Girlfriends Coffee Hour

“I AM” Chapter 4 – Day 1: Jesus is the “I AM”

July 29, 2013 by Teresa Bolme

Memory Verse:

___________________________

I am full of questions today. Why is it important for people to know us? What difference does it make if people REALLY know who we are? Does it hurt us when people get the wrong impression of us? If I needed someone to write my life story, what kind of person would I choose to do that for me? How would I go about finding someone who could accurately portray Who I Am to other people?

If you are still following along with us after three weeks of learning who the Great I AM is through the Old Testament, then hold on to your seat, because Jesus is going to ramp up the study! Jesus was like that, you know. Wherever He found people, He would push them outside their comfort zone, challenge their beliefs and get them to really see themselves for who they really are. Have you begun to look at yourself a little differently yet?

As we cross the Bridge from the Old Testament to the New Testament we walk across 400 silent, unholy, mixed-up years. God is preparing the world stage for the coming Messiah. The people were living life the way they wanted to, making gods of whatever they found valuable to them at the time. The Bridge crosses a silent ocean of godlessness. The picture of the Bridge in my mind sags in the middle. The first part is downhill, bottoms out at a very low point and then there is an uphill climb to get off on the other side.

Look at our memory verse for the week. It is John 15:11. If you notice in your study guide, there is a typo in the “I AM’s” of Jesus. It should read John 15:1 for that section. As I began to prepare for the study, I had all these questions, so I took them to Jesus. He turned that typo into our memory verse for the week and the answer to ALL my questions. He will do that, you know. There are no dumb questions when you seek Him with ALL your heart. He will give us the answers we need so our JOY will be FULL.

Why is it important for people to know us? We were placed on this earth for a purpose. If we don’t share ourselves with others, we are missing our purpose. Don’t miss your purpose for living. Share your life with others.
What difference does it make if people REALLY know who we are? If you do not show them who you really are, they will make up their own story. Some of it may be true, but it cannot ALL be true. Truth is important! Let others into your life so there is no question where you stand on important matters.
Does it hurt when people get the wrong impression of us? Absolutely!!! There is nothing more painful than having someone tell a lie about us and have others believe it. It hurts even worse than when the story is true. We can grow through that pain, too.
If I needed someone to write my life story, what kind of person would I choose to do that for me? I would want someone who was known to be truthful, honest, and fair. Someone who had taken the time to get to know me and my heart. Someone who would not back down when others had a different story to tell.
How would I go about finding someone who could accurately portray Who I Am to other people? I would take the time to reveal myself to others so they could make up their own minds about me and let them write the story based on their own experiences with me. Each story would be different and unique—just like the relationship between us. By reading the stories of each writer, others would be able to get a fuller picture of who I really am.

Who did Jesus choose to reveal His character to? He chose to share His life with strangers who HE turned into disciples. He said, “Follow Me” and they did. The disciples got to see the good, the bad, and the ugly of living life as Jesus. Just like us, Jesus had best friends. John was Jesus’ closest friend and gives us our first seven “I AM’s.” If I truly want to know who Jesus is and what He is like, I want to talk to His best friends.

You are writing your life story RIGHT NOW. What would those closest people to you be able to reveal about your character? It matters, you know. If you aren’t showing them the example you had hoped, there is time to make changes and reflect the Light inside you. You can open the Door and offer Bread. You can point people to the Way, the Truth and the Life. Your story isn’t finished yet. Finish it well!

__________

Let’s Pray:

Dear Jesus, Messiah, Lord of ALL,

We thank You for making Yourself known to us. Thank You for loving us in our sinfulness enough to give Your life for ours. Thank You for showing us what it means to develop friendships. I pray for each person seeking You today. I pray they find You right where they are. We allow You into our hearts so that Your Spirit can change us from the inside out. We want to reflect Your Truth, Your Light, and Your Way. We can feel that JOY welling up now. Help us to reach the overflowing mark. We love You, Jesus!

