November 25, 2024

Chicken Enchiladas (Gluten-free)

May 26, 2014 by

Who loves Tex-Mex food?  Raise your hand!  Me, too!  And the crazy thing—my husband, Robert, has said for years now, ’Um, no thanks!’  Somehow he got it in his head that all Mexican, Tex-Mex, Cal-Mex food had to be spicy.  (And Robert does not enjoy SPICY!)  So, recently I have been preparing an occasional dish to try and introduce him to one of my most favorite cuisines…successfully, I might add!  Olé!

Recently, Aldi (Do you shop there?  You should!)  introduced a new line of gluten-free products…really quite good, very good quality!  One of the items is a ‘flour’ tortilla.  They are amazing…just like a really good wheat flour tortilla that I remember (soft, pliable, thin) from before we went gluten free.  So I went back and bought not one, not two, but three packages…oh the options!  These Chicken Enchiladas were my first choice!  I prepared them with a tomatillo salsa (oh, yum!) but certainly they can be made with traditional salsa equally well.   (And, please, make this recipe using traditional ingredients (NOT gluten-free) as well!  Enjoy!

2014-05-22 20.25.09

Chicken Enchiladas

ingredients:
1/2 red pepper, sliced thin
1/2 red pepper, sliced thin
1 medium sweet onion, sliced into halfmoons
2 tablespoons olive oil
sea salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons (divided) chipotle chili powder
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2+ cups enchilada sauce  **gf recipe below
1 cup frozen corn (defrosted)
1 cup tomatillo salsa (or traditional salsa)
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese

directions:

  • preheat oven to 350
  • lightly oil the bottom of a large (9 x 13) baking pan, and pour in ½ cup of the enchilada sauce
  • saute the veggies with the olive oil for 7 or 8 minutes ‘til softened.  season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of the chipotle chili powder.  set aside
  • in a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, black beans, sour cream, 1 tablespoon chili powder, ½ cup of the enchilada sauce, ½ cup of the salsa, ½ cup of the shredded cheese; mix well
  • pour 1 cup of the enchilada sauce into a shallow saute pan (or a bowl)
  • now, set up a little production line with the baking pan, the chicken mixture, the pan with enchilada sauce, and an empty plate…this gets messy; you’ll thank me for it!  😉
  • take 1 tortilla, run it through the enchilada sauce to coat; place it on the plate.  take 1 good handful (1/3-1/2 cup) of the chicken mixture and spread it down the center of the tortilla; roll the tortilla up; place in baking pan with seam-side down.  repeat ‘til all tortillas are filled. (*tip: you might want to trim the edges of the filled tortillas to fit nicely into the baking pan)
  • pour the sauteed veggies across the top of the filled tortillas
  • (if there is any enchilada sauce left, pour that over the top…don’t want to waste that!)
  • sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top, too
  • bake for 15-20 minutes ‘til bubbly and cheese is melted
  • serve with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole

** here are two really good, homemade, gluten-free, chemical and additive-free recipes for enchilada sauce.  also, Nicole from GFOAS has a nice recipe for homemade ‘flour’ tortillas!

http://glutenfreeonashoestring.com/enchiladas-saucy-smokin/
http://glutenfreehomemaker.com/enchilada-sauce/


♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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Sweet Jesus, You Are My Faithful Friend

May 25, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

Sweet Jesus, my Savior
You are my faithful friend
You made me, You know me
And You see my every sin

And my soul is amazed
By this gift of Your grace
And these arms that take me in
Sweet Jesus, my Savior
You are my faithful friend

Sweet Jesus, my shelter
You are my faithful friend
The refuge that I run to
When my world comes closing in

Why should I be afraid
When I know I am saved
By the arms that take me in

Sweet Jesus, my shelter
You are my faithful friend, oh yeah

Sweet Jesus, my shepherd
You are my faithful friend
You hold me, You lead me
I’ll follow till the end

And once more I will say
On that beautiful day
When Your arms take me in

Sweet Jesus, my shepherd
You are my faithful friend
Sweet Jesus, my Savior
You are my faithful friend 

~Sing this song with me as part of your prayer and worship today~

~  written by Matthew West, Tony Wood, Todd Smith  ~
Sung by Selah and Jill Phillips
* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ * 

There are times when I listen to a song and peace that truly passes beyond my understanding floods through my heart (my inner self). I am sure that I am not alone in this, yes? Truly I believe that music is a gift that God has given to His people. And I believe this not based on my own experiences…though, just like you, we each have multitudes of remembrances of times that godly, Scripturally-based music has been a comfort, a blessing, a balm to our souls. It is what the Scriptures tell us about music that is what I can count on…no matter what.

