my hikers--a small, slow chap--lagged behind and took the wrong fork on a trail. When we arrived at our campsite he was nowhere to be found. I frantically went out to search for him.
Just before dark, I came across him sitting by a small lake--utterly lost and alone. In my joy, I gave him a bear hug, hoisted him on my shoulders, and carried him down the trail to his companions.
In a story by Scottish writer George MacDonald, he describes a young woman finding a child alone and lost in the woods. She gathered him up in her arms and carried him home to her father, at which point she gained an insight that was never to leave her: "Now she understood the heart of the Son of Man, [who came] to find and carry back the stray children to their Father and His."
I want you too to know the heart of Jesus, the Son of Man, who came to find and carry back His straying children to their Father, "for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). No matter how far you may have strayed and how lost you may be, He came to seek and to save you. --David Roper
JESUS CAME TO SEEK AND SAVE THE LOST,
LEFT HEAVEN'S GLORY, MINDING NOT THE COST;
LOOKING HIGH AND LOW AND FAR AND WIDE,
THE SON OF MAN FOR ALL WAS CRUCIFIED. --HESS
TO FIND SALVATION, YOU MUST ADMIT THAT YOU'RE LOST.
Jesus Is Your Example
This is what you were called to do, because Christ suffered for you and gave you an example to follow. So you should do as He did. --1 Peter 2:21
Whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived. --1 John 2:6
You are God's children whom He loves, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. --Ephesians 5:1-2
In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ Himself was like God in everything. But He did not think that being equal with god was something to be used for His own benefit. But He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant. And when He was living as a man, He humbled Himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused His death--death on a cross. --Philippians 2:5-8
But it should be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many people. --Mark 10:43-45
If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other's feet. I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you. --John 13:14-15
I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. --John 13:34
This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave His life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters. --1 John 3:16
Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants. Then you will all be joined together, and you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God. --Romans 15:5-7
Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. --Colossians 3:13
Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But He accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now He is sitting at the right side of God's throne. Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to Him. So do not get tired and stop trying. --Hebrews 12:2-3
Whoever says that he lives in God must live as Jesus lived. --1 John 2:6
You are God's children whom He loves, so try to be like Him. Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God. --Ephesians 5:1-2
In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ Himself was like God in everything. But He did not think that being equal with god was something to be used for His own benefit. But He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing. He was born to be a man and became like a servant. And when He was living as a man, He humbled Himself and was fully obedient to God, even when that caused His death--death on a cross. --Philippians 2:5-8
But it should be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many people. --Mark 10:43-45
If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other's feet. I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you. --John 13:14-15
I give you a new command: Love each other. You must love each other as I have loved you. --John 13:34
This is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave His life for us. So we should give our lives for our brothers and sisters. --1 John 3:16
Patience and encouragement come from God. And I pray that God will help you all agree with each other the way Christ Jesus wants. Then you will all be joined together, and you will give glory to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ accepted you, so you should accept each other, which will bring glory to God. --Romans 15:5-7
Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you. --Colossians 3:13
Let us look only to Jesus, the One who began our faith and who makes it perfect. He suffered death on the cross. But He accepted the shame as if it were nothing because of the joy that God put before him. And now He is sitting at the right side of God's throne. Think about Jesus' example. He held on while wicked people were doing evil things to Him. So do not get tired and stop trying. --Hebrews 12:2-3
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Hoping To Finally Be With My Man!
I am hoping tomorrow or Tuesday, I will finally get to be with my man. I miss him so much and I don't know what I'd do without him. He is my world, my life, my everything.
Follow The Instructions
READ: MATTHEW 7:24-29
WHOEVER HEARS THESE SAYINGS OF MINE, AND DOES THEM, I WILL LIKEN HIM TO A WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK. --MATTHEW 7:24
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 1-2; 1 CORINTHIANS 16
One of my boyhood hobbies was building model planes. Every time I opened a new box, the first thing I saw was the instructions, but I didn't think I needed to follow them. In my mind I knew exactly how to put the model together. Not until I had glued a few pieces together did I realize I had skipped an important step, like putting the pilot in the cockpit.
It's easy to think that we have no need for instructions for our lives, only to later realize that we've messed things up. Which is exactly why Jesus advised that following His instructions is the way for wise people to build a safe, solid, and significant life (Matt. 7:24-29). He had just told the listening crowd to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, to forgive enemies, and to sell treasures so that they could give to the poor (5:39-44). But just getting the instructions isn't enough. The key is to follow them. "Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock" (7:24).
