November 16, 2024

Seeking Him by Coleen Hayden – Jesus

March 16, 2013 by

In our current series, Seeking Him, we have looked at the joy of having a dedicated, purposeful devotional time—your quiet time alone with God.  Over the past ten weeks we have considered the importance and deep value of seeking Him by intentionally removing ourselves from distractions and quietly being in His presence.  This week, as we conclude the series, we will consider our greatest example—our Lord Jesus.

Throughout the Gospels, we read of many times when Jesus purposefully withdrew from His disciples, and from ministering to the needs of the people, and went to pray.  We see how valuable it was to Him to be alone with His Father, seeking Him and spending time in His presence.

And in the morning, long before daylight,
He got up and went out to a deserted place, and there He prayed.

Mark 1:35

And after He had taken leave of them, He went off into the hills to pray.

Mark 6:46

 But He Himself withdrew to the wilderness (desert) and prayed.

Luke 5:16

 Now in those days it occurred that He went up into a mountain to pray,
and spent the whole night in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12

Within the context of each of these glimpses into Jesus’ life, we observe that He:

  • before even beginning His day, went and prayed
  • in the midst of trying circumstance, went to be alone with God
  • in preparation for important decisions, got alone with His Father and prayed
  • after much time ministering to the people and teaching them, He left and sought God and prayed

How much more do we need to emulate His heart and actions in recognizing our own great need to be alone with our heavenly Father seeking Him and praying?

Perhaps the most poignant example that Jesus left us is His time seeking His Father in prayer  just prior to His betrayal and arrest in the garden of Gethsemane.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and He told His disciples,
Sit down here while I go over yonder and pray.
And taking with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee,
He began to show grief and distress of mind and was deeply depressed.
Then He said to them, My soul is very sad and deeply grieved,
so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and keep awake and keep watch with Me.
And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying,
My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me;
nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire.
And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and He said to Peter,
What! Are you so utterly unable to stay awake and keep watch with Me for one hour?
All of you must keep awake and watch and pray,
that you may not come into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Again a second time He went away and prayed,
My Father, if this cannot pass by unless I drink it, Your will be done.
And again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were weighed down with sleep.
So, leaving them again, He went away and prayed for the third time, using the same words.  Matthew 26:36-44

Words escape me to express how deeply I recognize my Lord’s awareness of His need of His Father at this incredibly stress-filled, sorrowful time!  But my heart is convicted and reminded of my own need to do the same!  If Jesus, the Perfect Man, who was totally without sin and always able to rise above any temptation, so needed this time seeking His Father…then I am without excuse to ever think I do not need the same…and more!

How very blessed we are to know that this is God’s Will…that He desires us to seek Him…that He is always available to us…that our yearning hearts will always be welcomed into His presence.  How very thankful we are to know that through His suffering, persecution, death and resurrection, Jesus—our Redeemer, our Savior, our Lord and Master—has broken down any barrier between us and Almighty God, and made it available for us to approach His Throne of grace!

But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were [so] far away,
through the blood of Christ have been brought near.
For He is [Himself] our peace (our bond of unity and harmony).
By abolishing in His [own crucified] flesh the enmity [caused by] the Law
with its decrees and ordinances [which He annulled]; that He from the two
might create in Himself one new man, so making peace.
And He came and preached the glad tidings of peace to you who were afar off
and [peace] to those who were near.
For it is through Him that we…now have an introduction (access) by one [Holy] Spirit
to the Father [so that we are able to approach Him].
Ephesians 2:13-18

“You are beautiful beyond description, yet God crushed You for my sin
in agony and deep affliction, cut off that i might enter in
who can grasp such tender compassion?
who can fathom this mercy so free?
You are beautiful beyond description, Lamb of God, Who died for me”

<3

________________________________________

Keep seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord!  As you seek Him, He will be found…He promises!

Jeremiah 29:12,13
Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me,
and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Praying for each of you!  I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are seeking Him with all your heart!

♥  coleen

If you are interested in contacting Coleen in regards to this blog, please email her at: Coleen@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

At Home with GCH: Meatless Mondays – Broccoli & Garlic White Pizza

March 11, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Mondays are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This month we are spotlighting vegetarian dishes.  Each Monday will actually be a Meatless Monday!