AMEN

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: Bible, bible study, Christianity, faith, family, fellowship, friendship, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, God, I AM, Jesus, John 15, jOHN 15:11, joy, Lord, Love, Messiah, Online Bible Studies, online bible study, Prayer, questions, relationships, teresa bolme, women's bible studies

Caprese Quiche with Hash Brown Crust

July 29, 2013 by coleen hayden

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Monday’s are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes. We continue our series of summer recipes featuring in-season ingredients. Our featured ingredient this week is grape tomatoes! Oh, I love tiny tomatoes…do you? They are just so sweet! Here’s a link to some great info on the incredible benefits of these beautiful little orbs!

In today’s blog, I am sharing a recipe for a filling, nutritious, delicious quiche. Included along with our feature ingredient is another in-season vegetable: fresh spinach. (Baby spinach would be awesome here!) Also, here is a link to a recipe posted previously on our At Home with GCH blog for Caprese Salad. Both recipes meet our standard for healthy but oh-so-yummy! Enjoy!

Caprese Quiche with Hash Brown Crust

Crust:

Ingredients:
3 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat oven to 425.
Thaw hash brown potatoes, and blot between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Combine in mixing bowl with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings.
Lightly grease 9″ glass pie plate.
Pour potato mixture into pie plate and press firmly onto bottom and up sides of pie plate…go all the way up to the rim.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned; do not let burn!
When done, remove from oven. Place on a cooling rack and allow to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Reduce oven temp to 350.

Filling:

Ingredients:
1 medium sweet onion, diced
2 teaspoons olive oil
good-sized handful (12-14 grape tomatoes), chopped
1/2-3/4 cup fresh spinach leaves, sliced 1/4″ slices
1 heaping tablespoon chopped garlic (I use jarred)

Directions

Heat olive oil in medium-sized saute pan over medium heat.
Add diced onions and cook for 6-7 minutes until softened but just slightly browned.
While onions are cooking, chop tomatoes (drain away any excess juice).
To slice spinach, stack a number of leaves, and then just carefully slice down through them into 1/4″ slices; repeat until all spinach is sliced.
When onions are ready, add tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. Saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until spinach has wilted.
Remove from stovetop and allow to cool.

Egg Custard:

Ingredients:
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
3/4 cup 2% milk
1/2 cup ricotta
dash of Kosher salt
1/2-1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (I used gluten free)

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, rough chopped

Directions
To the lightly beaten eggs, add the milk, ricotta, seasonings, and breadcrumbs; whisk together until smooth.

To assemble: Once baked crust has cooled slightly, layer in filling ingredients. To make this spill-proof, I then put the pieplate on the oven rack and then pour the custard on top. Add chopped cheese and swirl with fork to evenly distribute ingredients over the crust. Bake until eggs are set and cheese is slightly browned, approximately 30 minutes or so. Let stand for 10 minutes to set up and finish cooking. Cut into four – six wedges.

Here are a few other great ways to do caprese:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/delicious-ways-to-eat-caprese

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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 w/ GCH, basil, Caprese Quiche with Hash Brown Crust, caprese salad, coleen hayden, fresh mozzarella, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, grape tomatoes, hash browns, healthy but oh so yummy, quiche

Glorious Living w/ Coach Megan: Encouraging Truth-telling

July 26, 2013 by Megan Smidt, CCLC

Dear Coach Megan,

I’m not so sure this is a “Life Coaching” question, but I am having a lot of trouble with my kids lying to me and to others. Sometimes it is even about things that I can’t think of any reason why they would even think to lie about! I’m not really sure how to proceed in guiding them except to punish them for lying. I hope this is something you can help me with. If it matters, my kids are middle school and high school aged. Thank you! ~A

Dear A,

I have coached many clients specifically on parenting and parenting relationships…and this is a wonderful question I am happy to give you guidance on. While I believe that lying is part of a development stage for many children, I also know that you need to be careful when punishing for this as it can cause them to dig in their heels even deeper! In younger children, they will even form “wishes” in the space of a lie. Because your kids, specifically, are older, I am going to encourage you to help them in a similar way that I would even coach you to manage dealing with adults who are not telling the truth. I have five young adult children myself, so I understand your frustration and your heart to want to help them!

