March 20, 2026

I Want to be a DOER…

June 15, 2013 by

I was listening yesterday, along with some of you, to a wise woman share her heart with us. One thing she vocalized was her concern that we be DOers and not just HEARers of the Word.  This wise woman was Mrs. Lisa Bevere, the writer of numerous books encouraging women, and one of the founders of Messenger International Ministries along with her husband, John Bevere.  She shared, “If you know…you must do.  Because to NOT do, when you KNOW, then there is a problem.”  Oh. So. True!

This struck my heart and caused me to remember the admonition and encouragement from the Book of James on this very topic.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.
For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer,
he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
for once he has looked at himself and gone away,
he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it,
not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer,
this man will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:22-25

I just *heart* the Book of James!  Don’t you?!?  Here in chapter one, we are being

  • built up to handle the temptations that invariably come our way
  • encouraged to ASK God for His wisdom knowing that  He will give it generously
  • reminded that rewards await us eternally when we persevere in these trials
  • thankful because our Father only gives what is good and perfect to us
  • warned to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger….

And then our brother James writes, “But prove yourselves doers of the word…”  Yes, oh, yes; yes, I will!  Does your heart respond like that?  I am pretty darn well assured that it does!  Throughout the Scriptures, ‘…men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21).  And so, we are moved and compelled and motivated and spurred on (and convicted and reproved also!) as we read and consider and contemplate the words in God’s Word.   These precious words motivate us to be doers and not hearers only.

I am always so encouraged by the hearts of you, my friends, as you joy and rejoice over God’s Word.  In the same conversation that I mentioned at the beginning, my friend Kim talked about how much she loves studying the Scriptures.  She shared a question that she asked herself, “…Am I doing everything that I am studying and learning and absorbing?  Now I need to be purposeful about praying if I am doing what I am studying!”  Yes, Kim!  That is exactly it!   And then a minute later, my sister Teresa shared her comment, “Mine is always ‘back to the Word!’  Don’t just listen to it…don’t just study it; but you have to DO what it says.  Otherwise, you fool yourselves.  It is wasted…and the Word will NOT be wasted!”  Amen, Teresa!  I, too, just want to be a DOER…a doer of God’s Word!   ♥

Praying for each of you!  ♥ 

♥  coleen

_________________________________

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

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Gluten-Free Hearty Whole Grain Bread

June 10, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  We’ve been on a gluten-free kick for quite a while now.  This week I am going to share my husband’s favorite gluten-free loaf of bread.  Shhhhh… (it is made from a mix)!  Really truly!  And it is incredible!  Very hearty…nice, thick crust…tasty…and full of such good-for-you ingredients.

This mix Hearty Whole Grain Bread Mix is made by a wonderful company, Bob’s Red Mill.  They offer an extensive line of gluten-free baking products as well as many other items.  You should check their website out!  Many grocery stores and ‘big-box’ stores carry their products.

IMG_1621

Here’s the list from the label (note there are no preservatives or ingredients with 14 letters):

  • whole grain buckwheat
  • garbanzo bean flour
  • potato starch
  • cornstarch  IMG_1617
  • sunflower seeds
  • sesame seeds
  • whole grain sorghum flour
  • tapioca flour
  • cocoa powder
  • evaporated cane juice
  • fava bean flour
  • dried molasses
  • xanthan gum
  • caraway seeds
  • active dry yeast
  • sea salt
  • whole grain teff
  • potato flour
  • onion powder
  • guar gum
  • soy lecithin

If your home is like ours…this will be gone within 2-3 days.  This bread has no preservatives so you might consider keeping it in the refrigerator.  Slice as needed.

