May 7, 2026

GCH:decaf – Meet the Totally Awesome, Zinni!

January 4, 2013 by

It’s a new year girls and I can not wait to see what God has in store for me and my family, as well as what He has in store for all of you. Let us wait with expectant hearts on the Lord!

Today I have the privilege to introduce you to my beautiful daughter, Zinni. While interviewing her, she told me that the interview is about her and not about me, so here we go.

zinni

Zinni is 13 and is living in Cape Town, South Africa, but will be moving to Stafford, VA soon. When asked about her favorite group she gave me a list, but I will narrow it down to one group, which is One Direction, for now. She’s been going on about these guys lately; personally I think they have weird hairstyles :). Anyone out there who agrees with me?

Zinni’s favorite Christian artist is Mandisa, and here I agree with her wholeheartedly!!!

What you have to know about Zinni is that she loves movies! Did I tell you that Zinni loves movies yet? So I did, but I need for you to see how serious this girl is about movies. At first she said that ‘Marigold Hotel’ is her favorite; not the answer I expected, but its not about me, right! Anyway, she changed her answer to ‘ Rise of the Guardians “, a more accepted answer for me, seeing that I raised this girl and know her very well.

Her favorite TV show ? Girls we have a list, so be patient please. She loves to watch, Psych, The Mentalist, CSI, Power Rangers and Winx, just to name a few.

Now when it comes to clothes, we clash most of the time. To Zinni comfort is more important than being cute. She loves skinny jeans and loose fitting tops. She loves flats but do not like to show her toes; weird right?  On occasion she will put on earrings and other jewelry, but remember, I said on occasion.  So she will wear jewelry like three times a year or so. Blue is definitely her favorite color.

Zinni is a social butterfly, she loves to talk!  She and her best friend Gillian have this special language that they converse in. Watching movies and playing in the pool are other favorites.

Her favorite foods are pizza, chicken, bacon, crispy potatoes and cake.

Zinni’s return to South Africa after living overseas for 10 years has changed her life remarkably. Although the return is not permanent, she has been changed for the better. She says that this experience has changed the way she views things, and it has also brought her much closer to God.

Well girls, this is all I have on Zinni, for now.  I hope you have enjoyed getting to know her, as much as I enjoyed interviewing her!

I love you Zinni!

Be blessed.

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please email GCH_Decaf@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information. We’ll be starting our next online Bible study soon! So be sure to keep checking back for sign-up details to be posted!

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GCH_VH “Life’s Healing Choices” Gear Up!

January 4, 2013 by

Goodbye, 2012!

Hello, 2013!

We, at GCH, are so excited about our new online Bible study ministry – GCH:Victorious Healing! Our first online study begins with “Life’s Healing Choices” by John Baker. We will take a close look at our hurts, habits or hang ups (HHH) and realize that God wants us to turn them over to Him – no matter how BIG they may see to us.

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Between the four of us bloggers here at GCH:VH, we have seen marriages & divorces, welcomed children, shared recovery stories, laughed at the personality quirks, and planned great things for each of you. We know what it’s like to raise children, care for family members, struggle with finances, and argue with anxiety. We come from different parts of our country: Florida, Georgia, Tennessee & Ohio. Our stories are varied, but one thing is consistent … we wouldn’t be where we are today with our God’s divine work in our lives.

Each of us brings our own level of enthusiasm & excitement for this study. Here’s what your some of the team has to say about the “Life’s Healing Choices” study.