Typically, liars don’t see themselves as liars. It typically comes down to the fact that they are just trying to get their needs met. When our God-given inner needs for significance and security are not met {especially in childhood} the tendency is to try to meet those needs illegitimately. That being said, the two primary causes for lying are:

Feeling insignificant and lying to appear more important. “I need to change the truth because the real truth doesn’t sound important enough.”

Feeling insecure and lying to keep from looking bad, stupid, or inadequate. “I need to change the truth because if I speak the truth, I’m afraid of what others will think of me and do.”

The fact is that the Lord promises to meet all of our inner needs.

As Christians, we need to tell the truth all the time because Jesus lives within us and He is the Truth!

He will empower us to overcome lying so that we can reflect His character!

Encouraging truth-telling in difficult situations:

1. KNOW that you CANNOT please everyone!

Galatians 1:10

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God?
Or am I trying to please people?
If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

2. KNOW that you are NOT responsible for everyone’s feelings!

Proverbs 9:7-9

Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

3. KNOW that you CAN speak the truth in a loving way!

Ephesians 4:15

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.

4. KNOW that you are not a perfect person… No one is perfect!

Isaiah 53:6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way;

5. KNOW that you are not accountable for how others respond to the truth. You are accountable to God to tell the truth.

Romans 14:12

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.

It is important when you talk to your kids about this, you explore the Scriptures together and try to get them to reveal what God’s truth is about this for themselves. Do not judge, do not condemn…lovingly guide them to God’s truth on this subject and leave room for them to make good choices with whether to tell the truth or not. It is a CHOICE.

It is also important to understand that even “white lies” dirty the conscience and darken the prospect for transparent relationships. To help them on their path to recovery and exchange half-truths for honesty, it is helpful to look at what God has to say about it:

His consequences for lying and His hatred for deceit {Psalm 5:6}
Determining to be totally honest with God and freely admit your failures {1 John 1:8}
Discerning your areas of personal temptation…to stop and think before you answer {Psalm 141:3}
Deciding that you want your life to reflect Christ, Who lives in you {Romans 8:29}
Depending on the strength of Christ within you to enable you to change {Philippians 4:13}
Delighting in speaking the truth, which is more rewarding than telling lies {Proverbs 28:13}

What I always say to my kids is that when you tell a lie, you might “look” better…at least you HOPE you do…. But when you tell the truth, you FEEL better as you reflect Christ in YOU! 🙂

Blessings to you and your family,

Coach Megan 🙂

Filed Under: Glorious Living w/ Coach Megan Tagged With: 1 John 1:8, Christian walk, Christianity, co-dependant, Ephesians 4:15, Galatians 1:10, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Glorious Living with Coach Megan, Glory to Glory Christian Life Coaching, God, insecure, insignificant, Isaiah 53:6, Megan Smidt, Megan Smidt cclc, parenting, Philippians 4:13, Proverbs 28:13, Proverbs 9:7-9, Psalm 141:3, Psalm 5:6, Romans 14:12, Romans 8:29

Tropical Granita

July 26, 2013 by Dana Kim

In my last post on the joys of Homemade Coconut Milk, we’ll look at the most traditional use of coconut: Dessert! Coconut milk can be used in savory or sweet dishes, but I think most people like to find coconut mingling with chocolate or fruit. Here’s a recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth in a healthy way – Tropical Granita!

For some reason, my girls won’t try new fruits readily, but if I put them in a smoothie or in this granita, they love it! A granita, if you don’t know, is like a cross between a sorbet and shaved ice. It’s icy, flaky, and refreshing! You can use any fresh, juicy fruit you want here – mangoes, peaches, any berries – but be sure you add at least one banana. The bananas create a thicker texture and enough sweetness that you don’t need to add any sugar! You could use frozen fruit too – pineapple and raspberries would be lovely! I used nectarines, bananas, and strawberries.