Additional Ingredients: IMG_1615
1+3/4 cups warm (110 degrees) water
1/4 cup oil
2 eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon cider vinegar

Directions:

  1. Dissolve enclosed packet of yeast in the warm (110 degrees) water; let stand for 5 minutes ‘til foamy
  2. Grease a 9X5 loaf pan; then line with parchment paper, cut to fit.  also grease parchment paper
  3. Pour dry mix into stand mixer bowl
  4. Add yeasty water mixture and run mixer for 15 seconds
  5. Add eggs, oil, cider vinegar
  6. With mixer on low, blend ‘till batter is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated
  7. Turn mixer to medium speed and beat for 15-20 seconds
  8. Pour batter into loaf pan; smooth top of batter with wet fingers or spatula
  9. Cover loaf pan with plastic wrap and put in a warm (75-80 degrees) place to rise for 40-45 minutes; I place mine into the microwave.  Allow dough to rise so it is level with the top edge of pan
  10. Preheat oven to 375
  11. When dough has risen, bake for 60-65 minutes or ‘til internal temperature of bread is 205 degrees (I use an instant – read thermometer)
  12. Cover bread with a loose tent of foil after approximately 35-40 minutes as it starts to brown
  13. Remove from oven; allow to cool for 5 minutes
  14. Then loosen edges of bread with a knife or small spatula
  15. Using parchment paper strips, lift bread from pan and place on wire rack to cool completely before slicing
  16. As the bread is cooling, I rub the top ONLY of the loaf with about a 1/2 tablespoon of butter; this just softens the top crust of this very hearty loaf of bread

 

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

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

♥  coleen

_________________________________

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

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Praising Him In Spite of the Storms

June 8, 2013 by

This week, I have had the joy of being surrounded by women lifting their hearts and their praises to our Great God!  It has been so encouraging and inspiring!  There has been MUCH praise spoken and sung.

And in the midst of it…all throughout the week…I have been thinking of those who continue to praise our Awesome God throughout the storms of life.  My loved ones and friends who set their hearts towards our Faithful God recognizing His goodness and grace and mercy and lovingkindness.  In spite of losing loved ones who have died, struggles in marriages, increasing financial burdens, loss of jobs, sadness due to broken relationships, worry over children, concerns with serious health issues and a myriad of other hurts, anxieties, and pressures—they continue to acknowledge how wonderful God is!  I have heard them express their hearts praising their Father God using words that are so similar to what the Psalmist wrote,

Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done,
and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You!
If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.
Psalms 40:5

During times of trial—perhaps even DESPITE the things we go through—our hearts and minds must be focused on the goodness of God.  He loves us unconditionally.  He is Faithful and True.  He never leaves nor forsakes us.  He keeps His promises. He never changes.

Remember:

  • we treasure and hide His Word in our hearts so that we don’t sin
  • we remind ourselves of the TRUTH so that we cannot be deceived by lying thoughts
  • we take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ
  • we put on the whole armor that God has provided for us so that we can stand
  • and we speak and proclaim and shout and sing our praises!

Consider this psalm; perhaps you might read it aloud using it to express the words of your own heart!  May you be encouraged through these praises to always bring your own thoughts back to the One Who loves you so and to proclaim His faithfulness, His steadfast love, His trustworthiness, His truth.

Psalm 40
I waited patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He drew me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings.
And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.
Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his refuge and trust, and turns not to the proud or to followers of false gods.
Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.
Sacrifice and offering You do not desire, nor have You delight in them; You have given me the capacity to hear and obey; burnt offerings and sin offerings You do not require.
Then said I, Behold, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me; I delight to do Your will, O my God; yes, Your law is within my heart.
I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I have not restrained my lips, as You know, O Lord.
I have not concealed Your righteousness within my heart; I have proclaimed Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not hid away Your steadfast love and Your truth from the great assembly.
Withhold not Your tender mercy from me, O Lord; let Your loving-kindness and Your truth continually preserve me!  For innumerable evils have compassed me about; my iniquities have taken such hold on me that I am not able to look up. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart has failed me and forsaken me.
Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!
Let them be put to shame and confounded together who seek and require my life to destroy it; let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil and delight in my hurt!
Let them be desolate by reason of their shame who say to me, Aha, aha!
Let all those that seek and require You rejoice and be glad in You; let such as love Your salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified!
As for me, I am poor and needy, yet the Lord takes thought and plans for me. You are my Help and my Deliverer. O my God, do not tarry!