I am so excited that you have decided to join us on the journey. God is so ready to heal our brokenness and give us the freedom to praise and worship Him – then take this news and testimony to others. But first we have to come together, lay down those hurts and habits and encourage one another. Through this study we will pray together, write about our HHH and share what God is doing in our lives. This awesome group of women will become your encourage, accountability and sisters. Welcome to each one of you. (Laurie)

Once out of rehab while in outpatient hospitalization, I went to AA for 8 months. It was good for me to go to a meeting everyday to keep my mind off of myself and out of the house. However, I had a very bad experience there. Also, it didn’t help matters I wasn’t ready to accept it was my life choices that brought me to where I was in my life. It was so much easier to blame others in life who had hurt me and using my mental illness as an excuse for my behavior. My pastor suggested Celebrate Recovery and by this time I was determined to work on myself and accept responsibility. I went there for a few months, went to therapy once a week, got involved in serving and in my small group, and dove into my Bible. About 6 months later a spot opened up at C.R. to begin the Life’s Healing Choices study. It would be a commitment 1x week for 2 hrs on Wed nights. Honestly I was doing so well, but I was afraid to reveal those hurts again. When I received my book and study guide I would feel so anxious trying to read. The book brought up hurtful emotions and also memories associated with AA. I hid those books for about 1 1/2 years. Through a friend, God told her to tell me about GCH. After the decision was made to add me to the blogging team, I learned what book we’d be studying. Who knew it would be the one I have been running from! I think God is telling me I can do this, I’m stronger and ready! So here I am. I am ready because I know God wants me to and He has confidence in me that I can and this time I’m not afraid because I know He is with me. I love how He does cool stuff like this! (Leslie)

When I first spoke with Laurie & Christi about this study, I questioned “why me?” My story & life experiences didn’t stack up to those I felt were more qualified to lead this study. I have never done drugs, or abused alcohol. So why did I need “recovery”? Through prayer, reading and pondering, I realized that God could still use me. He also revealed that I did have hurts, addictions, and so much baggage to overcome. It may not have looked like what other’s carried with them, but it was still mine and no amount of pushing it aside would make it go away. I am thrilled beyond words to be standing with Laurie, Kim & Leslie for this study. I’m excited about what God has in store for each of us. I know that my life has a purpose, all the good, bad and ugly of it. (Amy)

This study is going to be amazing; to continue the healing He started a few years back. Celebrate recovery will now be a part of my everyday quiet time with Him and His Spirit will permeate every fiber of my being. And to join each one of you is the icing on the cake!!!! This is where it all begins! (Kim)

Things you will need for the study:
The book, “Life’s Healing Choices” by John Baker (click HERE to purchase,  Your purchase here, helps our ministry financially.)

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Journal or notebook

On Sunday, January 6, we will post our outline for the week. You can also find the study schedule under the “Schedule” tab at the top of this page. Each day, you will have the opportunity to be encouraged by one of our team bloggers, share your own thoughts, and grow closer to God. If you are not comfortable sharing your thoughts here in this OPEN FORUM, we do have a Secret Facebook set up to help you dig deeper into this study.  If you would like to join that Facebook Group, please click HERE to sign up.  You will be given further details, once your register.

We’re so happy to have you with us and look forward to the journey He has planned for each of us!

God bless you!

The GCH:VH Ministry Team

Life's Healing Choices<br /> by John Baker

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GCH: What’s on Your Plate? Japchae (Korean Noodle Salad)

January 3, 2013 by
Japchae – (Korean Noodle Salad) by Dana KimJapchae - Korean Noodle Salad

Happy New Year!  Do you have any fun New Year traditions?  I think it’s fascinating to learn about different cultures, and traditions and foods are a wonderful insight into other people’s way of life.  For instance, my Mom used to make a pork roast with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes on New Year’s Day, as it is the Pennsylvania Dutch “good luck” food for the new year.  I never knew why, but a little research uncovered this bit of trivia:  Pigs root forward, while chickens and turkeys scratch backwards, so eating pork is a symbol of positivity and looking forward to the good things in life.  We always spend New Year’s Day with my Korean in-laws, so I am learning about Korean “good luck” food too!

Like many other Asian cultures, Koreans eat long noodles for good luck to symbolize a long life.  And my favorite Korean noodle dish is Japchae!  Pronounced “Jop Cheh”, it translates to “a mixture of vegetables”, and along with the noodles and a sesame dressing, that’s about it.  My mother-in-law always makes it with a little bit of beef in it, and that makes it even more filling and delicious.