One of my favorite veggies is BROCCOLI!  What is your favorite way of preparing broccoli?  Mine is simply steaming it!  A pinch of salt and a grind or two of pepper…yummy!  I have been known to forsake utensils and use my fingers to eat it, too. IMG_0178

This week’s recipe is for Broccoli-Garlic White Pizza…ever had it?  Oh, I do l-o-v-e  a yummy, tomato-y, cheesy traditional pizza—but—equally love pizza of this genre!  This recipe fits our healthy but oh so yummy! category because 1) it has lots of healthy, no fat, few caloried, full of nutrition broccoli, 2) there is a tiny bit of olive oil on it, and 3) the calories contributed by the cheeses total approximately 850 for the whole pie!  Now divide that by the 3-4 servings this pizza offers, and you’ve got healthy…check!  Yummy…check!

Also you will see that I don’t make my own dough…I stop by my favorite pizza shop and purchase 1 pound of their dough!  (I already know how good it is!)  And it only costs me…$1.  Here’s my only suggestion for baking your pizza: use a pizza stone.  They are relatively inexpensive ($8-15 range, I would say) and can be bought in just about any big box store or kitchen goods store.  Mine came from Pampered Chef.  If not using a pizza stone, you will need a round pizza pan, or a large enough baking sheet to handle the size of your crust.

OK!  Here we go!  Pizza Pizza!

Broccoli -Garlic White Pizza (serves 3-4)IMG_0174

1 (1#) package of pizza dough
2-3 tablespoons of flour to handle the dough
2-3 tablespoons of cornmeal
2 heads (no stems) of broccoli, chopped into florets (about 3 cups)
3+ tablespoons chopped garlic (I use the jarred variety)
15 ounce container of part-skim Ricotta cheese, let come to room temp
1+1/2 cup shredded cheese (Mozzarella, Provolone, Monterey jack—or a mixture)
3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt, freshly ground pepper, to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Choose the pizza dough of your preference.  If making from scratch…you better get going! If  purchased from your local pizza shop, you are set to go!

If using a pizza stone, get it into the oven so that it can heat up!

Preheat the oven to 500.

Heat 2-3 cups water in a medium saucepan to boiling.  While the water is coming to a boil, fill a medium-sized mixing bowl with very cold water and a few ice cubes; set aside.  When the water in the saucepan comes to a boil, add the broccoli florets.  Cook for just 3-4 minutes, no longer; watch carefully. When the broccoli is ready, it will still be bright green and still crisp. It is better for it to be undercooked than overcooked. Remove from the heat and drain. Then immediately place the cooked broccoli into the ice water to stop the cooking process; then drain again. Blot the broccoli with a couple of paper towels. You don’t want to add wet broccoli onto your pizza crust!  Extra moisture = soggy crust!

When you are ready to shape the dough, put a couple of tablespoons of flour onto a large cutting board (or your scrupulously clean countertop). Coat the dough ball with flour all around. Flatten the ball into a disc. Then with your fingertips, work your way around the edges, stretching it all out as you go. You can also put your fist in the middle of the growing circle and raise it off of the board, letting the sides stretch down. Then work your fingers around the edge of the circle one more time.  I find it easier (safer) to keep my dough flat and just keep working it.*

When your crust is ready, sprinkle a little cornmeal onto a large cookie sheet.  You will use this to transfer the pizza onto the VERY HOT pizza stone.  Carefully slide the formed pizza crust onto the cookie sheet.

Spread the olive oil all over the pizza crust, even onto the rim.  Use just the 1 tablespoon; remember, extra moisture = soggy crust!

Add the ricotta onto the crust and using the back of a spoon, spread the ricotta evenly over the pizza. Then sprinkle the garlic all around.  Arrange the broccoli pieces over the surface evenly. Sprinkle with the Mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.

Bake 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully. If the cheese starts to brown too quickly (before the crust has had a chance to brown), reduce the heat to 475 or so. When the cheese and the crust are just starting to brown, remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Then slice and serve immediately.

Another veggie topping we like on a white pizza is Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms.

Easy-peasy!IMG_0177

2 tablespoons olive oil
½ good sized onion, sliced thinly
6-7 medium to large Baby Bella mushrooms, cleaned and sliced

Place a medium-sized saute pan on medium heat; add olive oil. Add onions and mushrooms to pan, and cook until they are lightly caramelized, approximately 6-8 minutes.  Remove from heat; allow to cool slightly.