As with all homemade recipes, there are pros and cons. The pro, of course, is there are no sweeteners, preservatives, artificial color, etc. The con is that since there are no stabilizers and gums, this granita is a little more difficult to scoop than commercial ice cream. I take it out of the freezer about half an hour before we eat it, so it can soften up a little. It’s a great motivator – I tell my daughter I’m taking dessert out of the freezer, so if she wants to eat some, she better start eating that broccoli on her plate!

Tropical Sorbet

Ingredients:

1 cup dessicated coconut and 1 1/2 cups water (or one can coconut milk)
3 nectarines or peaches
1 ripe banana
1 cup strawberries
optional toppings: whipped cream, shredded coconut, strawberry jam

Directions:

In a blender, blend the coconut and water. Strain through a colander and cheese cloth. Return coconut milk to the blender. (If using canned coconut milk, just pour it in the blender!)
Boil a pot of water. Score an X on the bottom of each peach or nectarine. Drop each nectarine into the water and let it boil for 30 seconds. Remove the nectarines to an ice bath. When cool, peel off the skin. Cut the flesh from the pits and add to the blender.
Add the banana to the blender and blend for 30 seconds. Remove stems from strawberries and cut in half. Add to blender and pulse a few times – I like to see chunks of berries!
Pour into a large, shallow container and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze until firm, at least 6 hours. To serve, let thaw for about half an hour, and then scrape up with a spoon or fork. Mound in a dish and serve with whipped cream, more diced berries or coconut flakes, or a dollop of strawberry jam!

These make great popsicles too!

Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana

To view even more of Dana’s unique recipe, you can visit her at Frugal Girlmet!

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: At Home w/ GCH, Coconut Milk Recipes, Coconut Recipes, Dana Kim, Dessert Recipes, Frugal Girlmet, Frugal Girlmet Recipes, Fruit Recipes, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Granita, Granita recipes, Tropical Granita

“I AM” Week 3 – Day 4: The Day of The Lord

July 25, 2013 by Kim Spring

Memory Verse:

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,

he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:19

___________________________________

You, my friends, are God’s chosen people, and He wants to lavish you with His love and shower you with blessings that only He can give. But you have to put Him first in your life, above everything else and constantly seek Him. Friends, the day of the Lord is coming. Are you ready? Are you serving Him only? Or are you still dabbling in worldly behaviors?

Zephaniah, Haggai, and Zechariah were all prophets, chosen by God to send messages to His people about the coming day. They had messages of hope and blessings for His people after years of persecution, captivity, and darkness. The only thing they had to do was seek God. They had become complacent, content in their lives, desensitized to the evil that was going on all around them. Some were worshipping idols, others were worshipping their own lives. God loved them enough to send some hard words, warnings of what is to come if they didn’t turn from their wicked ways and follow hard after God.

Zephaniah 3:14-18 is a beautiful, love letter from God to His people then and to us now. You can make this personal and find such hope in these words from your Father. No matter what your life may have looked like, God wants to rescue you and redeem you. I want you to substitute your name in these verses. (Italics mine)

“Sing, O daughter of Zion (your name), be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. The Lord has taken away your punishment. He has turned back your enemy. The Lord, the King of Israel, is with you. Never again will you fear harm. On that day, they will say to Jerusalem (your name). “Do not fear, O Zion, (your name), do not let your hands hang limp, the Lord your God is mighty to save. He will take great delight in You! He will quiet you with His love and He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Zephaniah 3:14-18

I’m in tears, aren’t you? God, the Great I AM is rejoicing over you with singing!!!

Next comes the book of Haggai. He brings a message of encouragement to the people of Jerusalem. He wanted them to return to the task of building the Temple. When they were first released from exile, they were filled with hope, excitement, and on fire for God. But life and the pressure got to them and they became selfish and they quit doing the work God called them to do. Can you relate?

Haggai was to get them back on track. To get them to stop making excuses and to show them the reasons they were suffering, which were directly related to not putting God first in their lives. How true this is in our own lives. We can get back on track just by asking. It is that simple. And we will be better than we were before because of what we learned in the battle.

“The future glory of this temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord Almighty. And in its place, I will bring peace. I, the Lord Almighty, have spoken.”