The two things you’ll need to buy at the Korean store are the noodles and the mushrooms.  The noodles are called “dangmyeon” and are clear noodles, made from sweet potato starch.  They’re very pretty, but don’t have a lot of taste on their own.  (If you can’t find them, I suppose you could try this with another noodle – I won’t tell on you!)  The mushrooms are dried shiitake mushrooms.  They can be pricy in American stores, but in Asian markets, they are easy to find and inexpensive.

Japchae is served warm or at room temperature.  I like the leftovers for breakfast – I just warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds.  May these noodles bring long life and good luck to you and your family in the New Year!

Japchae

Ingredients:

  • 4 ounces beef, sliced as thin as possible into small bite-sized strips
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 2 bunches spinach, tough stems trimmed and washed well
  • 2 large carrots, peeled
  • 1 small onion, sliced very thin
  • 1/2 package sweet potato noodles, about 6 oz.
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil, maybe a little more
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Prepare meat:  Heat sauté pan and add a tablespoon of sesame oil.  Add meat and 3 cloves minced garlic and cook until done.  Remove from heat to a very large mixing bowl, and add 1 tablespoon soy sauce.  Set aside.
  2. Prepare mushrooms:  Place mushrooms in a bowl and cover with boiling water.  Place a plate on top to keep the heat in.  Let the mushrooms steep and rehydrate for about half an hour.  When they are rehydrated and soft, slice thinly.
  3. Prepare spinach:  Boil a large pot of water, and get an ice bath ready.  Blanch the spinach for about 15-20 seconds.  Remove spinach to ice bath, but keep the water boiling on the stove for the noodles.  When the spinach is cool, squeeze out the water, but don’t crush the spinach.  Add to the bowl with the meat and stir to combine.
  4. Prepare noodles:  Put the noodles into the boiling water you used to cook the spinach in, then turn off the heat.  Leave the noodles in the pot for ten minutes, then drain, and add to the meat and spinach.  Toss to combine.
  5. Prepare carrots, onions and mushrooms:  Peel carrots and cut into 2-inch lengths, then slice as thinly as possible into match sticks.  Heat sauté pan, add 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and cook sliced carrots, sliced onion, the mushrooms, and the remaining garlic until the onions are soft.  Remove from heat and dump it all in the bowl with the meat and noodles.
  6. Sprinkle with sugar and remaining soy sauce and toss again to combine.  Shake on some sesame seeds and taste.  You may need a bit more soy sauce or a little more sesame oil.  What you are looking for:  balanced umami perfection!

Explore, experiment, enjoy! — Dana

Find more recipes from Dana, Korean and otherwise, at Frugal Girlmet!

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GCH: Decaf — Meet My Friend Rebekkah!

January 3, 2013 by

Happy New Year my wonderful girls!!!  I have missed you all : ) I do hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas! I hope that you all know that this year God is going to do some wonderful things for you and your families.

I was so excited when Mama T told us that we would be getting to know more of you better during this particular study : ) I am exciting about the wonderful things that we are all going to find out about each one of you! Each one of you is unique and wonderful in God’s sight and ours! Well, let me introduce to you the fabulous young lady that I know through her lovely Mom, Mama T!

I have the wonderful opportunity of introducing to you: Rebekkah!

Rebekkah

Rebekkah

Rebekkah is 16 years old and she lives in Smyrna, TN. She is one of the beautiful 8 daughters of Mama T : ) Her favorite musician is non other than Cody Simpson, and her favorite Christian Artist is Toby Mac!!! Whenever I hear Toby Mac’s name, I think of the song that he sang with Kirk Franklin, “Be Still and Know that I Am God”. I love that song!! “Can I get up now?” Toby Mac is a fantastic artist! Rebekkah, I can see why you like him!

I truly believe that laughter is definitely good for the soul. I believe that Rebekkah thinks so too; her all time favorite movie, when asked, is “Madea’s Witness Protection Program”. If you want a good laugh, that movie will definitely have you in tears! LOL! Emily Owens M.D. is her favorite TV show.