Then proceed with the above recipe adding the onion/mushroom mixture in place of the broccoli.  That’s all!

*There are lots of videos that you can watch to give you tons of tips and tricks how-to make a perfect pizza crust…check ‘em out!

————————————————-

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

♥  coleen

_________________________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this series,
you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com, or leave a comment below.

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

Seeking Him – Thankfulness

March 9, 2013 by

We are continuing to look at one of the joys of a relationship with our heavenly Father—our ‘quiet time’ with Him.  Each Saturday in our current series, Seeking Him, we have been considering some of the more important aspects of a dedicated, purposeful, intentional, devoted quiet time.  Over the past few weeks we have thought about a few of these aspects, such as:

  • reading the Scriptures
  • singing our praises
  • being intentional—seeking Him
  • physically expressing ourselves: cry, kneel, raise hands, etc.
  • speaking out our ‘love’
  • praying
  • quietness
  • having a quiet heart

This week we are remembering the importance of being thankful and expressing our gratitude to our Father.  Truly, can you think of anything else that can so change your heart’s attitude more than being thankful?  Websters 1828 Dictionary (one of my favorite references) defines thankful as ‘grateful; impressed with a sense of kindness received, and ready to acknowledge it.’  Hmmm, sounds vaguely familiar…similar to a praise the Psalmist wrote:

Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!) O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!
Who can put into words and tell the mighty deeds of the Lord?
Or who can show forth all the praise [that is due Him]?
Psalms 106:1 and 2

I think  Mr. Webster’s definition clearly shows that thankfulness is both thought and action—you ‘sense’ being blessed AND you ‘acknowledge’ it.  Here’s a great example:

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come before His presence with singing!
Know that the Lord is God!
It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]!
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving
and a thank offering and into His courts with praise!
Be thankful and say so to Him,
bless and affectionately praise His name!
For the Lord is good;
His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting,
His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.
Psalm 100

The Psalmist was confessing—remembering—just a few things he was grateful for, AND voicing his gratitude.   To remember is ‘…to bear in mind; to keep, consider, meditate.’ We can—we should—do the same!  We have oh-so-very-much to be thankful for, amen?  We have so very many memories of God’s abundant goodness to us, true?  We can sing…

I will thank Yahweh with all my heart;
I will declare all Your wonderful works.
Psalm 9:1

Listen to the some of the things that David remembers the Lord did for him and the beautiful way he voices his thankfulness here in Psalm 30:

I will extol You, O Lord, for You have lifted me up
and have not let my foes rejoice over me.
O Lord my God, I cried to You and You have healed me.
O Lord, You have brought my life up from Sheol (the place of the dead)
Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and
give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
By Your favor, O Lord, You have established me as a strong mountain;
You hid Your face, and I was troubled.
I cried to You, O Lord, and to the Lord I made supplication.
Hear, O Lord, have mercy and be gracious to me! O Lord, be my helper!
You have turned my mourning into dancing for me;
To the end that my tongue and my heart
and everything glorious within me
may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

In your quiet time (but not ONLY in your quiet time!), tell Your Father how very grateful you are for His goodness, for His protection, for His healing, for His deliverance, for His provision, for His admonition, for His guidance, for His love, grace and mercy!  And give Him much thanks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIIyteDj9Wc&feature=share&list=AL94UKMTqg-9C-EDJmkbADvooPEeYisXsC

Keep seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord!  As you seek Him, He will be found…He promises!

Jeremiah 29:12,13
Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me,
and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Praying for each of you!  I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are seeking Him with all your heart!

♥  coleen

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

At Home with GCH: Veggie Stuffed Peppers

March 4, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Mondays are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This month we are going to spotlight vegetarian dishes.  Each Monday will actually be a Meatless Monday!  Now that we are <finally!> out of the winter months and moving towards S-P-R-I-N-G, we will have many more seasonal veggies available to us.  I’m thinking asparagus, baby salad greens, oh and my onion-of-choice, the Vidalia, has it’s best offerings in the spring! IMG_0164

This week we are making Veggie Stuffed Peppers!  This dish allows you to use the veggies that you already have in your refrigerator and the ones that you know your family will enjoy (and eat!).  We have these rice-stuffed peppers regularly in our meal rotation because they are so adaptable, and the variety keeps them from being boring.