The psalmist, David, (who we KNOW had an immense love for and gifting of music) found that music could bring spiritual deliverance and peace.

  • to King Saul

So it came about whenever the evil spirit from God came to Saul,
David would take the harp and play it with his hand;
and Saul would be refreshed and be well,
and the evil spirit would depart from him.
1 Samuel 16:23

  • to his own burdened, weary heart

O my Strength, I will watch and give heed to You and sing praises;
for God is my Defense (my Protector and High Tower).
My God in His mercy and steadfast love will meet me;
God will let me look [triumphantly] on my enemies.
Psalms 59:9-10

  • in his encouragement of others

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
Psalms 100:1-2, 4

(Sometime, read through the book of 1st Chronicles, in particular chapters 13-15. This is the record of David leading the people to bring the Ark of the Lord back to Jerusalem and setting it in the Temple where it belonged. In preparation for that, King David organized and appointed singers (over 4,000 in that choir!), and musicians, and priests—all for the praise of the Lord through worship-filled music.)

And as such we, also, have been instructed to minister to one another through music, and encourage each other to worship and praise God.

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom
teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16

…But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another
in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord;
always giving thanks for all things
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;
Ephesians 5:18-20

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name;
make known His deeds among the peoples!
Sing to Him, sing praises to Him;
tell of all His wondrous works!
Glory in His holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!
Seek the Lord and His strength;
seek His Presence continually!
Psalms 105:1-4

Oh, yes, Christian music can inspire us in any number of ways—it can revive us, it can bring joy, it can get us up on our feet to dance—but as I referred to at the beginning of this blogpost, it is this overwhelming peace that some songs bring to our hearts and minds…such as this beautiful song from Selah and Jill Phillips. This peace, which only comes through the Spirit, is precious and a thing to be desired!

And the peace of God,
which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

Here is the Amplified Bible version:

And God’s peace [shall be yours,
that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ,
and so fearing nothing from God and being content
with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace]
which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard
over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Without a doubt, the peace of God surely does guard our hearts and minds! Isn’t that an awesome picture painted for us…God’s peace mounting guard and being the garrison around our hearts…our minds!

I pray for each of you that having the comfort of this transcending peace is of such importance to you. There is no peacefulness that the world talks about, or calm centered feeling that anything else purports to bring that can take the place of God’s peace in Christ Jesus. It is already given to us…simply receive it.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,
to which indeed you were called in one body;
and be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ *

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Psalm 107 It Is A Good Thing To Give Thanks Unto The Lord

May 24, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.  

Psalms 107:8-9

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   * 

It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord
And to sing praises unto Thy Name, O Most High

I will praise You, O Lord my God,
With all my heart, with all my heart
And I will glorify Thy Name forevermore with all my heart

For great is Thy mercy for me
And Thou hast delivered my heart from the lowest hell

I will praise You, O Lord my God
With all my heart, with all my heart

It is a good thing to give glory to the Lord
It is a good thing to give glory to the Lord
And to sing praises unto Thy Name, O Most High

~   Written by Judy Horner / Performed by the Hosanna Music Praise Choir  ~

 

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Creamy Butternut Casserole

May 19, 2014 by

Yes, yes…that does say ‘butternut squash.’ I know, I know…a fall vegetable. But please indulge me! You know my love for butternut…and they had some beauties at the grocery store…and so I just HAD to buy just one more! And then I remembered that I had found a casserole recipe in an older (1994) little recipe book that I came across awhile back. The following has been adapted from the original.