We definitely have the same style of dress. Rebekkah likes to dress casual and comfy. What a great combination! You can’t go wrong with that : ) She likes to go shopping and watch movies when she is with her friends.

She loves to eat bacon and her favorite place to eat is Famous Dave’s. I have to try Famous Dave’s! Can you believe that I have never been there to eat? I guess I have to put that on my list of places to go and try.

When asked what was the one thing that changed her life, she said that it would have to be her realizing that the relationship that she was in was not bringing her closer to God. WOW!! I am so amazed with this young lady, that even at her age, she was able to see and recognize that in her relationship! Rebekkah, I am so very proud of you! It can be so easy to fall out of the will of God when we are going after what we want in a relationship and that person is not directing us down the right path, that God desires for us to go down. Hats off to you Rebekkah <3

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please email GCH_Decaf@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information. We’ll be starting our next online Bible study soon! So be sure to keep checking back for sign-up details to be posted!

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“Life’s Healing Choices” Coming Soon to Girlfriends Coffee Hour

January 2, 2013 by

LifesHealingChoices

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“Captivating” Coming Soon to Girlfriends Coffee Hour

January 2, 2013 by

Captivating

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“Crazy Love” Coming Soon to Girlfriends Coffee Hour

January 2, 2013 by

Crazy Love

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GCH:What’s on Your Plate? – Velveeta Cheese Dip

January 2, 2013 by

Velveeta Cheese Dip

 Velveeta Cheese Dip

Ingredients:

16 oz of Velveeta Cheese – diced

1-10 oz can Pace Diced Tomatoes w/ Green Chilies (drained)

 

Directions:

Put all ingredients into a medium-size baking dish.

Cook in microwave for 2 minutes.  Stir.  Cook for another 2 minutes.  Stir.  Cook for 1 additional minute.

Remove from microwave and stir until you see that all Velveeta cheese has completely melted.  (About 1 minute)

Serve with your favorite Tortilla Chips.

If you are interested in learning more about Online Bible Studies, please click on the Sign-Up Here button in the Menu tab at the top of our website.  If you need further details, please email Christi@girlfriendscoffeehour.com.

 

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GCH:decaf — Meet Jordan’s Sister, Tristan

January 2, 2013 by

“Meet My Sister, Tristan”

I am SO excited that 2013 is here… I think every one has expectancy in their hearts when a new year comes. So much can happen in 365 days, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord does in my life!

I am so honored to be a blogger at GCH:decaf, but more so than that, I am so honored to be a part of what God is doing in YOUR lives.  I had the privilege of interviewing my younger sister, Tristan, for this blog post, and here is what we talked about.

Jordan and Tristan

Tristan is 17, and she lives in Pensacola Beach, FL. The house she (we) lives in isn’t directly on the beach, but you basically just cross a street and you’re there. It’s beautiful!

Her favorite artist is Taylor Swift. What girl doesn’t love some Taylor Swift? I know I do. It’s one of the only CDs I keep in my car to listen to at all times.

Her favorite Christian artist is Meredith Andrews. Her song “You’re Not Alone” is Tristan’s favorite! We both love the honesty in her lyrics.

Her answer to “What’s your favorite movie?” is probably shocking to some of you, considering her age… She loves “Despicable Me.” But I’m going to be honest, I could watch it 1000 times and never get tired of it. Could the minions be ANY cuter? I’ll answer that for all of us — Nope!

Her favorite TV show is “Gossip Girl”. She loves to see all of their clothes. The fashion in the show is amazing! And she loves to see all of their over the top houses/hotels/penthouses.

Tristan’s style is all about comfort. She LOVES a cute pair of skinny jeans – maybe in a fun color like red or royal blue. And she loves over-sized sweaters and anything grey, black, or white.

She loves to go to the beach with her friends. During the spring and summer, she and her friends will go out to the beach around noon and stay out all day.