Consider using red and yellow and orange (or even purple, if you can find them) bell peppers rather than plain green ones as their taste is much milder than traditional green peppers.  If you are having the stuffed peppers as your main dish, plan on 2 halves per hungry adult; but if serving as a side dish, then half of a pepper will probably suffice.  The proportions in this recipe are for four whole peppers.

Veggie Stuffed Peppers (makes eight halves)

cooked rice  (see recipe below)

olive oil
5 big red, yellow, or orange bell peppers
1 green bell pepper
2 medium Vidalia onions, diced small
5-6 good-sized Baby Bella mushrooms, diced small
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (I use jarred)
2 cups (your choice) chopped veggies*
½ of a 10 ounce box frozen chopped spinach–or kale! (defrost)
Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons herbs (thyme, basil, tarragon)
1 cup (or more) shredded cheese, plus 1/4 cup to finish
4 cups cooked rice (see below)
1 cup vegetable broth (or water)
1 cup seasoned tomato puree or sauce

Get the rice cooking…wash your veggies…preheat oven to 425.  Lightly coat a large baking sheet with a small amount of olive oil.  Take (4) of the brightly colored peppers and cut in half, down through the stem.  Important to keep the stem on so that the peppers hold their shape during cooking.  Remove seeds and any whitish parts of the insides.  Place the halved peppers, cut side down, on the baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes…just ‘til they start to get a teeny bit browned.  Remove from oven to cool.  Reduce oven temperature to 350.

Cut the other two peppers (one brightly colored, one green) in half, remove seeds, and chop into ½” dice.  Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat, then add onions and chopped peppers. Saute for 5 minutes; then add mushrooms, along with any veggies that need a little precooking (i.e., carrots, zucchini).  Cook for an additional 5 minutes or so.  Stir in other veggies of your choice along with the cooled rice; mix together well.  Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Stir in shredded cheese.

Using your hands, scoop up rice/veggie/cheese mixture and stuff firmly into precooked pepper halves, mounding up slightly.  Distribute all mix among the pepper halves.  Place filled peppers into a 13X9 baking pan, filled side UP.  Pour broth inside the bottom of the baking pan.  Lastly, pour the tomato sauce over the tops of the filled peppers.  Cover tightly with aluminum foil.  Bake for 20-25 minutes.  Remove foil and sprinkle with just a bit more shredded cheese.  Place back in oven for 5 minutes ‘til cheese is melted.  DONE!  Serve immediately.

*zucchini, carrots, cauliflower and/or broccoli florets, butternut squash, corn, baby peas, grape tomatoes, etc.IMG_0165

Cooked Rice
1 teaspoon butter or olive oil
1+1/2 cups rice (lots of choices out there!)
3 cups water or broth
salt, pepper

Easy-peasy!   In a medium saucepan, heat the butter or olive oil.  Add the rice and stir for one minute making sure all of the rice is coated.  Add 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper along with the water or broth.  Raise heat and stir well.  Bring to a quick boil, and immediately reduce heat to very low; cover pan.  Cook until water is completely incorporated into the rice.  Remove from heat, give a quick stir to fluff; set aside to cool.

 

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

♥  coleen

_________________________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this series, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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

At Home with GCH: Appetizers Again – Mini Quiche

February 25, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This month we are doing a series on appetizers…I love ‘em!!  How about you?   I would love for you to leave a comment below sharing with us YOUR favorite appetizer(s)!

This week we are making bite-size crustless mini quiche; have you ever had them? Pop-‘em-in-your-mouth yumminess!  These little appetizers are excellent to make ahead of time and freeze, then pull out to warm for a quick breakfast.

I made two types: Spinach&Swiss with Bacon, and Broccoli-Cheddar with Ham.  I have given you the basics—for both types—and then a few suggestions for optional fillings.  Whether you do them crustless (low-fat, gluten-free) like these or wrapped in some yummy, flaky crust, these are delicious!  You can let your imagination and taste buds lead you to making a variety or two that your loved ones will enjoy!

And I would suggest doubling or quadrupling the recipe (as I did); these go fast!  My husband can eat almost the whole batch (one dozen mini quiche) by himself… I’m just sayin’!  🙂

IMG_0161

Mini Quiche (makes one dozen)

Egg Filling

3 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper

Whisk these 4 ingredients together, thoroughly blending the eggs.  Pour into a container with a spout (for ease in filling muffin tin) and set aside.