Haggai 2:9

And last, Zechariah leaves us with the hope of the coming Messiah, the coming of Jesus! He wanted God’s people to know that even in times of discouragement and turmoil, and trials, God is working out His plan in our lives and guides and directs us if we trust and follow Him. Is He going to be your Savior or your judge? Some of His promises are conditional. We must obey Him to receive them. He will give us consistent blessings when we consistently live our lives for Him.

“When that day arrives, The Lord, their God, will rescue His people, just as a shepherd rescues His sheep. They will sparkle in His hand like jewels in a crown. How wonderful, how beautiful they will be. The young men and women will thrive on the abundance of grain and new wine.”

Zechariah 9:16

You will be a sparkle in God’s hand! A jewel in a crown. He calls you beautiful and wonderful. Amazing grace! We may feel like our life is a battlefield! As long as we are on this earth, there will always be a battle going on between good and evil. When we turn our lives over to Him, the Great I AM, He will rescue us and keep us secure; safe and in His arms we will dwell. We will never be fully satisfied in life without Him. We were made to need Him.

The Day of the Lord is coming! In the blink of an eye this world will be no more! All that we have endured will be worth it when we look into the eyes of our Savior. Is there something that you need to turn from today? Dear friends, He is worth the sacrifice. Eternity with Him is your reward. You are worth it!

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord of Heaven’s Army, Messiah, we praise You for sending Your Son to die so that we may live in eternity forever with You. Thank You for all these promises that we are seeing come true in our lives. Thank You that no matter where we have been or what we have done, You will forgive us and set our paths straight again. You long to be our Savior and Redeemer. Thank You for Your Word, and for these prophets You sent before us with Your messages of hope that relate to our lives today. We love You and Praise You. We can’t wait to meet You face to face one day. In Jesus’ name we pray.

AMEN

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: Christian Women's Fellowship, faith, fellowship, friends, Gaither's, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, Haggai, Haggai 2:9, Hope, I AM, Kim Spring, Messiah, online bible study, Rescue, teresa bolme, the Day of the Lord, The King Is Coming, The Lord of Heavens Army, Women's Online Bible Study, Zechariah, zephaniah, Zephaniah 1:2, Zephaniah 3:14-18, Zephaniah 9:16

10 Ways to Stick to an Exercise Program – #2 Choose Something You Like

July 24, 2013 by Crystal Breaux

I have to confess when I turned 30, I set a goal to be a great swimmer and become a regular tennis player by the time I was 40. Well, I am now 41. I can count on one hand how many times I have gotten in the pool over the last ten years and I know for a fact I have only been on the tennis courts once.

The truth of the matter is I don’t like either one (I apologize to all the tennis players) nor did I have the time I need to spend on each of them with a busy, hectic schedule. It just did not fit with my schedule. So in reality, I was setting myself up for failure. There was no way I could be consistent trying to swim or play tennis as a part of my personal exercise program.

Setting unrealistic goals and expectations by attempting to do things that you do not like may be what is keeping you from sticking to an exercise program. Who cares what someone else is doing. Yes, to see changes in your body and fitness, new exercises and intensities need to be incorporated, but find a few things that you like or can tolerate, so that you will adhere to your exercise program.

I am not giving up on tennis or swimming completely, but I know for now, it is too much of a burden to work for me. I love to run and lift weights. It works for my schedule and something I can do at home, even with my kids.

To Your Health!

Crystal

Filed Under: Coaching w/ Crystal Tagged With: coaching w/ crystal, Crystal Breaux, exercise program, exercising, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, healthy lifestyle, how do i create an exercise program?, how do i stick to an exercise program?, lifting weights, running, running programs, stick to an exercise program

Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips

July 24, 2013 by girlfriendscoffeehour

If you are looking for a healthy snack that is easy to make, this is it! Anything with cinnamon satisfies my taste buds! That’s why this recipe really appealed to me! It’s great for you, and for the kids; plus it is just so easy to make!! Make a few ahead of time and keep in a Tupperware-type storage container.