Praying for each of you!  ♥ 

♥  coleen

_________________________________

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

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Strawberry Poundcake Cupcakes (GF)

June 3, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  Today’s recipe is for Strawberry Poundcake Cupcakes with Whipped Cream & Cream Cheese Frosting.  Oh yeah!

2013-06-02 20.08.14

I made these as a special indulgent treat for a family get-together this past weekend…we celebrated my daughter, Kassia’s 32nd birthday along with my stepmom, Betsy’s, birthday AND honored our little ballerina, Kaylie Joy, as she performed in her third recital!  Big doings, I am telling you!  So, we splurged a little bit in the healthy category, and oh boy…did we enjoy the yummy category!  These were a hit with the gluten-free crowd…AND the crowd that can eat their gluten.

These delightful cupcakes are based on a ‘perfect’ poundcake recipe from Shirley Braden at glutenfreeeasily.com  You should definitely check out Mrs. Braden’s website and blog!  Her recipes are tried&true!  I’ve never had a failure using her recipes and she has much insight to share regarding gluten-free baking and cooking.

*NOTE*  You will need only one other ingredient to complete these beautiful, delicious cupcakes: some perfectly ripe small-sized whole strawberries.  It is important that you choose small strawberries because if you were to insert cut strawberries into the tops of your cupcakes, the moisture would ruin the consistency of your lovely poundcake cupcakes!  Trust me…you can ask me how I know  ;-{

Poundcake Cupcakes

2013-06-01 15.56.21Cupcake Ingredients:
2+1/4 cups gluten-free flour
1+1/2 teaspoons xanthan gum
1+1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup light olive oil
1+1/2 cups coconut sugar (your choice of sugar)
2 tablespoons orange or grapefruit juice
2 teaspoons almond extract
3 large eggs
2/3 cup coconut milk (your choice of milk)

Directions for cupcakes:

  • Preheat oven to 350; line muffin tins with 24 cupcake papers
  • Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl; set aside
  • Pour olive oil into mixing bowl, with mixer running slowly add sugar,  juice, and extract ‘til combined well
  • Add eggs—one at a time—stirring after each addition
  • Add milk, and mix for two minutes
  • Gradually add dry ingredients into wet ingredients, mixing well
  • Scoop batter into lined tins
  • Bake for 22–24 minutes, testing with toothpick for doneness
  • Remove from tins, and cool completely on rack

Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese Frosting

Frosting Ingredients:
1 pint (2 cups) heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1+1/2 teaspoons almond extract

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions for frosting:
Cream whips best when it is cold. Keep the whipping cream in the refrigerator ‘til ready to whip.  Also chill your mixing bowl AND whisk or beaters (refrigerate for at least 15 minutes).

  • Add cold whipping cream to chilled bowl
  • Whisk using electric mixer ‘til soft peaks form
  • Then sprinkle the sugar over the whipping cream and continue to beat; as sugar is blended in, slowly pour in the extract
  • Important to keep an eye on the cream as it heads towards done; don’t overbeat!  Set aside
  • In a separate large bowl, beat the cream cheese ‘til fluffy
  • Crefully add in the 1/2 cup powdered sugar blending well
  • Using a spatula, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture ‘til they are completely incorporated.  Nice job!

Assembling directions:  please see *NOTE* above.

  • Wash and dry the strawberries, slicing off the green cap
  • Carefully carve out a small indentation in the top of each cooled cupcake
  • Insert—pointside down—a small strawberry into each indentation
  • It is perfectly acceptable that the strawberries stick up just a bit above the top edge of the cupcake
  • Now frost the cupcake with the whipped cream mixture.  Done!  Enjoy!