Those who don't follow the instructions are, as Jesus put it "foolish" (v. 26). To the world, forgiving your enemies and giving to the poor may seem like a silly way to build a life, but, take it from Jesus, it's the wise way. --Joe Stowell
LORD, HELP ME HEED YOUR EVERY WORD,
COMMANDS THAT I HAVE READ OR HEARD;
AS YOU REVEAL YOUR WILL EACH DAY,
HELP ME TO FOLLOW AND OBEY. --FITZHUGH
TO BUILD A ROCK-SOLID LIFE, FOLLOW JESUS' INSTRUCTIONS.
Our Daily Bread. RBC Ministries. September/October/November 2010
WHOEVER HEARS THESE SAYINGS OF MINE, AND DOES THEM, I WILL LIKEN HIM TO A WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK. --MATTHEW 7:24
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: PROVERBS 1-2; 1 CORINTHIANS 16
One of my boyhood hobbies was building model planes. Every time I opened a new box, the first thing I saw was the instructions, but I didn't think I needed to follow them. In my mind I knew exactly how to put the model together. Not until I had glued a few pieces together did I realize I had skipped an important step, like putting the pilot in the cockpit.
It's easy to think that we have no need for instructions for our lives, only to later realize that we've messed things up. Which is exactly why Jesus advised that following His instructions is the way for wise people to build a safe, solid, and significant life (Matt. 7:24-29). He had just told the listening crowd to turn the other cheek, to go the extra mile, to forgive enemies, and to sell treasures so that they could give to the poor (5:39-44). But just getting the instructions isn't enough. The key is to follow them. "Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock" (7:24).
Those who don't follow the instructions are, as Jesus put it "foolish" (v. 26). To the world, forgiving your enemies and giving to the poor may seem like a silly way to build a life, but, take it from Jesus, it's the wise way. --Joe Stowell
LORD, HELP ME HEED YOUR EVERY WORD,
COMMANDS THAT I HAVE READ OR HEARD;
AS YOU REVEAL YOUR WILL EACH DAY,
HELP ME TO FOLLOW AND OBEY. --FITZHUGH
TO BUILD A ROCK-SOLID LIFE, FOLLOW JESUS' INSTRUCTIONS.
Our Daily Bread. RBC Ministries. September/October/November 2010
Jesus Is Your Righteousness
Christ had no sin, but God made Him become sin so that in Christ we could become right with God. --2 Corinthians 5:21
Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Christ we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin. --1 Corinthians 1:30
I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ and to belong to Him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with Him. --Philippians 3:8-9
The Scriptures say the same thing about Abraham: "Abraham believed God, and God accepted Abraham's faith, and that faith made him right with God." So you should know that the true children of Abraham are those who have faith. --Galatians 3:6-7
God makes people right with Himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all people are the same. --Romans 3:22
All have sinned and are not good enough for God's glory, and all need to be made right with God by His grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. God gave Him as a way to forgive sin through faith in the blood of Jesus' death. This showed that God always does what is right and fair, as in the past when He was patient and did not punish people for their sins. And god gave Jesus to show today that He does what is right. God did this so He could judge rightly and so He could make right any person who has faith in Jesus. --Romans 3:23-26
But people cannot do any work that will make them right with God. So they must trust in Him, who makes even evil people right in His sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes them right with Him. --Romans 4:5
One man sinned, and so death ruled all people because of that one man. But now those people who accept God's full grace and the great gift of being made right with Him will surely have true life and rule through the one man, Jesus Christ. --Romans 5:17
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown, He saved us because of His mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with Him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit. --Titus 3:4-5
The law was without power, because the law was made weak by our sinful selves. But God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son to earth with the same human life that others use for sin. By sending His Son to be an offering to pay for sin, God used a human life to destroy sin. He did this so that we could be the kind of people the law correctly wants us to be. Now we do not live following our sinful selves, but we live following the Spirit. --Romans 8:3-4
So what does all this mean? Those who are not Jews were not trying to make themselves right with God, but they were made right with God because of their faith. --Romans 9:30
Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God. --Romans 8:10
God knew them before He made the world, and He decided that they would be like His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers. God planned for them to be like His Son; and those He planned to be like His Son, He also called; and those He called, He also made right with Him; and those He made right, He also glorified. --Romans 8:29-30
"I will build you using fairness. You will be safe from those who would hurt you, so you will have nothing to fear. Nothing will come to make you afraid. I will not send anyone to attack you, and you will defeat those who do attack you. See, I made the blacksmith. He fans the fire to make it hotter, and he makes the kind of tool he wants. In the same way I have made the destroyer to destroy. So no weapon that is used against you will defeat you. You will show that those who speak against you are wrong. These are the good things my servants receive. Their victory comes from me," says the LORD. --Isaiah 54:14-17
We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we use our mouths to say that we believe, and so we are saved. --Romans 10:10
Because of God you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God. In Christ we are put right with God, and have been made holy, and have been set free from sin. --1 Corinthians 1:30