This makes for a great meatless meal! Or perhaps you could cook up some chops or chicken breast to serve alongside for the meat-eaters. This casserole fits in so well with our healthy but oh-so-yummy POV, too! And, while butternut squash is a bit more carb-heavy than some other veggies, balanced out with the fiber and protein contained in it, makes for a great option for those of us keeping our carbs in check. Here is some nutritional info.  Oh!  And this would be an excellent use for Dana’s recipe for Homemade Ricotta!

I would strongly suggest using a food processor to shred this much butternut…or you could work on your upper arm muscles!  I did shred a bit using the largest holes on my handheld grater; so it does work!

2014-05-18 19.23.00

This is a dish with a lot of texture…this is NOT your gramma’s pureed butternut squash casserole traditionally served at Thanksgiving dinner! Try it, I do think that you will thoroughly enjoy it!

And, buh-bye, butternut squash…see you in the Fall!

Creamy Butternut Casserole

2014-05-18 22.16.44

(makes approximately 10 side dish servings)

ingredients:
5 cups peeled and shredded butternut squash
juice of 2 lemons, approximately 1/4 cup *see tip
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/2 cup craisins
1 large mango, cut into small cubes
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
2 medium eggs
1 (5 ounce) container plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon2014-05-18 19.43.55
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (fresh is best!)
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
LOTS of kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (I used lemon pepper)
1/2 cup shredded flavorful cheese (I used provolone)

directions:

  • preheat oven to 375
  • lightly grease an 11 inch x 7 inch (2 quart size) baking dish
  • in a large bowl, toss shredded squash with lemon juice. put half in the bottom of the baking dish
  • sprinkle the fruits over the top of the shredded butternut
  • in a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs and then combine with the ricotta, yogurt, spices and a generous amount of salt and pepper (this is a dish that requires seasoning!)
  • spread the ricotta mixture over the top of the shredded squash in the baking dish
  • add the remaining squash, spreading evenly over the dish
  • cover TIGHTLY with foil (this will steam the butternut)
  • bake at 375° for 30 minutes
  • remove from oven, stir thoroughly, recover and return to oven for 15 minutes
  • remove foil and sprinkle the top with the shredded cheese (if you are using); bake for an additional 10 minutes
  • allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving

*tip: to get the most juice out of a lemon, heat in microwave for 15 seconds on 50% power. Then place on your countertop and roll back and forth ‘til it gets a little ‘squishy’. Cut in half (keep all the juice!) and squeeze into a measuring cup.

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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He Knows My Name

May 18, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

He counts the stars one and all
He knows how much sand is on the shore
He sees every sparrow that falls
He made the mountain and the seas
He’s in control of everything
Of all creatures great and small

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring
I can’t tell you what’s in store
I don’t know a lot of things
I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life
But I know in Whom I have believed

He knows my name
Every step that I take, every move that I make, every tear that I cry
And He knows my name 
When I’m overwhelmed by the pain and can’t see the light of day
I know I’ll be just fine ‘cause He knows my name 

He knew who I was when He carried the cross
He knew that I would fail Him but He took the loss

~ Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today. ~

~  Written by Annie and Kelly McRae / Sung by The McRaes  ~

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ *

These verses seem to have been my almost constant confession this past week or so…listen.

For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life,
nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening
nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation
will be able to separate us {me!} from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38 and 39

Oh, and how I endeavor to cling to these promises!  I want to say, as Paul did, that ‘I am persuaded…’ though, I must admit that I do falter in my persuasion.  And times do come when my little heart doesn’t sing out quite as bravely. But here’s what I do know….

…Nevertheless I am not ashamed:
for I know whom I have believed,
and am persuaded that He is able
to keep that which I have committed
unto Him against that day.
2 Timothy 1:12

And I remember and am encouraged as I read through the Scriptures and see the strong evidence of God’s provision in the lives of His people; for example, His man Job. Job went through much but he knew his life was in the Almighty’s sovereign and powerful hand.  And so, he could say of God…

But He is unchangeable, and who can turn Him?
And what He wants to do, that He does.
For He performs [that which He has] planned for me,
and of many such matters He is mindful.
Job 23:13 and 14

I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
Job 42:2

See, myself…well, I get weary; and I am not strong at times. But my God…He is able! He is faithful! He keeps His promises! And so I trust His Word(s). Therefore when I remember He has said, “I formed you and made you,” “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” “My grace is sufficient for you…” I am encouraged!