Spinach&Swiss with Bacon

1/2 cup frozen chopped spinach, defrosted
2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (option: packaged, cooked bacon)
4 tablespoons chopped onion
1+ tablespoons dried dill or tarragon (optional)
1/2-3/4 cup finely grated Swiss cheese

Preheat oven to 375.  Grease with melted butter (or spray with cooking spray) your mini muffin tin; be thorough.  Place spinach in colander, allow to defrost, and then squeeze dry (with your hands); set aside.  Cook bacon, cool, and crumble.  Saute onion in a bit of the bacon drippings until soft.  When done, mix with spinach and herbs.

Evenly distribute the veggies, the bacon, and the cheese among the muffin cups; these should be at least 1/2 full. Then carefully pour the prepared Egg Filling mixture into each muffin cup.  Fill almost full.  Bake @ 375 for approximately 12-15 minutes until the eggs puff and are lightly golden brown.  Remove from oven; let sit for 10 minutes, then carefully remove from muffin tin.  If you have thoroughly greased your muffin tin in preparation, this shouldn’t be too hard.  I used a small, flexible spatula—but a teaspoon or small knife will do—and just run it around the edge of each quiche to loosen.  Serve immediately.

Broccoli-Cheddar with Ham

4 tablespoons chopped onion
olive oil
1/2 cup frozen, chopped broccoli (cooked and cooled)
1/2 cup ham, chopped small
1+ tablespoons dried crushed rosemary or marjoram (optional)
1/2-3/4 cup of finely grated sharp Cheddar

Preheat oven to 375.  Grease with melted butter (or spray with cooking spray) your mini muffin tin; be thorough. Cook frozen broccoli in small saucepan, drain and cool; set aside.  Saute onion in a small amount of olive oil until soft; when done, mix with broccoli, and herbs.

Evenly distribute the veggies, the chopped ham, and the cheese among the muffin cups; these should be at least 1/2 full. Then carefully pour the prepared Egg Filling mixture into each muffin cup.  Fill almost full.  Bake @ 375 for 12-15 minutes until the eggs puff and are golden.  Remove from oven; let sit for 10 minutes, then carefully remove from muffin tin.  If you have thoroughly greased your muffin tin in preparation, this shouldn’t be too hard.  I used a small, flexible spatula—but a teaspoon or a small knife will do—and just run it around the edge of each quiche to loosen.  Serve immediately.

Filling Variations (choose one from each category)

  • Veggies:(1/2 cup) of either sauteed mushrooms, peppers, seeded tomatoes, zucchini, butternut squash
  • Cheese: (1/2-3/4 cup) of your favorite Cheddar, Monterey Jack, goat cheese, Gruyere, Parmesan, Fontina, Provolone, Gouda
  • Herbs: (1+ tablespoon) of your choice of parsley, chives, tarragon, basil, dill, rosemary,  marjoram
  • Meat: (1/2-3/4 cup) finely chopped ham, cooked&crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon

Crust Options  OK, should you want to make your mini quiche with a crust (oh yum!) you have options, too.  This is a little ditzy and time-consuming but well worth the effort for those that love crust!

After choosing (and preparing, if necessary) your option, cut out into approximately 2+1/2″ diameter rounds; I used a juice glass.  Gently fit into mini-muffin tin cups.  Bake @ 400 for 20 minutes or so ’til egg is puffed and crust is lovely and golden.  Allow to sit in the muffin tin for 2-3 minutes; remove to a cooling rack OR serve immediately.

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

♥  coleen

_________________________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this series, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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

Seeking Him – Prayer

February 23, 2013 by

Each Saturday in our current series, Seeking Him, we have spent time looking at various aspects of having a dedicated, purposeful, intentional, devoted quiet time. This week we continue to appreciate the joy and privilege of being with our heavenly Father—our quiet time alone with Him.

The aspect that we are talking about is prayers and petitions. (For those of you who have been following along with us each week and perhaps asking yourself, “WHEN is she going to talk about praying?  Isn’t it foundational?” …this is it! <3)

David wrote about his ‘quiet time’ in the following verse.  Does your Lord hear you expressing your heart to Him in the same way?  I believe that as we are intentional and seek Him that, yes, this is how God sees us.

