March 29, 2024

With Every Act Of Love

phssChristmasgraphic2014

Sitting at the stoplight
He can’t be bothered by the heart cry
Written on the cardboard in her hand
But when she looks him in the eye
His heart is broken open wide
And he feels the hand of God reach out through him
As Heaven touches earth

Oh – we bring the Kingdom come
Oh – with every act of love
Jesus help us carry You
Alive in us, Your light shines through
With every act of love
We bring the Kingdom come

There’s silence at the table
He wants to talk but he’s not able
For all the shame that’s locked him deep inside
But her words are the medicine
When she says they can begin again
And forgiveness will set him free tonight
As Heaven touches earth

God put a million, million doors in the world
For His love to walk through
One of those doors is you
I said, God put a million, million doors in the world
For His love to walk through
One of those doors is you

 Jason Gray

*   ♥  ~  ✝  ~  ★   *

Christmas is all so much about giving.  Even the stingiest folks that we know…you know, the ones with the ‘bah! humbug!’ attitude…understand the giving of the season.  Little children understand about giving; big kids, too.  So much of our conversation at this time of the year centers around the subject of giving.

Now…back to my first sentence.  What I first wrote is true. ‘Christmas IS all about giving.’  THAT is the absolute, total, complete, whole TRUTH!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16

But, wait…let’s look at those words again.  God ‘so loved the world…’ His love was the motivation.  And what He gave (His only begotten Son, Jesus), well that’s love, too.  Almighty God has set the standard for giving—LOVE.  Giving should be all about love.

  • Just like God, love should be the motivation for our giving
  • Just like God, love should be what we give

And we, as His children, have been enabled and equipped to be ABLE to love.

…for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts
through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5

So, in the midst of the sewing, and the wrapping, and the baking, and the shopping, and all the other activities, here’s a challenge I would like to set before each of us: let’s purpose to give LOVE!  I can only begin to imagine the myriad of opportunities that we will have to give love if we look to do so!  Start small, perhaps…give love by smiling at those you meet.  Whether wandering through the aisles or in line at the grocery store…look into the eyes of those you pass and smile.  (Oh!  And pray for them!)   Or go a little bigger…there are so very many needs in this world!  Go to a battered women’s shelter and sit and talk.  Visit an assisted living community and sing Christmas carols.  If we ask God to lead us and give us opportunity to show His love…I KNOW He will!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.
Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
This is how God showed His love among us:
He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.
This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us
and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
Dear friends, since God so loved us,
we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11

*   ♥  ~  ✝  ~  ★   *

Oh dear Father, You have shown such a perfect standard for giving.  And we thank You for that!  And You have enabled us to show Your love by pouring Your love into our hearts.  Help us, Father, especially during this Christmas season, to reach out with that love.  Help us to go beyond our comfort level, and be love to those who need love.  May You be pleased by our obedience and our actions.  And may the love we show draw others to You.  Thank You for Your love, gracious Father!  We love You so!  In Jesus’ precious name, we pray.  Amen.

Keep Your Eyes On Me

encouragementbloggraphicromans15

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowd. After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray.  Later that night, He was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.  When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified.  “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  “Lord, if it’s You,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to You on the water.”  “Come,” He said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” He said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.  Then those who were in the boat worshipped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.”

Matthew 14:22-33 NIV

 *  ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~   ♥   ~  *

How many times have you heard this story?  (If you’ve grown up in church, I know you’ve probably seen a felt board or two with this story demonstrated.)  These stories never get old though.

In this story, Jesus had just finished performing miracles and He sent His disciples on ahead of Him in a boat.  As they continued on, there came a storm and winds.  Then Jesus started to walk out there to them…yes…He walked on water.  In fact, the disciples thought He was a ghost!  The thing to remember is—Jesus knew that there was a storm coming but He sent them on anyway.  Maybe it was that He wanted to prove to them that He was stronger than any storm.

Jesus really is bigger than what you are going through.  And He knew, too, exactly where you would be today.  Are you going to trust Him?  What if He asks you to walk on water…like He asked Peter?  Would you stay afloat with your eyes on Him or would you sink in your circumstances?  Oh, friend, Jesus wants so much for you to trust Him, and to look to Him, and know that He is able to calm any storm or still those crashing waves around you.  Take that first step of faith today and walk out onto the water and meet your Savior!  Then, like Peter, you will say “Truly You are the Son of God!”

  *  ~   ♥   ~   ✞   ~   ♥   ~  *

Do you know Him?  He knows you and He wants you to know Him.  I hope you will pray this with me today…

Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and I need a Savior.  I believe that Jesus is Your Son and that He died on the Cross for my sins.  So I ask You to come into my heart and be Lord of my life.  Help me to walk closer to You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Give Love

SeekingHimLogo

Each week during the season of Advent, our blogs will focus on a central theme which is associated with the coming of Christ—His Advent.  This week’s theme is LOVE.  Christians throughout the world celebrate Advent.  Some light candles or sing songs; some give gifts or  hang wreaths.  All of these are simple joyous ways of extending the celebration of Jesus’s coming beyond a mere 24 hours on December 25. Our prayer is that these devotionals throughout this season of Advent would help you to celebrate His first Coming and anticipate with the peace and joy of His second Coming.

* * * * * * *

Christmas is all so much about giving. Even the stingiest folks that we know…the ones with the ‘bah! humbug!’ attitude…understand the giving of the season.  Little children understand about giving; big kids, too.  So much of our conversation at this time of the year centers around the subject of giving.

Now…back to my first sentence.  What I first wrote is true. ‘Christmas IS all about giving.’  THAT is the absolute, total, complete, whole TRUTH!