One of my favorite Scriptures is Psalm 139. It is such a beautiful prayer of praise of Almighty God! Throughout this psalm, David acknowledges God’s providence, His sovereignty, His foreknowledge, His provision, His protection, His wisdom, and truly, His love.

Here are excerpts from this psalm…may I suggest you read these verses aloud, allowing Your eyes and ears and mind to take them in. Consider them, my friend; dwell on them.

And may your heart be reminded and strongly encouraged as you remember that God Almighty, your heavenly Father, truly KNOWS you.  He knows you—every step, every move, every tear, all your ways. He knows all about you, inside and out, before and behind, sitting down and rising up. He knows your inward parts, your frame, your thoughts, your words, all your ways, all your days. He knows y.o.u., my friend…He knows your name!

O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O Lord, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it.
For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth;
Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would outnumber the sand.
When I awake, I am still with You. 

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Everywhere That I Go

May 17, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

But let all those who take refuge and put their trust in You rejoice; let them ever sing and shout for joy, because You make a covering over them and defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You and be in high spirits.  For You, Lord, will bless the [uncompromisingly] righteous [him who is upright and in right standing with You]; as with a shield You will surround him with goodwill (pleasure and favor).

Psalms 5:11-12

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

I belong to You, You belong to me Lord
I’m surrounded everywhere that I go
I will walk with You, You will walk with me Lord
I’m surrounded everywhere that I go

(Oh, would you sing it with me?)

I belong to You, You belong to me Lord
I’m surrounded everywhere that I go
I will walk with You, You will walk with me Lord
I’m surrounded everywhere that I go
And I am Yours and You are mine, oh mine

You promised me You’d never leave
You promised me I’m never forsaken
I believe goodness and mercy will follow me
Surrounding me where I go, everywhere that I go

You, Lord, are a shield above me
Everywhere, everywhere that I go
You, Lord, are a shield above me
Everywhere, everywhere that I go

You, Lord, are a shield above me
Everywhere, everywhere that I go
Your grace and love surrounds me
Everywhere, everywhere, everywhere, everywhere that I go

I believe goodness and mercy will follow me
Surrounding me everywhere that I go

~  Performed by Israel Houghton and New Breed  ~

*   ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~   *

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Thai Tea with Coconut Cream Condensed Milk – Vegan

May 12, 2014 by

2014-05-11 19.54.27

Thai food fans…what beverage do you indulge in when you go out to enjoy a meal at your favorite Thai restaurant? For me, it is a tall Thai iced tea!  Yum!  But this truly is a decadent indulgence, for sure.  Now the ‘tea’ part is usually not the problem…it is the addition of the creamy, very sweet ‘milk-y’ portion that is of concern.

So, when my daughter, Kassia, and I were planning our Mother’s Day meal, we decided NOT to cook but to get Thai takeout… some sushi, some pineapple fried rice, a couple of (rice) noodle-based dishes, and some curry.  Delish!  But we thought that we would make the dessert, soup, and beverages to accompany the restaurant-prepared food.

She chose a recipe for a black rice (rice) pudding topped with toasted coconut flakes and homemade coconut milk whipped topping. I was given responsibility for the soup (I made Tom Kha Ga–a coconut milk-based soup with chicken and mushrooms fantastically flavored with lemongrass, lime, and ginger; Dana has a wonderful recipe here; check it out!) and the  beverages. We put out a selection of flavored seltzers, some mango 100% juice for the grandkids, a nice bottle of Reisling, and a big pitcher of Thai iced tea and (to keep to our choices to eat healthier) a small bowl of homemade condensed milk made with coconut milk and agave nectar. This fit right into our healthy but oh-so-yummy point of view so I thought that I would share it with you! Enjoy!