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

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

♥  coleen

_________________________________

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

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

Girls with Swords: Chapter 10 – “Sword of Light – Overcoming Satan’s Designs” (pgs. 156-159)

May 28, 2013 by

Who: Satan

What: His schemes, plots, tactics

When: ALL THE TIME

Where: In your home, in your family, in your neighborhood, in your city, in your state, in our country, in the world. In essence: EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE he can find a way in.

Why: To divide us from God and each other

How:  The isolation tactics of guilt, judgment, shame, and suspicion (pg. 156)

Reading through the above list may seem daunting and a bit scary to you. In one sense, I hope it is. I say that because if you do not understand the reality of Satan working in this world, you will not prepare yourself. You will not be ready for the battles that will eventually come your way, if they haven’t already. When these battles come, they are a prime opportunity for Satan to try to wiggle his way into your life. But if you know his tactics…if you know his schemes…if you know where he can target your weaknesses…you can better prepare yourself NOW.

Our author presents three methods of countering Satan’s attacks – love, power, and a sound mind.

Love

“Hate lives in the dark; love lives in the light ” (pg. 157).

Biblical love is something that is impossible for us to achieve on our own. Thankfully, we have a Lord who is capable and wants to work through us to show that love to our broken world. He wants us to seek Him. He wants to teach us what true love really is. We get a glimpse of it in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7:

Love is patient; love is kind. Love does not envy; is not boastful; is not conceited; does not act improperly; is not selfish; is not provoked; does not keep a record of wrongs; finds no joy in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (HCSB)

Taking this one step further, we are not called to just love our spouse or family in this way.

And here is the second: ‘Love others as well as you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment that ranks with these (Mark 12:31 MSG)

The first commandment is to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. The second is to love others (some translations say “your neighbor”) as yourself. Humans, generally, are a pretty selfish bunch. We are pretty self-centered and pursue what pleases our own selves to the detriment of others. Jesus is saying in this passage that we are to love everyone around us (no exclusions) as much as we love ourselves.

When we walk in love, in the light, our perspective changes. We are no longer looking for the things someone did to wrong us or the ways in which someone should pay us back. When we walk in light, when we are “Jesus with skin on” to those around us, we defeat Satan’s schemes. He cannot do his dirty work through us when we love every person we come into contact with. The light snuffs out the darkness. Strongholds are broken, relationships are restored, trust is rebuilt, Satan flees, and the Lord rejoices!

But, I must restate again… we cannot do it on our own. We must seek God to learn how to live out this type of love. Study His Word and let Him show you how to love others as yourself. Ask Him for answers and He will give them.

Power

“You are his prized possession, redeemed to proclaim all that he did when he called you out of a life of darkness to live forever in the glory of his light. That’s the power of your testimony” (pg. 158).

The second way we counter Satan’s attacks is by knowing our position with God. Satan tries to divide us from God. He attempts to make us think that we are not worthy or good enough. He uses our past sins against us however he can. But, ladies, we must remember that we are descendants of a ‘chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession’ (1 Peter 2:9). We were called out of darkness to proclaim the glorious riches that we know exist in Jesus Christ our Lord. The power of the Holy Spirit resides within each of us, as believers, to do His work here on earth. We must seek Him and allow that power to work in and through us to effect change in our world. Ultimately, our #1 assignment is to be an ambassador for Christ and to let His Will be done in our lives.

Assignment.jpg

Sound Mind

“The Word of God has the power to renew your mind and change it from unsound to sound” (pg. 158).