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
John 3:16

But, wait…let’s look at those words again.  God ‘so loved the world…’ His love was the motivation.  And what He gave (His only begotten Son, Jesus), well that’s love, too.  Almighty God has set the standard for giving—LOVE.  Giving should be all about love.

  • Just like God, love should be the motivation for our giving.
  • Just like God, love should be what we give.

And we, as His children, have been enabled and equipped to be ABLE to love.

…for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts
through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.
Romans 5:5

So, in the midst of the sewing, and the wrapping, and the baking, and the shopping, and all the other activities, here’s a challenge I would like to set before each of us: let’s purpose to give love!  I can only begin to imagine the myriad of opportunities that we will have to give love if we look to do so!  Start small, perhaps…give love by smiling at those you meet.  Whether wandering through the aisles or in line at the grocery store…look into the eyes of those you pass and smile.  (Oh!  And pray for them!)   Or go a little bigger…there are so very many needs in this world!  Go to a battered women’s shelter and sit and talk.  Visit an assisted living community and sing Christmas carols.  If we ask God to lead us and give us opportunity to show His love…I KNOW He will!

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:7-11

* * * * *

Oh Dear Father, You have shown such a perfect standard for giving.  And we thank You for that! And You have enabled us to show Your love by pouring Your love into our hearts.  Help us, Father, to reach out with that love.  Help us to go beyond our comfort level, and be love to those who need love.  May You be pleased by our obedience and our actions.  And may the love we show draw others to You.  Thank You for Your love, gracious Father!  We love You so!  In Jesus’ precious name, we pray.  Amen.  <3

At Home with GCH – SoupPalooza Week 5

Here on our At Home with GCH  blog, Monday’s are usually focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes.  But this week, I get to visit with you on Thursday!  This past Monday, our Christi put forth a challenge that you just might want to take part in…check it out!

Christi’s Pantry/Freezer Challenge

We are continuing to celebrate soup, soup, and soup since this is National Soup Month!  Now this week—since SOME of us are gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday with all of the eating attached to the watching—we are making Cheese & Cider Soup, with a Spicy Popcorn topping as well as a hearty Black Bean and Sausage Soup.  These are my contributions to the “Soup”er  Bowl buffet!

Cheese & Cider Soup w/Spicy Popcorn2013-01-29 21.05.45

2 slices bacon, diced
1 medium onion, small dice
1 large Yukon Gold potato, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice
1 medium carrot, minced
1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and diced small
1 heaping teaspoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1+1/2 cups apple cider
3 cups chicken stock
1 cup filtered water
1 can (12 ounce) evaporated milk
Pinch cayenne pepper (add up to 1/8 teaspoon if you enjoy the heat!)
4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (I also use Gouda)
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves (if using dried, use 1 tsp)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fry the bacon in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crisp, 5-10 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, and set aside.

Add the onion to the bacon drippings and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the potato, carrot, apple, and garlic stirring continuously for about 1 minute, or until the garlic is fragrant.

Dust the flour across the vegetables and stir to coat the vegetables; cook for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture JUST begins to brown on the bottom of the pot.

Gradually whisk in the cider, water, and chicken stock; increase the heat to medium-high. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low; simmer uncovered until the vegetables are cooked, approximately 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally; you will see the liquid begin to thicken slightly.  When the potatoes yield to gentle pressure (done!), whisk in the evaporated milk and bring back to a very gentle simmer. Stir in the cayenne (if using) and the thyme, and then slowly add in the cheese stirring JUST until the cheese melts.  Remove from heat.  Carefully taste for additional seasoning, if necessary.  Ladle into bowls or mugs; serve immediately with Spicy Popcorn on the side.

Spicy Popcorn

In a small bowl, mix:
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8-1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Simply prepare your popcorn in the manner you prefer (you will need about 2 cups).  As soon as it is done popping, IMMEDIATELY sprinkle 2 cups of popped popcorn with the seasoning mixture.  Stir gently.  Serve alongside your Cheddar & Cider Soup along with the bacon bits you prepared in the beginning.  Enjoy!

 _________________________

OK!  Onto our second soup this week, Black Bean and Sausage Soup.  This has a decidedly Mexican flavor so top it with some chopped avocado and red pepper…or a simple guacamole.

Black Bean and Sausage Soupsoup

1/2# Italian sausage meat, hot or sweet—your choice*
1 small onion
2 heaping tablespoons chopped garlic
1 (14-15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups broth
2 cups filtered water
3 cans (14-15 ounce) black beans, drained and rinsed with warm water**
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped and drained (optional)
1 teaspoon EACH: dried oregano, chili powder, cumin
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional)
1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 small red pepper, seeded and chopped small

Add a small amount of oil to stockpot; heat over medium-high and then saute the sausage meat and onion together for approximately 6-7 minutes.  Stir in chopped garlic and stir continuously for 1 minute.

Then add in tomatoes, broth, TWO (2) cans of the black beans, and all of the seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes allowing for flavors to meld.

Remove from heat.  Take approximately 1 cup of the beans and tomatoes out of the soup and add to the reserved can of black beans.  Using a blender or an immersion blender, CAREFULLY puree, making as smooth as possible.  Add back into hot soup and stir well.  Ladle into bowls or mugs.  Serve immediately.

I like to serve this soup with the following toppings, letting everyone make their own choice of how to finish off their mug of soup:

  • chopped avocado
  • chopped red pepper, and/or tomato
  • chopped fresh cilantro
  • sour cream
  • shredded sharp cheddar
  • crushed tortilla chips

*I purchased ground Italian sausage meat OUT of the casings (looks like ground beef and is packaged the same).  However, if you already have sausage links on hand, you could just as easily remove the sausage from the casings and use that.

** reserve 1 can of black beans

 

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