Coconut Condensed Milk

Ingredients:
(1) 14 ounce can full-fat coconut milk2014-05-12 02.26.01
1/4 cup coconut sugar (or sweetener* of your choice)

Directions:

  • Pour the coconut milk into a small, heavy-bottomed stainless saucepan, and heat over medium-high heat ‘til it comes to a boil, about 5 minutes
  • Whisk in the sweetener of your choice ‘til thoroughly blended
  • Bring back to a boil, and immediately reduce heat to medium-low maintaining a constant simmer; whisk every 5 minutes or so
  • Continue to simmer for 35-45 minutes, ‘til the content is reduced by about half

To serve, fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Fill almost up with Thai tea, and then add 1-2 tablespoons of your homemade, healthier condensed milk.

You can, of course, use whatever spicy tea that is your favorite. To replicate that delicious beverage served in most Thai restaurants, use traditional Thai tea which produces a vibrant orange-colored, full flavored tea.

* I prefer using coconut sugar or honey as my natural sweetener, but agave nectar, pure maple syrup, coconut nectar, or stevia should work just fine. Adjust sweetness to taste; enjoy!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

God loves you!  ♥  (Don’t ever forget that!)

♥  coleen

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(He’ll) Finish What He Started

May 11, 2014 by

psalmshymnsspiritualsongskjv

I don’t have to know you 
To know that you will go through 
Hard times 
It’s just part of life 

Don’t let that moment blind you
Don’t let it define you 
Take heart
That’s not who you are 

Our God is able
More than capable 
To be faithful 
Until the end 
He’ll finish what He started 

No matter what you’ve done 
Grace comes like a flood 
There’s hope to carry on 
He’ll finish what He started 
No matter what you face 
His mercy will not change 
He’s with you all the way 
He’ll finish what He started 

Remember you’re forgiven
So there’s no need to give in
To the lie 
That you’re disqualified 

Our God is able
More than capable 
To be faithful 
Until the end 
He’ll finish what He started 

No matter what you’ve done 
Grace comes like a flood 
There’s hope to carry on 
He’ll finish what He started 
No matter what you face 
His mercy will not change 
He’s with you all the way 
He’ll finish what He started 

This work He started in you now
He’s faithful to complete it 
The promise was sealed when He cried out
It is finished 

He’ll finish what He started 

No matter what you’ve done 
Grace comes like a flood 
There’s hope to carry on 
He’ll finish what He started 
No matter what you face 
His mercy will not change 
He’s with you all the way 
He’ll finish what He started 

~  Listen while you read!  ~

~  Singer/Songwriter: Bart Millard; Performed with MercyMe  ~

Let’s pray first, ok?

Dear Lord, how thankful to KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt that You will finish what You have started…in each of us!

Lord, I pray for my sisters—Your darling daughters—asking that You build a confidence in each of their hearts so that they can sing out with me, “No matter what <I> face…His mercy will not change… He’s with <me> all the way… He’ll finish what He started!!! ”  I pray, Father, that they will be able to recognize that Your mercy does cover…and that Your grace is enough…and that Your love for them never fails, is unconditional, never-ending, ever-present.

Help them (me, too, Lord!) to remember that You are faithful and always bring to pass every promise of Your Word.  May they be made strong in Your strength while weak in their own.  I pray, from the bottom of my heart, thanking and praising You for all You are doing in them and for them and through them…as You finish what You started.   Thank You, Lord…in Jesus’ name I pray.  Amen.

* ~ ♥ ~ ✞ ~ ♥ ~ *

We have my precious friend, Becky, to thank for this song.  (Ok, not for the actual song…but for our sharing this incredible song together!)  Thank you, Becky!  And, Becky—He’ll finish what He started in you…He promised!  Here’s the promise:

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing,
that He Who began a good work in you
will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return],
developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.
Philippians 1:6 AMP

Does that not just thrill your heart?!!!?  Oh, it does mine, too!  And why?  Because it is all about HIM!

  • He began
  • He will continue
  • He will develop it
  • He will bring it to full completion!

What joy!  What confidence!  What inspiration!  What hope!

And I do SO love that God will continue it ‘until the day of Jesus Christ’—until our Lord comes back to this earth in all His power and majesty and executes righteousness and judgment everywhere to everyone!  Then His work in us will be totally and completely finished!