For this recipe, I am referencing ingredients for just one serving. You will use one small Gala apple for each person that you are serving.

Cinnamon Baked Apple Chips

Ingredients:

1 Gala Apple, thinly sliced

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 tablespoon Splenda

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 225 degrees.
Spray a cookie sheet with Olive Oil Cooking Spray.
Place sliced apples on the cookie sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon and splenda.
Bake in 225 degree oven for 1 hour.
Remove from oven, and place sliced apples on a cooling rack for 20 minutes.

ENJOY!!

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: apple recipes, At Home w/ GCH, Christi Wilson, cinnamon, cinnamon recipes, gala apples, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, splenda

“I AM” Chapter 3 – Day 3: God’s Judgment

July 24, 2013 by Beverly McCormick

Memory Verse

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:19

________________________________________

Three different prophets…yet all three present similar messages of judgment to the people.

Obadiah – He shares with the Edomites that disaster is coming, due to their blatant arrogance toward God and persecution of God’s children. He told them in verse 15 that all their evil deeds will fall back on their own heads.

Micah – He shares with the people of Israel that judgment will come because of the sins and rebellion of Israel and Judah and he lists their sins (fraud, greed, debauchery, oppression, hypocrisy, heresy, injustice, extortion, lying, murder and many others). Micah does give them hope and consolation as he describes God’s love, when he says the truth is that judgment comes only after countless opportunities to repent, to turn back to true worship and obedience. His message to them was simple:

Do what is right
Love Mercy
Walk Humbly with your God

God shows His anger in action as He judges and punishes sin, but He also shows His love in action as He offers eternal life to all who repent and believe.

Nahum – Nahum’s message is one of judgment against Nineveh and the Assyrians. The Assyrians were a continual thorn in Judah’s flesh. The oppression Judah experienced seemed never ending. In the midst of Nahum’s pronouncement of judgment came a word of comfort, a vivid reminder to Judah of God’s relationship with them.

As I studied these three books dealing with this lesson today many thoughts were racing through my mind, but the one for us to focus on today is this word “judgment.” Most people don’t like this word. They find it harsh and basically a “finger pointing” kind of word.

This word judgment is used in many different ways in the Bible. Some references teach us it has to do with being judged for doing bad things to other people. Other references pertain to exercising sound judgment or showing a lack of judgment.

This word judgment has a function: the Bible says that, “When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world,” so judgment is actually to save us rather than to condemn us (1 Corinthians 11:32).

This word judgment also gives us caution/warning: we are warned in the Bible to be careful about judging others. When we do, we are condemning ourselves because we do the same things to others whom we are passing judgment onto (Romans 2:1). Society typically judges by appearances rather than by the things that truly matter (John 7:24). The Bible says that “God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14), so we do not need to sit in judgment of one another.

This word judgment will also provide us with solutions/remedies: It tells us to “stop passing judgment on one another. Don’t put stumbling blocks or obstacles in our brother’s way” (Romans 14:13). Instead, we should judge ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31). Mercy triumphs over judgment: “So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (James 2:12-13).

I studied a little deeper in the book of Nahum during today’s lesson probably more than others, as this prophet of comfort gave us three truths in Chapter 1, verse 7 about God’s relationship with us:

“The Lord is good” I believe Nahum wanted the people to remember that God knew what they were experiencing. He wasn’t oblivious to their sufferings, and He had always been and would continue to be faithful to them. God is not oblivious to what is going on in our lives either, and we must remember that God is absolutely faithful to us everyday.
God is “a stronghold in the day of trouble” The phrase “day of trouble” is a reference to any tragic experience of life we will face. Nahum is reminding us that God is our stronghold, He is our fortress behind whose walls we can find our only real security in life. There will be tragedies and problems that creep into our lives but, what God promises is that when that “day of trouble” comes, we are so secure in Him that no situation in life can change His love for us.
“He knows those who take refuge and trust in Him” Nahum points Judah to a relationship of trust in God and that God is completely sufficient to those who take refuge in Him. God knows each of us as intimately as He knew Judah and is fully sufficient to meet us when our life explodes out of control.