One of the ways Satan attacks us is through our mind. Our thoughts can wreak havoc, breeding a multitude of negative thoughts before we even know what happened! Lately, I have felt so distressed with the events of our world. I was bogged down in the misery, tragedy, and ugliness of the events that surrounded me. Day after day, I would read another news story about a tragic event in the world and my thoughts would spiral. Thankfully, my Lord (and some good friends!) helped me through this time. It does not take long; Satan will use any trick in his arsenal to try to get you. He will target you however he can.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Romans 12:2 NLT, emphasis added

This is my life verse. God brings it to my attention quite often. I constantly need to remind myself that I need to change my mindset. I need to counter Satan’s attacks by centering my thoughts on God and His Truth. When our minds are filled with God’s Word, we can immediately wield it against Satan’s attacks.

Love, Power, and a Sound Mind. It all comes back to God’s Word. Satan wants to divide us from God. We must stand firm and wield our weapon of truth and light in the midst of these attacks.

*****

Let’s Pray: Father, Your Word is Holy and True. We know that Satan wants to defeat us. He wants to destroy our relationship with you. Thankfully, Lord, we know that the ultimate victory is already won. Strengthen us in our daily walk, Lord. Help us live out a bold faith. Give us courage and strength to face the attacks when they happen and to turn immediately to You for wisdom and discernment. We thank You that we can come to You at any time, with any need, and we know that You will hear it and answer it in Your perfect timing. Thank you, Father. We love You and praise Your Holy Name. Amen.

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Gluten Free Chewy Chocolatey Gingery Cookies

May 27, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  Today we have another cookie recipe!  This recipe makes a delicious and not-so-sweet cookie which still fits into this category!  Included in the recipe are healthy ingredients like sunflower and chia seeds, coconut oil instead of butter or shortening, and non-refined sweeteners.  Also to note, these are flourless and grainless (as I know that is important to some of you).

I am thinking this would make for a great ice cream sandwich with chocolate or caramel homemade ice cream!

2013-05-25 17.38.30

Chewy Chocolately Gingery Cookies  
(makes approximately 3 dozen medium-sized cookies)

ingredients:
1+1/2 cups sunflower seeds
1 cube crystallized ginger
2 tablespoons coconut oil2013-05-25 16.18.42
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon chia seeds
3/4 cup coconut sugar (or sugar of your choice)
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 large egg PLUS 1 egg yolk

directions:

  • preheat oven to 350; line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper; fit a food processor with a mixing blade
  • place sunflower seeds, crystallized ginger, coconut oil, honey, and chia seeds into the bowl of the food processor
  • process for 2 minutes, stopping a few times as needed to scrape down the sides of the bowl ‘til all is finely ground (the mixture will look like nut butter)
  • add the coconut sugar, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt;  process ‘til thoroughly combined
  • keeping the food processor running, add the egg and egg yolk; and process just ‘til dough forms
  • using a small cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the lined baking sheets about 2″apart (if doing by hand*, a small cookie scoop holds approximately 2 teaspoons of dough)
  • bake for approximately 9-10 minutes ‘til the cookies are almost firm to the touch; do not overbake
  • remove from baking sheet and cool completely on a rack
  • best stored in an airtight container; enjoy!

* this is a sticky dough, as are most gluten free doughs.  if rolling by hand, you might need to occasionally rinse your hands with cold water.

*** I dusted mine with a little bit of powdered sugar.  To make these an extra-special treat, melt ½ cup of chocolate chips in the microwave; dip a portion of your Chewy Chocolatey Gingery Cookie into the melted chocolate while it is still hot.  Let cool on a rack for the chocolate to harden.

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

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

♥  coleen

_________________________________

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

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

Girls With Swords: Chapter 10 – “Sword of Light” (pgs 153-156)

May 27, 2013 by

Have you ever turned the wrong way on a One Way street?  I have.  It was unintentional, scary, and very dangerous.  However, I have turned the wrong way on a one way street on purpose, too, as a means to an end.  I took a shortcut to get me to where I needed to be or turned in the direction I wanted to go.  Was I wrong when I was going the wrong way?  Yes!  Whether I found myself on the wrong road intentionally or unintentionally…I was still going the wrong way.

