Matthew 25
Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids
“Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten bridesmaids[a] who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, 4 but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. 5 When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6 “At midnight they were roused by the shout, ‘Look, the bridegroom is coming! Come out and meet him!’
7 “All the bridesmaids got up and prepared their lamps. 8 Then the five foolish ones asked the others, ‘Please give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’
AHHH, they took extra care of what had been given to them and they took extra oil to cover their need, because they prepared themselves. When the shout was given, they spent their time getting ready.
Matt 25:19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together![c]’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
Fear holds me back. I'm afraid of failing. And in being afraid of failing, I fail. I fail because I'm afraid that my attempts will be mocked, futile, or even that I will succeed and that success will ruin me. So, when this fear grips my thoughts, my response is to do nothing. In doing nothing, I am the unfaithful bridesmaid, the servant with one talent who buried it in the ground. I have failed to take care of even the simplest of tasks that have been given to me.
So, what I've been neglecting has been brought to my attention by the Lord. It's time to take care of business. Taking care of this body He gave me needs to be a much higher priority. My A1c is way up and I do not want to take more meds. My sinuses keep getting infected, and I feel tired much of the time. I have not been to the gym in since September and not regularly since July. I was dependent on another for my motivation to go and when I began to see that waning, my resolve went out the door. I have placed too much in the encouragement of people and their approval of me for the things I must do.
Taking care of my home is also lacking. This place was a dump when we bought it and I haven't wanted to put much effort in to it. That's not what Jesus wants. I'm supposed to take care of what is given to me, regardless if it looks nice or not.
Taking care of my family and nurturing them, not just feeding and clothing them must be priority. My selfishness has caused me to withdraw from those closest to me and to shut my life off from them. Not fair or right.
So, in letting you all in on this, I'm choosing not to hide my talent any more and to move forward into taking care of my business instead of looking around me at everyone else's.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Seeing but not seeing...
How many people do you think you see in a day? 50, 100, 200 or more?
I was thinking about the people I see. Most of them I just drive past or vaguely see in the store...so wrapped up in my own stuff that I push past them without really seeing them. We say pray for the lost...they are all around and yet unrecognized.
There is a couple that I see frequently at the corner near my house. They sit or stand with their sign, begging for money. I get frustrated with people who use signs to beg. I pass judgment on them for where they are at and what they could be doing without knowing a single thing about them.
Last week, I stopped. I reached in the back of my car and pulled out several bottles of cold water. Walking toward them, I lied and said I didn't have any money. I was intimidated by them. They are like I used to be and that scares me. I'm afraid that I'm only a few short choices away from being back there again. My past is still pursuing me and I haven't let the ties be severed yet.
I told them I had water. They said they love water..."whoever gives even a cup of cold water to the least of these..."
I told them I'd been where they are and there is a better way. The man said he preferred and actually loved the lifestyle he had because he was free with no responsibility. She longed for security of a home. I can relate. Security is a deep need that we have and can only find in the One who gives eternal security.
I was afraid to look too long into her eyes, I might see a reflection of my own. The fears that drive those who do not know God lurk in the dark, whispering lies that my life is still the same...
I gave her a card with my number. She has not called. I still see her at the corner. How long til I actually reach out to her? I think in order to face the fears of the past and embrace the present, I must put the effort into reaching her.
I was thinking about the people I see. Most of them I just drive past or vaguely see in the store...so wrapped up in my own stuff that I push past them without really seeing them. We say pray for the lost...they are all around and yet unrecognized.
There is a couple that I see frequently at the corner near my house. They sit or stand with their sign, begging for money. I get frustrated with people who use signs to beg. I pass judgment on them for where they are at and what they could be doing without knowing a single thing about them.
Last week, I stopped. I reached in the back of my car and pulled out several bottles of cold water. Walking toward them, I lied and said I didn't have any money. I was intimidated by them. They are like I used to be and that scares me. I'm afraid that I'm only a few short choices away from being back there again. My past is still pursuing me and I haven't let the ties be severed yet.
I told them I had water. They said they love water..."whoever gives even a cup of cold water to the least of these..."
I told them I'd been where they are and there is a better way. The man said he preferred and actually loved the lifestyle he had because he was free with no responsibility. She longed for security of a home. I can relate. Security is a deep need that we have and can only find in the One who gives eternal security.
I was afraid to look too long into her eyes, I might see a reflection of my own. The fears that drive those who do not know God lurk in the dark, whispering lies that my life is still the same...
I gave her a card with my number. She has not called. I still see her at the corner. How long til I actually reach out to her? I think in order to face the fears of the past and embrace the present, I must put the effort into reaching her.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Love is...
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is...
Patient...it waits, without anger, without anxiety, it endured when the end cannot be seen as it is very patient in the trials...
Kind...generous, tender, thinks of others first, gives of itself when it hurts...
Not jealous...of others, of anyone's time, gifts, talents, love or affections, it is content to "be" without angst or contention...