In the morning You hear my voice, O Lord;
In the morning I prepare [a prayer, a sacrifice] for You
And watch and wait [for You to speak to my heart].
Psalms 5:3

Here  is a great example of God’s design for our prayer life:

Be earnest and unwearied and steadfast in your prayer [life],
Being [both] alert and intent in [your praying] with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2

Those are some very intentional words used at the beginning of that verse, yes?  Other versions use similar words: devote, persevere, continue….

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything,
but in every circumstance and in everything,
by prayer and petition (definite requests),
with thanksgiving,
continue to make your wants known to God.
And God’s peace [shall be yours, that peace]
which transcends all understanding
shall garrison and mount guard
over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6 and 7

Now, of course, that time you spend alone with Your Lord—your quiet, devotional time—is certainly not the only time to pray!  Actually, I think, being intentional…seeking Him first and foremost…prepares our hearts for the rest of our day to be filled with continual little prayers and petitions directed to our God.

How often do we go along through our day accomplishing the normal even mundane tasks talking with our Father?  Or driving (yet again) to school to pickup your children; isn’t that a great time to pray?  Or waiting for them at dance/soccer/baseball practice or music lessons/cub scout meeting/awana time/_______ (you fill in the blank); yet another small amount of time that can be eked out of our day to pray and seek Him.  Paul wrote a number of times in his letters to the Christian believers about the importance of praying.  He used terms such as, “pray at all times,” “keep alert and watch,” “pray with ceasing.”

Listen to this encouragement:

Pray at all times (on every occasion, in every season) in the Spirit,
with all [manner of] prayer and entreaty.
To that end keep alert and watch with strong purpose and perseverance,
interceding in behalf of all the saints (God’s consecrated people).
Ephesians 6:18

Pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 and 18

So I think that we see by seeking God first and foremost, by being intentional in our quiet time in our  prayers and petitions, we will be better prepared to “pray at all times, and, keep alert and watch, and, pray without ceasing.”  We will be continually seeking Him throughout each day thus carrying out His will (1 Thessalonians 5:18)!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EDGmeP1aA4

Keep seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord!  As you seek Him, He will be found…He promises!

Jeremiah 29:12,13
Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me,
and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Praying for each of you!  I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are seeking Him with all your heart!

♥  coleen

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

At Home with GCH: Appetizers Week 3

February 18, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  This month we are doing a series on appetizers.  As I confessed last week: I love appetizers! Whether you call them tapas, small bites, hors d’ouerves, antipasto, or simply appetizers; no matter what you call ‘em…I like ‘em!  One of my favorite things to do on a weekend evening is to have some folks over, set up a board game, put appetizers and beverages on the buffet…relax and have fun!  But that’s me! I would love for you to leave a comment below sharing with us YOUR favorite appetizer(s)!

This week we are making Guacamole and Six Layer Mexican Dip…Vamanos! (Let’s go!)

Guacamole is so simple to prepare from fresh ingredients.  And when you make it at home you are able to leave out any preservatives or other unhealthy additions.  The main ingredient in any guacamole recipe is AVOCADO.  Avocados, which are fruit, are considered a very healthy plant-based fat which is comprised of monounsaturated (the good stuff) fat that is easily metabolized (burned).  Here are some nutrition facts (based on one whole avocado):

Guacamole DipIMG_0154

1 ripe avocado
juice of ½ small lemon (try Mayer lemons!)
Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper
1/2 ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
OR 12-15 grape tomatoes, halved
1/8 small Vidalia onion, very thinly sliced

Halve the avocado; remove pit very carefully.

Scoop out the fruit into a glass or ceramic bowl, and mash roughly with the lemon juice and approximately 1 teaspoon kosher salt and pepper to taste.

Stir in the cut-up tomatoes and onions.  Taste for seasoning, adding if necessary.

Should be served immediately.

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Six Layer Mexican DipIMG_0159

1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
8 ounces of jarred salsa (I used black bean & corn variety)
12 ounces sour cream
2-3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning*
Guacamole (see above recipe)
8-12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar or colby jack
1 (6 ounce) can black olives, sliced

Heat refried beans in the microwave for approximately 1 minute in a 1/2—2 quart clear glass  container just ‘til warm.  Remove from microwave.  Spread into an even layer.

Pour salsa over beans and smooth into an even layer.

Mix homemade taco seasoning with sour cream; spoon onto the salsa layer, spreading gently.

Spoon guacamole evenly over the sour cream mixture; spreading if necessary.