I think that all things are worth nothing compared with the greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of Him, I have lost all those things, and now I know they are worthless trash. This allows me to have Christ and to belong to Him. Now I am right with God, not because I followed the law, but because I believed in Christ. God uses my faith to make me right with Him. --Philippians 3:8-9
The Scriptures say the same thing about Abraham: "Abraham believed God, and God accepted Abraham's faith, and that faith made him right with God." So you should know that the true children of Abraham are those who have faith. --Galatians 3:6-7
God makes people right with Himself through their faith in Jesus Christ. This is true for all who believe in Christ, because all people are the same. --Romans 3:22
All have sinned and are not good enough for God's glory, and all need to be made right with God by His grace, which is a free gift. They need to be made free from sin through Jesus Christ. God gave Him as a way to forgive sin through faith in the blood of Jesus' death. This showed that God always does what is right and fair, as in the past when He was patient and did not punish people for their sins. And god gave Jesus to show today that He does what is right. God did this so He could judge rightly and so He could make right any person who has faith in Jesus. --Romans 3:23-26
But people cannot do any work that will make them right with God. So they must trust in Him, who makes even evil people right in His sight. Then God accepts their faith, and that makes them right with Him. --Romans 4:5
One man sinned, and so death ruled all people because of that one man. But now those people who accept God's full grace and the great gift of being made right with Him will surely have true life and rule through the one man, Jesus Christ. --Romans 5:17
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown, He saved us because of His mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with Him. He saved us through the washing that made us new people through the Holy Spirit. --Titus 3:4-5
The law was without power, because the law was made weak by our sinful selves. But God did what the law could not do. He sent His own Son to earth with the same human life that others use for sin. By sending His Son to be an offering to pay for sin, God used a human life to destroy sin. He did this so that we could be the kind of people the law correctly wants us to be. Now we do not live following our sinful selves, but we live following the Spirit. --Romans 8:3-4
So what does all this mean? Those who are not Jews were not trying to make themselves right with God, but they were made right with God because of their faith. --Romans 9:30
Your body will always be dead because of sin. But if Christ is in you, then the Spirit gives you life, because Christ made you right with God. --Romans 8:10
God knew them before He made the world, and He decided that they would be like His Son so that Jesus would be the firstborn of many brothers. God planned for them to be like His Son; and those He planned to be like His Son, He also called; and those He called, He also made right with Him; and those He made right, He also glorified. --Romans 8:29-30
"I will build you using fairness. You will be safe from those who would hurt you, so you will have nothing to fear. Nothing will come to make you afraid. I will not send anyone to attack you, and you will defeat those who do attack you. See, I made the blacksmith. He fans the fire to make it hotter, and he makes the kind of tool he wants. In the same way I have made the destroyer to destroy. So no weapon that is used against you will defeat you. You will show that those who speak against you are wrong. These are the good things my servants receive. Their victory comes from me," says the LORD. --Isaiah 54:14-17
We believe with our hearts, and so we are made right with God. And we use our mouths to say that we believe, and so we are saved. --Romans 10:10
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Botox For The Soul
READ: Ephesians 4:17-24
Put on t he new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. --Ephesians 4:24
The Bible in One Year: Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Got Botox? A lot of people do. Some take Botox treatments for health matters, but many take them because they want to look young again.
Appearance is so important to some Botox users that they allow themselves to be injected with botulinum toxin type A so that their wrinkles will disappear for a while. Later, the treatment must be administered again.
Botox is expensive, and it comes with possible negative side effects. But that doesn't stoop people from giving it try so they can look better.
Of course, looking good is not a bad thing, but a more important consideration is how we look on the inside. How much are we willing to sacrifice to have beautiful character?
Are we willing to take some "Botox for the soul" --to inject ourselves with the kind of loving gentleness, merciful patience, caring interest in others, unselfish kindness, and unity of spirit that can beautify our lives? (Eph. 4:2-3). Are we willing to keep coming back to God for help in getting the spiritual character enhancement we need?
Looking for ways to look good? Search the Bible for character-building verses. Then through prayer and the Spirit's empowering, inject the godly traits of those verses into your life. The side effects are all good. --Dave Branon
THINK NOT ALONE OF OUTWARD FORM;
ITS BEAUTY WILL DEPART;
BUT CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT'S FRUITS
THAT GROW WITHIN THE HEART. --D. DE HAAN
GODLY CHARACTER IS THE BEST BEAUTY TREATMENT IN THE WORLD.
Our Daily Bread--September/October/November 2010
Put on t he new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. --Ephesians 4:24
The Bible in One Year: Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40
Got Botox? A lot of people do. Some take Botox treatments for health matters, but many take them because they want to look young again.
Appearance is so important to some Botox users that they allow themselves to be injected with botulinum toxin type A so that their wrinkles will disappear for a while. Later, the treatment must be administered again.