If you have ever done this at night, you are very familiar with the sea of headlights coming at your lone car in the opposite direction.  What a panicky feeling.  No bueno.  It is very possible that you are on the right road and EVERYONE else is going the wrong way, but not likely.  The laws and rules of the road are there for a purpose—safety.

In this world, there are two ways to look at this illustration.   If you are a Christ-follower, you should be headed the same direction as other followers—after Christ.  We will all move in the same direction as we follow the Leader.  If you find yourself going the opposite direction of other believers, you are probably headed in the wrong direction.  Ask for help; we are all in this together.

The other way to look at this is, as a Christ-follower, we will be going against the traffic and in an opposite direction from the world.  If we find ourselves acting and saying things that make us indistinguishable from the ones around us, then our headlights are blending in to the mass of other headlights.  That one car on the road going in the opposite direction is attempting to shine the Light for others to see and your headlight is one of the obstacles needing to be avoided or removed on the road to Jesus.

Lisa uses the light illustration to say this, “This means that now we can’t see the whole picture.  Yet there has never been a more desperate need for us to perceive or discern what we do see accurately” (p. 153).  Because there is more than what meets the eye, “we need the sword of light and discernment” to see what our eyes are missing in the Big Picture.

I have to share with all of you….  This book study has illuminated every topic we have studied together in my family.  As we learned about the reason for swords, there was an application in my family.  As we learned about being a hero, there was the opportunity to be a hero in my family.  As we recognized the battleground, my family became a battleground.  Part Two addressed ‘Becoming a Warrior’ and ‘Forging a Sword’ and I became renewed to defend my family, protect them from the enemy, and guide them to the right path.  This section, ‘Armed,’ truly has been an application of what we are learning.  I am noticing the brambles, vines and serpents.   I find that I am getting weary in one way and empowered in another.  The struggle saddens me for the ones on the wrong road, but overjoyed that God loves them enough to turn them around and point them in the right direction.

Do not give up!  If we do not recognize the Light, the darkness will overtake us and the ones we love.  Paul’s letter to Timothy spoke volumes to me this week:

“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money.  They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful.  They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control.  They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.  They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.  Stay away from people like that!“  2 Timothy 3:1-5, NLT

Young Timothy needed to know that there would be difficult times, people would only love themselves and their money,  they will be boastful and proud, disrespectful to God, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, foul-mouthed and cruel.  Why did Paul pass this knowledge on to Timothy?  Why not let Timothy find this out on his own?  Paul cared for Timothy.  Paul cared for the common purpose they both shared.  Paul and Timothy were on the road to following Jesus and the shared knowledge gave Timothy a light to keep him on the right road.  Timothy didn’t have to blaze a new road, he just had to maneuver the road he was already on.

Timothy needed to recognize the serpents, briars, and stubborn roots that could trip him up along the way.  Did you notice the main issues with the people Timothy would encounter while he ministered?  Selfishness, boastfulness and pride, disobedience to God and their parents…and UNGRATEFUL?  These are not issues brought about by circumstances of where you live, but about where your HEART is.  People have a heart problem and only the Good Physician can heal them.

Just like Timothy, we need to be aware of what can trip us up.  We have to be on our guard and give careful attention to God’s Word to be able to recognize dangerous areas.  We need to have a healthy respect for these dangers, but know that God is in control and has made a way for us to successfully navigate this road of life.  “The Word of God is the lamp that lights our paths while it judges our actions as surely as it discerns our hearts.  Without the light of God’s Word, we would all be running around in the dark, afraid of what we cannot see” (p. 155).

Lisa says something else that was very prevalent in my home this week, “Without the insight of God’s Word, it is easy to mistake an enemy for a friend and someone’s past for their future, because the shadow realm distorts our perspective.  But when the light is brought to a situation, you see what is actually before you” (p. 155).