Her favorite food is sushi… And even typing this right now, I could totally go for some sushi, too. YUM!

She didn’t get a chance to answer the bonus question, so I will just answer it for her! Something life-changing that has taken place was when we moved to Pensacola Beach from Jackson, MS. We moved there two years ago, and it has made such a different in Tristan’s life! She has been free to be herself, and she has had the opportunity to make friends based on her personality and hobbies.

I love you, Tris!

If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf Teen Girls Ministry, please email GCH_Decaf@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information.  We’ll be starting our next online Bible study soon!  So be sure to keep checking back for sign-up details to be posted!

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GCH:decaf – Meet My Friend VICKY

January 1, 2013 by

It’s Tuesday, January 1, 2013!!!  We made it!  Of course the Mayans were wrong…the BIBLE says in Matthew 24:36, “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”  Let’s live 2013 like it is a GIFT from God…because it is!  The month of January we will be meeting a different GCH:decaf girl every day.  Each blogger will be introducing you to a new friend.

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Today, I want to introduce you to my friend VICKY.  She is a rockin’ awesome girl that I have met personally (swoon).  We did an interview session and I want to share what I have learned about Vicky.

Vicky  is 14 years old and lives in Murfreesboro, TN.  When asked “Who is your favorite musician or group”, Vicky answered, “One Direction”.  Hmmm, I’m really gonna have to look these English boys up.

Vicky’s favorite Christian artist is Francesca Battistelli.  She writes and sings her own music and is a totally cool young woman.  Frannie actually lives the life she sings about.  Check her out.  Thanks Vicky!

I asked Vicky what her favorite movie of all time was and she said, “Spiderman”.  That surprised me a little.  I’m going to have to investigate that topic a little further with her.  Is it because she has 4 brothers and they made her watch it so many times?  Is it because of the boyish good looks of Peter Parker?  Does she like to swing by spider silk???

Vicky and her mom, Megan, like to watch Grimm together.  I introduced them to Once Upon a Time and now they like to watch both fairy tale related TV shows.  Those Grimm guys are a little dark for me, but Vicky LOVES them.  Have you seen it?

When we talked about clothes and style, Vicky said she is a fan of all things PANTS.  I’m with her.  She looks mighty cute in her pants and she accessorizes them nicely.  Way to Go!

If you were one of Vicky’s friends you would hang out and watch movies together.  She loves to curl up and watch movies.  I’ll bring the popcorn.  You guys should totally show up and crash her couch.

I bet while she is watching movies she has a plate full of her favorite cookies.  Vicky has been taking a course in home economics and has been learning to cook.  We have seen some pictures of her delicious creations on the fellowship page.  I bet those are some good cookies!  Let me know when the next batch is coming out of the oven.

I asked Vicky one final bonus question.  “What is one thing that changed your life?”

Vicky has shared with us before in our last study that “Having her mom, Megan, come into her life” was a life changing moment.  Does that seem odd to you guys?  Life deals us some pretty rough things to handle sometimes.  But when it does, GOD is there to give us a hand out of the rough stuff.  Vicky’s mom, Megan, was adopted into their family.  Maybe you guys have similar situations.  I am thankful for Vicky and for Megan and their willingness to share their life story.  It’s pretty cool.  You really should get to know my friend Vicky.

Each day a blogger/leader will introduce you to another fellow decaf friend.  Check back every day and get to know the hearts in your study group.  We love each of you very much and pray for you daily.  If you ever want to talk to us, just leave us a message.  We would love to get to know you better.

Thanks Vicky for being such an GREAT interview subject and for doing such a great job on our study “A Daughter’s Worth” by Ava Sturgeon.  You are a true blessing.

Love you,

Mama T

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If you are interested in joining us in our GCH:decaf  Teen Girls Ministry, please click the sign-up form button at the top of our webpage. Just follow the instructions on the form and hit submit. We’ll be happy to add you to one of our Online Bible Study Groups! Please email GCH_Decaf@girlfriendscoffeehour.com for more information.

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