Botox is expensive, and it comes with possible negative side effects. But that doesn't stoop people from giving it try so they can look better.
Of course, looking good is not a bad thing, but a more important consideration is how we look on the inside. How much are we willing to sacrifice to have beautiful character?
Are we willing to take some "Botox for the soul" --to inject ourselves with the kind of loving gentleness, merciful patience, caring interest in others, unselfish kindness, and unity of spirit that can beautify our lives? (Eph. 4:2-3). Are we willing to keep coming back to God for help in getting the spiritual character enhancement we need?
Looking for ways to look good? Search the Bible for character-building verses. Then through prayer and the Spirit's empowering, inject the godly traits of those verses into your life. The side effects are all good. --Dave Branon
THINK NOT ALONE OF OUTWARD FORM;
ITS BEAUTY WILL DEPART;
BUT CULTIVATE THE SPIRIT'S FRUITS
THAT GROW WITHIN THE HEART. --D. DE HAAN
GODLY CHARACTER IS THE BEST BEAUTY TREATMENT IN THE WORLD.
Our Daily Bread--September/October/November 2010
Jesus Is Your Love
But God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners. --Romans 5:8
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. --John 3:16
Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God's child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love to us: He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through Him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God's love for us in sending His Son to be the way to take away our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us that much we also should love each other. No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is made perfect in us. --1 John 4:7-12
And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. We love because God first loved us. --1 John 4:16, 19
I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in My love. I have obeyed my Father's commands, and I remain in His love. In the same way, if you obey My commands, you will remain in My love. I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy. This is My command: Love each other as I have loved you. The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends. This is my command: Love each other. --John 15:9-13, 17
I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God's holy people will have power to understand the greatness of Christ's love--how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God. --Ephesians 3:17-19
I love those who love me, and those who seek Me find Me. --Proverbs 8:17
And from far away the LORD appeared to His people and said, "I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness." --Jeremiah 31:3
And I will make you My promised bride forever. I will be good and fair; I will show you My love and mercy. --Hosea 2:19
Those who know My commands and obey them are the ones who love Me, and My Father will love those who love Me. I will love them and will show Myself to them. --John 14:21
The LORD shows His true love every day. At night I have a song, and I pray to My living God. --1 Corinthians 13:13
Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. --Romans 8:38-39
God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son so that whoever believes in Him may not be lost, but have eternal life. --John 3:16
Dear friends, we should love each other, because love comes from God. Everyone who loves has become God's child and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love to us: He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have life through Him. This is what real love is: It is not our love for God; it is God's love for us in sending His Son to be the way to take away our sins. Dear friends, if God loved us that much we also should love each other. No one has ever seen God, but if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is made perfect in us. --1 John 4:7-12
And so we know the love that God has for us, and we trust that love. God is love. Those who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. We love because God first loved us. --1 John 4:16, 19
I loved you as the Father loved me. Now remain in My love. I have obeyed my Father's commands, and I remain in His love. In the same way, if you obey My commands, you will remain in My love. I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy. This is My command: Love each other as I have loved you. The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends. This is my command: Love each other. --John 15:9-13, 17
I pray that Christ will live in your hearts by faith and that your life will be strong in love and be built on love. And I pray that you and all God's holy people will have power to understand the greatness of Christ's love--how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God. --Ephesians 3:17-19
I love those who love me, and those who seek Me find Me. --Proverbs 8:17
And from far away the LORD appeared to His people and said, "I love you people with a love that will last forever. That is why I have continued showing you kindness." --Jeremiah 31:3
And I will make you My promised bride forever. I will be good and fair; I will show you My love and mercy. --Hosea 2:19
Those who know My commands and obey them are the ones who love Me, and My Father will love those who love Me. I will love them and will show Myself to them. --John 14:21
The LORD shows His true love every day. At night I have a song, and I pray to My living God. --1 Corinthians 13:13
Yes, I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us, nothing below us, nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. --Romans 8:38-39
Missing My Baby!
I am missing my Baby, hoping he gets here real soon. I long to be with him so bad...I love him so much...he is my life, my world, my everything. I want to be his wife, his lover, his friend. Please Baby...get here soon!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
It's My Baby's Birthday!
It's my Baby's birthday and I wish I could be with him. I miss him sooooooo bad! :(
I just long to be with him. He is my life. He is my whole world! I don't know what I'd do without him! I long to be with him so bad! I think about him every minute of every hour of every day! He is the first thought when I wake up and the last thought when I close my eyes to sleep! I dream about him when I'm sleeping and when I'm awake!
I just long to be with him. He is my life. He is my whole world! I don't know what I'd do without him! I long to be with him so bad! I think about him every minute of every hour of every day! He is the first thought when I wake up and the last thought when I close my eyes to sleep! I dream about him when I'm sleeping and when I'm awake!
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