Scatter shredded cheese on top of the guacamole; and then distribute olive slices on the very top.

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

1/4 cup chili powder
3 tablespoons dried minced onion
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1+1/2 teaspoons salt (optional, I do not include it)
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/3 cup cornstarch

Place all ingredients in a small glass jar; shake really well ‘til all ingredients appear to be evenly distributed.  (To substitute for the mix that comes in a yellow package: use 3 tablespoons of mix and 1/3 cup water for each pound of meat.)

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

 ♥   coleen

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If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this series, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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

Seeking Him – Love with All my Heart, Soul, Strength and Mind

February 16, 2013 by

Each Saturday in our current series, Seeking Him, we have been looking in-depth at some important aspects of having a dedicated, purposeful, intentional, devoted quiet time. This week we are continuing to look at the joy and privilege of our relationship with our heavenly Father—our quiet time alone with Him. And talking about love.

Perhaps I am thinking about the love part ‘cause we have just celebrated the love holiday—Valentine’s Day.  Or perhaps I am thinking about the love part due to currently reading Crazy Love by Pastor Francis Chan.  (Have you read it?  I do know a few of you who are studying/discussing this incredibly convicting book.)  I am sure that both of those have greatly influenced my thinking.  But perhaps the most compelling motivation has been my consideration and meditation of something that Jesus said:

LOVE  the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind
Luke 10:27

I have been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now.  “Love the Lord your God with ALL….”  That is what Jesus said, right?  “…ALL?”  All means entirely, completely, wholly, vital, foundational, necessary, everything.

My friend, I could not even begin to tell you what loving God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind looks like in your quiet time.  Really, how could I?  But I do know Who can!  May I strongly suggest that you express your desire to your Lord to do just that—love. with. all. heart. soul. strength. mind. And just watch and see where the holy spirit leads you.  Praying for you that your heart will be thrilled and joyful as you love Him with your all!

With All My Heart sung by Babbie Mason

link to lyrics:

——————————————————————–

Keep seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord!  As you seek Him, He will be found…He promises!

Jeremiah 29:12,13
Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me,
and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Praying for each of you!  I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are seeking Him with all your heart!

♥  coleen

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At Home with GCH: More Appetizers

February 11, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes. And this month we are doing a series of looks at appetizers. Here in the NorthEast, we are in the middle of a snowstorm. So,  I thought…’summery food!’  🙂  This week’s appetizer selections are Caprese Salad and Zucchini Fritters. We enjoyed these as a vegetarian supper tonight!

IMG_0149

I hope you enjoy these fritters as much as we do! They go along with our healthy but oh-so-yummy category because they are loaded with zucchini, and a good shot of whole grains in the cornbread. And, even though lightly fried in a bit of oil, they are no greasier than your weekend pancakes!

As I confessed last week: I love appetizers! Whether you call them tapas, small bites, hors d’ouerves, antipasto, or simply appetizers; no matter what you call ‘em…I like ‘em!  I would love for you to leave a comment below sharing with us YOUR favorite appetizer!

Zucchini Fritters

1 box of Jiffy Cornbread mix  IMG_1404
1 medium zucchini, shredded (do not peel!)
1/2 cup milk
good squeeze of juice from a fresh lemon
1 egg
1 tablespoon of melted butter
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
dash of ground nutmeg
Oil of your choice (but NOT olive oil)
Kosher salt

Preheat oven to 250. Place an oven-safe platter into the oven.

Shred zucchini into a colander; sprinkle with a small amount of kosher salt. Let sit to drain 5 minutes or so. Then dump onto a double layer of paper towels. Blot with a couple of additional paper towels, removing as much moisture as possible.

Stir milk and lemon juice together = buttermilk!  Lightly beat egg in a small mixing bowl. Stir in buttermilk, zucchini, seasonings, melted butter and, finally, cornbread mix. DO NOT overmix; there might be a small lump or two. Let sit for 3 minutes.

While mixture is resting, add a small amount of oil to a large nonstick frying pan; bring up to medium heat; then reduce heat to low. Add the fritter mix by scoops, spacing apart for easier turning. When edges appear dry, and there are a few little bubbles on the surface of the fritters, carefully flip. Once cooked, remove to platter in oven, sprinkle with a bit of salt and keep warm while remainder of batter is cooked.

  • For larger size fritters: use 1/4 cup-sized measuring cup or a large cookie scoop.
  • For smaller, bite-size fritters, use a tablespoon measure or a small cookie scoop.