Friends, practice looking into the Light.  Let the Word become instinctive in your life.  I pray that your discernment sensors are sensitive and accurate.  When your spirit tells you something is a danger, take note.  It’s important.  Teach those around you how to recognize the hurtful areas so they can lift their sword and learn to use it.  Let’s all learn to be “In the Light”:

Let’s Pray:

Father God, we thank You for loving us when we are going the wrong way…either by accident or intent.  Give us a heart that yearns to see your Light, follow Your Light and share your Light.  Go with us as we learn to apply the truths we are learning in our book study.  Forgive us when we fail.  Thank You for the sisters you have placed on this road to travel with.  I pray that we can all keep each other headed in the right direction as we learn to follow the Light.  We love You, Lord.  AMEN

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If you would like to join us for the “Girls with Swords” Online Bible/Book study, click HERE to be taken to our sign-up page.  Once you complete the enrollment process, we will email you further details.  We hope you will join us!

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My Name is ‘Worthy’

May 25, 2013 by

It has been quite a week—the horrific tornado in Oklahoma and the tragic loss of so many lives…stuff and nonsense happening in my own life…hearing of sadness and grief experienced by dear friends.  All this wears on my heart; have you found this to be so?  Sometimes our hearts and minds get distracted by the things of this world and we forget to believe the Truth that we know.  And, sometimes, it causes us to wonder, ‘Why?’

Why?  The truth is we have an enemy.  One who loathes…no…truly hates God and His children.  He is determined to take what our Lord came to make available to us.  Jesus said,

A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.
I have come so that they may have life, and have it in abundance.
John 10:10

The evil that we experience is meant to draw us away from dwelling in God’s presence—to steal.  It is designed to dampen and diminish our love for our Lord—to kill.  And, ultimately, to cause us to turn away from God and His Word—to destroy.  This is what the enemy of our souls attempts to do.  However, Jesus has made it available for us to have LIFE full of grace and mercy, free, in abundance, joyous, peace-filled, and blessed!  Amen?

So much that God has intended for us is ours to simply receive—by His grace!  But we do have a  part to play in enjoying this life that Jesus has made available—we need to hold the Truth of God’s Word in our hearts and minds.

Your Word I have treasured in my heart,
That I may not sin against You.
Psalms 119:11

Treasured is also translated in other versions as ‘hid…hidden…stored…laid up.’  God’s Word(s) hidden in our hearts keeps us from sinning.  When the treasure of His Word is stored up in our hearts we remember what is written in the Scriptures and not only do we believe His promises but we trust in them, we act on them, we obey…all very pleasing to our Father God!

In my own heart, I can be distracted by words (from the past as well as the present) that are NOT the Truth.  These lies are the enemy’s attempts to steal, kill, and destroy my relationship with the One Who loves me so.  I must take His Word that I have treasured in my heart and remember it, believe it, trust in it, act on it, and obey!  When I do…oh, the abundant, joyous, free, grace and mercy-filled life I enjoy!  His Word tells me the TRUTH of who I am!!!

See what great love the Father has lavished on us,
that we should be called children of God!
And that is what we are!
1 John 3:1

Hello, child of God!  What is your ‘name’?  I would love it if you would share it with us in the comments below!  My name is ‘worthy!’

Praying for each of you!  ♥ 

♥  coleen

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

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Italian Almond Cookies, Gluten-Free by Coleen Hayden

May 20, 2013 by

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  Today’s recipe makes a delicious, slightly decadent sweet which still fits into this category!  This recipe has no oil or butter, uses gluten-free almond flour which is high in protein, and can be made very successfully using alternative, unrefined sugars.

These yummy little almond cookies are so reminiscent to me of Italian bakery cookies called ‘amaretti.’  Going to make a confession here: I just l-o-v-e Italian bakery pastries!  For my birthday, thank you but no birthday cake, please!  Just a platter of mini pastry and almond cookies.  For sure!  So when my darling daughter, Kassia, called and told me that she had made ‘amaretti’ and they were gluten free—happy me!  Perhaps you will find these little cookies as delightful as I do; maybe even turn you into an amaretti fan!  Enjoy!