Not proud...Love is humble and doesn't place itself above or below anyone else...
Not rude...it is sensitive to the needs of others, overlooking the needs of self, it doesn't use sarcasm or harshness to get its own way...
Does not demand its own way...lets go of control of the relationship and leaves itself open, vulnerable to rejection and hurt but loves anyway, seeking the best for others and not for self...
Not irritable...when others don't respond, it has no expectations in return so loves without aggitation, does not get frustrated with others, very patient...
Keeps no record of wrongs...forgives and forgets completely, does not bring up or remember when someone has wronged love, does not hold injustices against the other...
Not glad at injustice, but rejoices when the Truth wins out...rejoice in the success or growth of others in God, does not look at self accomplishments, sad at the injustices in the world, but joyful when others have cause to rejoice...
Love never gives up...EVER, on anyone, even if the circumstances look bleak, love never gives up...
Love never loses faith...always believes and hopes and looks to what will be...
Love is always hopeful...sees the best, sees the finish, sees the Father and waits upon His lead...
Love endures through every circumstance...not just the good times, but through the hard times, the growing times, the struggling times, the doubting times, the questioning times, every time, it will endure to the end of everything else because Love is God and God is Love and Love does not end...
Love is...
Patient...it waits, without anger, without anxiety, it endured when the end cannot be seen as it is very patient in the trials...
Kind...generous, tender, thinks of others first, gives of itself when it hurts...
Not jealous...of others, of anyone's time, gifts, talents, love or affections, it is content to "be" without angst or contention...
Not proud...Love is humble and doesn't place itself above or below anyone else...
Not rude...it is sensitive to the needs of others, overlooking the needs of self, it doesn't use sarcasm or harshness to get its own way...
Does not demand its own way...lets go of control of the relationship and leaves itself open, vulnerable to rejection and hurt but loves anyway, seeking the best for others and not for self...
Not irritable...when others don't respond, it has no expectations in return so loves without aggitation, does not get frustrated with others, very patient...
Keeps no record of wrongs...forgives and forgets completely, does not bring up or remember when someone has wronged love, does not hold injustices against the other...
Not glad at injustice, but rejoices when the Truth wins out...rejoice in the success or growth of others in God, does not look at self accomplishments, sad at the injustices in the world, but joyful when others have cause to rejoice...
Love never gives up...EVER, on anyone, even if the circumstances look bleak, love never gives up...
Love never loses faith...always believes and hopes and looks to what will be...
Love is always hopeful...sees the best, sees the finish, sees the Father and waits upon His lead...
Love endures through every circumstance...not just the good times, but through the hard times, the growing times, the struggling times, the doubting times, the questioning times, every time, it will endure to the end of everything else because Love is God and God is Love and Love does not end...
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Bold Authority
I'm sitting here thinking about boldness and authority. Not authority that we hold over others to get them to obey our will, but the authority that Jesus gives by His Holy Spirit to those who obey Him.
Ephesians 3:12 NLT
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.
Because of the fact that God called us and we answered yes, we get the privelege of BOLDLY coming to His presence. There are liars that whisper in my ear that I must tiptoe around God because He is so great, they are the one's who tiptoe around Him because their time is limited. God said I get to come boldly to Him.
Mark 3:15 NLT
giving them authority to cast out demons.
Because I belong to Jesus, He gives me authority to cast them out. I only need to believe in what He has said and obey to have the freedom He has promised.
1 Corinthians 15:27 NLT
For the Scriptures say, "God has put all things under his authority." (Of course, when it says "all things are under his authority," that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.)
ALL things are under His authority. Me, my family, the demons who lie in my ear and try to derail me from His purpose. They will not win for they are already defeated!!! When I remain under His authority, I have authority over my enemies. I have authority over those things that would try to destroy me and my family and those I love.
2 Corinthians 10:8 NLT
I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority. In using the authority that God has given to His people, we are built up--encouraged, made stronger--in Him. We gain by using what He has given to us! The authority we have is not to oppress or manipulate or harrass people, but is authority over the spiritual things that are set against the LORD God!
Mark 11:28 NLT
They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?" JESUS said HE gave us the right, because we belong to Him. I officially renounce the lie that I bought a couple years ago that derailed me and made me question who I was to be so bold before God and demand the demons flee! I have the authority by God who gave it to me.
Acts 4:31 NLT
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. It is His Holy Spirit who gives power, boldness and authority!
Acts 18:26 NLT
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
This is what I'm called to do! It was said in our prophetic word that just like Priscilla and Aquilla, we would "expound the word of the LORD more perfectly to those who don't quite understand."
Psalm 8:6 NLT
You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—
The answer to the question above...God gives the authority.
Proverbs 29:2 NLT
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan
There will be much rejoicing when all God's people realize their authority and do not back down to the intimidation of the enemy. He taunts, but cannot bite unless we step into his territory.
Luke 10:17-20
17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!"
18 "Yes," he told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.20 But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
Because MY name is written upon His hand.