These can be served hot or warm. Serving options are many: Caprese Salad (recipe below); guacamole, sour cream, salsa…

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Continuing our “bit of summer in the midst of a snowstorm” theme, I prepared a quick Caprese Salad, aka Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato Salad. Not much tastes more like summer to me than a yummy, ripe, delicious tomato. Not so easy to find in the wintertime though! However, I find that the tiny tomatoes (grape, cherry, mini—whichever varieties your grocery store carries) are usually very flavorful and yummy all winter long!

Caprese Salad

various sizes of fresh mozzarella from my favorite brand—Belgioso!

8 ounces fresh mozzarella
1/2 pint tomatoes
Basil * (fresh is best)
Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper
1-2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil.   Easy-peasy!  Depending on the size of the fresh mozzarella you have bought, you might need to cut the mozzarella into small, bite-size pieces; halve the tomatoes, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste.  Thinly slice the basil*.  Add the sliced basil to the seasoned tomatoes and cheese.  Pour a small amount of olive oil over and gently mix. Serve immediately.*Gourmet tip: stack 3-4 basil leaves; tightly roll-up (like a tiny cigar!); then carefully slice into very thin slices. You have now accomplished the technique known as ‘chiffonade!’  You are amazing!

 

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

♥ coleen

_________________________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning this series, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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

Seeking Him – With My Whole Self

February 9, 2013 by

Each Saturday we have been looking in-depth at a few of the most important aspects of having a dedicated, purposeful, intentional, devoted quiet time. This week in our current series, Seeking Him, we are continuing to look at this joy and privilege of our relationship with our heavenly Father—our quiet time alone with Him.

May I ask you to think about something for just a moment?   What are some of the things you do with your body as you spend time and seek Him?  A few that I pictured in my mind were:

  • we sit
  • we stand
  • we kneel
  • we lay prone
  • we raise our hands
  • we clap our hands
  • we walk
  • we lift our eyes

Perhaps you are thinking, “Oh, that is NOT for me, Coleen!  I am kind of reserved, y’know.  And besides, what might people think?!?”  Let me remind you, my friends, we are talking about YOUR quiet time with Your Father…most probably no one is around, right?

Let’s look at some examples given in the Scriptures of people who, using their bodies, gave voice to the cries of their hearts:

When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Daniel 6:10

While Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, an extremely large assembly of Israelite men, women, and children gathered around him. The people also wept bitterly.  Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, responded to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the surrounding peoples, but there is still hope for Israel in spite of this.  Let us therefore make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God.  Let it be done according to the law.  Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we support you. Be strong and take action!”

Ezra 10:1-4

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven.  He said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and showing loving-kindness to Your servants who walk before You with all their heart…

1 Kings 8:22-24

To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!  Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us.  Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us…

Psalms 123:1-3

O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy.

Psalms 47:1

Then He said to them, My soul is very sad and deeply grieved, so that I am almost dying of sorrow. Stay here and keep awake and keep watch with Me.  And going a little farther, He threw Himself upon the ground on His face and prayed saying, My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will [not what I desire], but as You will and desire.

Matthew 26:38 and 39

And there are so MANY other examples throughout the Scriptures to show us that it is a good thing to physically express our adoration…our praise…our love…our great need for our Awesome and Great God!  Just as Daniel, David, Ezra, Solomon, and our Lord Jesus Himself prayed and cried to God, they used their physical bodies to express their hearts to Him.

So may I please encourage you to get up!  Allow your body to be an additional part of your expression of  the words in your heart during your quiet time with your Father!

Love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul,
with all your strength,
and with all your mind
Luke 10:27

Our heavenly Father has required that we give Him all of ourselves.  True worship and praise comes from the heart.  If our worship does not come from our hearts, it will not matter what posture, or physical expression of our praise, we use.  God requires all of you!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Keep seeking Him and enjoy your quiet time with your Lord!  As you seek Him, He will be found…He promises!

Jeremiah 29:12,13
Then you will call upon Me, and you will come and pray to Me,
and I will hear and heed you.
Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity]
and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.

Praying for each of you!  I know that the Lord will answer your heart’s cry as you are seeking Him with all your heart!

♥ coleen

______________________

If you would like to send a personal message to Coleen concerning the series, Seeking Him, you may email her at:  Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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