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Italian Almond Cookies      makes approximately 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients:
2+1/2 cups almond flourIMG_1563
1+1/4 cups superfine* sugar
3 room temperature egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon almond extract
extra sugar for dusting

 

 

Preheat oven to 300.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Using a food processor, blend together the almond flour and sugar for 30 seconds.  Add both extracts, and pulse 5 or 6 times to blend.  Add the egg whites ONE at a time, and continue to process the mixture ‘til the dough is nice and smooth.

Using a small cookie scoop, place teaspoons of the dough onto the lined cookie sheets, approximately 1″ apart.  These cookies do not spread.  Sprinkle the tops of the cookies with the extra sugar.  Bake for 20-24 minutes for chewy cookies; 24-30 minutes for a slightly crispy cookie.  Remove to a cooling rack.  Easily stored in your favorite cookie jar!

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*If, like me, you are using alternative sugars, put them into the food processor first and give them a 20 second whirl to pulverize them and make the sugar “super fine.”  I used a mix of coconut sugar and evaporated cane juice sugar.

♥  ♥  ♥  ♥  ♥

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 blogpost, you may email her at: Coleen@girlfriendscoffeehour.com

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Pentecost—The Holy Spirit Has Come

May 18, 2013 by

Tomorrow is the celebration of the Day of Pentecost—the day almost 2,000 years ago when the Holy Spirit was sent by God Almighty to take Jesus’ place in the lives of His disciples.  You can read about this dramatic, unique event in the Book of Acts.  Acts 2:.

After Jesus had ascended to Heaven, the apostles and many disciples had been waiting as their Lord had told them to do.    They were gathered together…the apostles, Mary, the other women who followed our Lord, along with some of His disciples.  The Scriptures tell us that they spent their time praying.  After Jesus’ arrest, His trial, and His crucifixion, Jerusalem was not a safe place for them to be (as many of them were known to have associated with Jesus).  But they were obedient to their Lord, even in His absence, and yearned to receive His promise.

While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise.  “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.
Acts 1:4, 5 and 8

Jesus had promised them, “If I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). That promise was fulfilled on Pentecost. Just as Jesus was always there to help them, and to guide them, and to teach them, the Holy Spirit would be also.  The Holy Spirit was, essentially, to be Jesus’ replacement.  Now they would have the Holy Spirit—One who would, just like Jesus, minister to them in all the ways that He had.

And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.
He is the Spirit of truth…
John 14:16 and 17

   (read the context in verses 15-26)

What an incredible promise!  Can you imagine?  During the Last Supper, Jesus taught His disciples much about much!  He was preparing them.  And He was helping them to know that, when the time came, they would not be alone. He loved them SO much!  And so His communication with them during this time included instruction and encouragement regarding His promised sending of the Holy Spirit.

Now before the Passover Feast began, Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and return to the Father.  And as He had loved those who were His own in the world, He loved them to the last and to the highest degree.
John 13:1

Just as real as Jesus was to the disciples when He walked this earth, He is just that real to us, His current-day disciples, through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit continues to be Jesus’ presence with His disciples today—you and me.

Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s sanctuary and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16

To the same degree that those who were alive in Jesus’ time needed a Helper and a Comforter, so do we; wouldn’t you agree?  Our Lord loves us (you and me) also “…to the last and to the highest degree.”  His promise extends to every one of those who are His; who obey His commands.  His promise of One Who would take His place, to be Helper, Comforter, to teach and guide, to walk alongside is to you and me!  We are not alone!

This song conveys my heart toward you, and my prayer over each of you!  May this incredible, miraculous gift of love—the indwelling of Jesus in your very heart through the Holy Spirit—give you agape love for others, joy, peace, patience, comfort, bravery, and strength.  May your heart be revived…renewed to love and serve the One Who loves you so!  ♥

Praying for each of you!

♥  coleen

Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God lyrics

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

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