Nahum gave a message of hope for God-followers and yet a message of doom for those who oppose Him.

God gives a message of hope to those who repent, believe & receive: “At one time we, too, were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” Titus 3:3-7 NIV.

And yet God also gives a message of doom to those who oppose Him: You will ultimately stand before Him on the day of judgment, and when your name is not found in the Book of Life, you will be thrown into the lake of fire Revelation 20:15.

This word “judgment” begins in our life from the day we are born and will follow us all the way through to our moment standing in front of our Father.

Is there anything we need to change in our life today that will affect the outcome of our coming judgment? If so, will you make the choice to follow God and live? Or disobey and face the coming judgment?

It is God’s will for everyone to experience His love and mercy. None should suffer needlessly unless they choose to.

*****

Let’s Pray:

God, I thank You for each person who reads this lesson. As they seek the stories of Your judgments in Your Word help each one to see and know that they have a choice: one of hope or one of doom in the decisions about following You/choosing You. Guide them, Lord, to “do what is right” to “love mercy” and to “walk humbly with You, Lord,” instead of seeking revenge and wanting to make judgments ourselves on others or situations. Help us to fall at Your feet for You, O Lord, are the only one in a position to judge the actions of others. In Your Holy name I pray.

Amen

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: 1 Cor. 11:31-32, Ecc. 12:14, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, James 2:12-13, John 7:24, judgment, mercy, Micah, Nahum, Nahum 1:7, Obadiah, Online Bible Studies, Rev. 20:15, Romans 14:13, Romans 2:1, teresa bolme, Titus 3:3-7, women's bible studies

“I AM” Week 3 – Day 2: Check Your Attitude

July 23, 2013 by Tonya Ellison

Memory Verse

The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
he enables me to tread on the heights.

Habakkuk 3:19

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I find myself telling my kids to check their attitude; how to do things we’re asked to do is just as important, if not more important, than actually doing it. If we do things with a negative attitude we may as well not do it at all. The other day I asked my older son to help his little brother tie his shoes. After some huffing, puffing, and stomping over to the other side of the room the task was being completed, but no one was happy about it! The older son was bugged about having to do it, and the younger son could tell that his brother did not want to help him.

I have to ask myself though, how many times God has asked me to do something and I have had a bad attitude about it! How many times has my boss asked me to do something and I grumbled and complained. How many times I have looked at the daily tasks of being a wife and mother and have completed them with less than a positive attitude.

I don’t think God expects us to be unrealistically happy about everything, everyday. We’re a “why” people. Thankfully, we have a patient God who answers our why’s without punishing us, or saying, “Because I said so.” As Teresa showed us, instead of being upset with Habakkuk for asking why, for questioning God’s motives and reasons, God took the time to show Habakkuk the beauty behind what He was doing. He showed him the goal that He was accomplishing.

“God is patient to let us ask our questions, process the answers and apply the knowledge to our lives.” Having questions isn’t a bad thing when we come to God honestly, and with sincerity.

Habakkuk 1:2-4 (NKJV)

O Lord, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear?
     Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save.
Why do You show me iniquity, And cause me to see trouble?
     For plundering and violence are before me; There is strife,
     and contention arises.
Therefore the law is powerless, And justice never goes forth.
     For the wicked surround the righteous;
     Therefore perverse judgment proceeds

Habakkuk 3:2 (MSG)

God, I’ve heard what our ancestors say about you, and I’m stopped in my tracks,
down on my knees. Do among us what you did among them. Work among us as you worked among them.   And as you bring judgment, as you surely must, remember mercy.

Look at the conversation between Habakkuk and God; look at the openness and look at the relationship between the two. Compare this to the words of Jonah:

Jonah 4:2-3 (NKJV)

So he prayed to the Lord, and said,
“Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still
in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish;
for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God,
slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness,
One who relents from doing harm.
Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me,
for it is better for me to die than to live!”

“It is better for me to die than live!”—those are strong words.

When we’re asked to do something we have two choices. We can either say “Yes, Lord.” knowing that sometimes that yes may come along with questions. Our patient Father is more than willing to answer our questions. Or we can turn the other way and spend time in the belly of a fish, not literally, but in our own way.