But equally I DO so love that all along…right now, and tomorrow, and next week, next month, next year, and right up ‘til we are gathered together in Christ…He will be developing us, and perfecting us, and bringing us along!  This work that He will finish, He is performing that finishing right now!  Jesus fully understands what we are going through!   But yet, in the throes of the temptations and feeling so weak, we can know that mercy and grace will be given to help us in our time of need as He develops and finishes His work in us!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses,
but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace,
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:15 and 16

So do not worry or be anxious!  Do not fret or wonder if your past, your sins, your weaknesses, your faults, frailties, and failures will prevent you from finishing.  Remember, this is God’s work in you and,

Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.
1 Thessalonians 5:24

The Lord will perfect that which concerns me;
Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, endure forever—
forsake not the works of Your own hands.
Psalm 138:8

 

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Jesus’ Words Up On a Mountaintop

May 10, 2014 by

SeekingHimLogo

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.  Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.  Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.   Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

  ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~  ♥   ~  *

May i introduce you to this beautiful song written by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  It is sung to the tune, SLANE, which we traditionally know as ‘Be Thou My Vision.’   Below is an instrumental version of the traditional song so that you can sing these lyrics about Jesus preaching the Sermon on the Mount.  I hope it blesses you as much as it did me when i stumbled upon it!

Up on a mountaintop, Jesus sat down,
Teaching the people who gathered around:
Look for the blessings that God kindly brings;
God’s loving kingdom is changing all things.

You are the salt and you’re also the light.
Flavor God’s world, with your faith shining bright.
Know that I’ve come here, God’s word to fulfill.
Keep the commandments and follow them well.

Let go of anger, for it is a sin.
It will destroy you, both outside and in.
Even your thinking can lead you astray;
Whatever tempts you, just throw it away.

Keep strong the bonds between husband and wife;
Keep your commitments for all of your life.
Don’t swear by heaven or by earth below;
Let “yes” be “yes” then,
and let “no” be “no.”

If any hurt you, then you may resist,
But not with hatred or weapon or fist.
God’s way is stronger than any you face;
Stand up and love them! And give them God’s grace.

Love those who hate you and pray for them, too.
God’s mercy reaches out far beyond you.
Seek, as God’s people, God’s wholeness each day
So you can witness to God’s perfect way.

Filed Under: Seeking Him Daily Devotional Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Cinquo de Mayo Salad and Salsa

May 5, 2014 by

Who loves Mexican food? Raise your hand! Oh, me, too! So in keeping with the Festival of Cinquo de Mayo, we enjoyed a delicious Tex-Mex meal over the weekend. Of course, I wanted to keep to our healthy but oh-so-yummy point of view. Included below are two healthy, full of fresh ingredients and easy recipes for side dishes: a Black Bean warm salad and a simple mango salsa. Enjoy!

2014-05-04 19.14.29

Black Bean Salad

Ingredients:2014-05-04 19.09.00
1 cup corn, either frozen, or cut fresh off the cob
1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 heaping tablespoon chopped garlic (I use jarred)
1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1 tablespoon, plus additional 1/8 cup, extra-virgin olive oil
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Sea salt, freshly ground pepper
1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
2 teaspoons minced, seeded jalapeno pepper (optional)
1 small avocado, halved, pitted and diced
1 teaspoon lime juice, fresh if possible
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, leaves and stems

Directions:

  • Cook the bell pepper and onions in the olive oil 5-6 minutes over medium-high heat in a saute pan.
  • Add the corn, and cook for 3-4 minutes more.
  • Then add the chili powder and chopped garlic, and cook for 1 more minute stirring constantly so that the garlic does not burn.
  • Reduce heat and toss in the black beans to warm through.
  • Add the additional olive oil and toss to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with sea salt and pepper.
  • Remove from the heat and gently fold in the tomatoes, (jalapeno pepper, if using) avocado, and cilantro.   Serve immediately.

Simple Mango Salsa2014-05-04 19.08.18

Ingredients:
1 large mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into medium-size dice
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
2-3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons minced seeded jalapeño pepper (optional)

Directions:
Gently combine all ingredients in a small bowl; chill in refrigerator ‘til ready to serve.

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
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