We are responsible for our attitude, and our attitude can change our outlook of the tasks we are given through life. I’m going to write this verse down and keep it with me; it will remind me that whatever happens God will make a way, He will provide for me. My job is to have a good attitude about the path He has placed me on.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NKJV)

Though the fig tree may not blossom,
Nor fruit be on the vines;
Though the labor of the olive may fail,
And the fields yield no food;
Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,
And there be no herd in the stalls –
Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will joy in the God of my salvation.
The Lord God is my strength;
He will make my feet like deer’s feet,
And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We are asked on a daily basis to complete tasks and do things in life that we may be less than happy about. Lord, please remind us that instead of grumbling and running from the task, You will provide and make a way for the task to be accomplished, even when we can’t see that way. Thank You for Your patience. Thank You for answering our questions. Lord, thank You for Your grace and for second chances when we run and complain like Jonah. I pray when we’re asked to complete a task that we take the time to step back and pray, and check our attitude to make sure it lines up with You and Your word. In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Filed Under: Women's Ministry Tagged With: attitude, Bible, Christianity, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, God, God of today, Habakkuk 1:1-4, Habakkuk 3:17-19, Habakkuk 3:2, I AM, Jonah 4:2-3, OLD TESTAMENT, Old Testament God, online bible study, personal relationship with God, refuge, reminder, teresa bolme, Tonya Ellison, tough times, who i am, women's bible studies

Blueberry Frozen Dessert

July 22, 2013 by coleen hayden

Here on our At Home with GCH blog, Mondays are always focused on healthy but oh-so-yummy! recipes. We continue our series of summer recipes featuring in-season ingredients. Our featured ingredient this week is blueberries! Check out just some of the healthy benefits of this tiny but powerful fruit! Today’s recipe is for a blueberry frozen dessert—not quite ice cream but it fits perfectly into our ‘healthy but oh-so-yummy’ category!

Here in the NorthEast, we are in the midst of berry season. Blueberries are so plentiful that I have six four pints sitting in my refrigerator. A few weeks ago, we had a recipe for Blueberry Almond Muffins. But we are also in the midst of a heatwave; so I went looking for a recipe for a frozen treat to make for Robert. Oh, I found m-a-n-y recipes for blueberry ice cream, sorbet, sherbert, and frozen smoothies…and they all looked so good! However, I really wanted to keep it light, simple, and healthy but oh-so-yummy! Over on Amy Green’s website, simplysugarandglutenfree, I found a quite easy recipe that I have tweaked just a bit. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 very ripe banana, cut into 1/2″ slices and frozen
1/2 cup blueberries, frozen
1/2 cup ricotta
1 teaspoon maple syrup, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Toppings:
1 tablespoon sliced almonds
1-2 dollops whipped cream
Additional blueberries

Directions:

First things first: if you haven’t already…place the cut-up banana and blueberries in the freezer for a couple of hours.
Put the frozen fruit into the small bowl of a food processor or blender. Process just until it’s in small chunks.
Add the ricotta and flavorings; process until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides as necessary.
Put your “ice cream” in a bowl and top with chopped nuts, whipped cream, and additional (non-frozen) blueberries. Best if eaten immediately as a ‘soft-serve’ type dessert!

Substitutions:
For the blueberries – almost any flavorful summer fruit (I am going to try peaches tonight!)
For the ricotta – cottage cheese
For the maple syrup – agave nectar or honey
For the almonds – any of your favorite nuts

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

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

Filed Under: At Home w/ GCH Tagged With: At Home w/GCH, blueberries, blueberry recipes, coleen hayden, frozen dessert recipes, GCH, Girlfriends Coffee Hour, gluten free blueberry almond muffins, Gluten-free recipes, healthy but oh so yummy, in season fruit, ricotta

“I AM” Chapter 4 – Day 1: Jesus is the “I AM”

Memory Verse:

Caprese Quiche with Hash Brown Crust

Caprese Quiche with Hash Brown Crust