Ephesians 3:12 NLT
Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God's presence.
Because of the fact that God called us and we answered yes, we get the privelege of BOLDLY coming to His presence. There are liars that whisper in my ear that I must tiptoe around God because He is so great, they are the one's who tiptoe around Him because their time is limited. God said I get to come boldly to Him.
Mark 3:15 NLT
giving them authority to cast out demons.
Because I belong to Jesus, He gives me authority to cast them out. I only need to believe in what He has said and obey to have the freedom He has promised.
1 Corinthians 15:27 NLT
For the Scriptures say, "God has put all things under his authority." (Of course, when it says "all things are under his authority," that does not include God himself, who gave Christ his authority.)
ALL things are under His authority. Me, my family, the demons who lie in my ear and try to derail me from His purpose. They will not win for they are already defeated!!! When I remain under His authority, I have authority over my enemies. I have authority over those things that would try to destroy me and my family and those I love.
2 Corinthians 10:8 NLT
I may seem to be boasting too much about the authority given to us by the Lord. But our authority builds you up; it doesn't tear you down. So I will not be ashamed of using my authority. In using the authority that God has given to His people, we are built up--encouraged, made stronger--in Him. We gain by using what He has given to us! The authority we have is not to oppress or manipulate or harrass people, but is authority over the spiritual things that are set against the LORD God!
Mark 11:28 NLT
They demanded, "By what authority are you doing all these things? Who gave you the right to do them?" JESUS said HE gave us the right, because we belong to Him. I officially renounce the lie that I bought a couple years ago that derailed me and made me question who I was to be so bold before God and demand the demons flee! I have the authority by God who gave it to me.
Acts 4:31 NLT
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. It is His Holy Spirit who gives power, boldness and authority!
Acts 18:26 NLT
When Priscilla and Aquila heard him preaching boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and explained the way of God even more accurately.
This is what I'm called to do! It was said in our prophetic word that just like Priscilla and Aquilla, we would "expound the word of the LORD more perfectly to those who don't quite understand."
Psalm 8:6 NLT
You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority—
The answer to the question above...God gives the authority.
Proverbs 29:2 NLT
When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan
There will be much rejoicing when all God's people realize their authority and do not back down to the intimidation of the enemy. He taunts, but cannot bite unless we step into his territory.
Luke 10:17-20
17 When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, "Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!"
18 "Yes," he told them, "I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!19 Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.20 But don't rejoice because evil spirits obey you; rejoice because your names are registered in heaven."
Because MY name is written upon His hand.
Monday, July 26, 2010
longings....
Lately, I've been longing for more. More than what currently is. I believe that God wants so much more for us as His children than we give ourselves.
I used to go to meetings at Narcotics Anonymous. One of the things that I'm finding missing from my life today is the openness of the meetings. In a meeting, when it was your turn to share, you could speak what you needed to say...it was your story, your recovery, your way to process this life. I miss that.
I have another group that I go to, but I feel a pressure to be polite, to be socially appropriate. Where in the Bible was Jesus socially appropriate? Where did He not speak the truth in love and not say things that may offend? The enemy of my soul has the church so blind to how Jesus really was and how we are to be. We are to be REAL!!!
Emotions are real and loving God with all we are includes processing things emotionally, rationally, spiritually. You cannot separate one from the other or you do not love wholeheartedly.
I believe that when Jesus walked the earth, those with him experienced life in all its variety. They laughed together, cried together, faced fear together, rejoiced together. They were together.
I'm longing for the togetherness that allows us to grow with each other in all the deep areas and messy stuff of life. That's how Jesus was when He was here, that's how I want to be for others. I want to be real and not hide behind the mask of "polite" anymore. I want to be bold and not hide behind "fear" anymore. I want to live out loud and shout from the roof tops that JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON!
I used to go to meetings at Narcotics Anonymous. One of the things that I'm finding missing from my life today is the openness of the meetings. In a meeting, when it was your turn to share, you could speak what you needed to say...it was your story, your recovery, your way to process this life. I miss that.
I have another group that I go to, but I feel a pressure to be polite, to be socially appropriate. Where in the Bible was Jesus socially appropriate? Where did He not speak the truth in love and not say things that may offend? The enemy of my soul has the church so blind to how Jesus really was and how we are to be. We are to be REAL!!!
Emotions are real and loving God with all we are includes processing things emotionally, rationally, spiritually. You cannot separate one from the other or you do not love wholeheartedly.
I believe that when Jesus walked the earth, those with him experienced life in all its variety. They laughed together, cried together, faced fear together, rejoiced together. They were together.
I'm longing for the togetherness that allows us to grow with each other in all the deep areas and messy stuff of life. That's how Jesus was when He was here, that's how I want to be for others. I want to be real and not hide behind the mask of "polite" anymore. I want to be bold and not hide behind "fear" anymore. I want to live out loud and shout from the roof tops that JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON!
Friday, July 16, 2010
feels like crying...
and doesn't know why. I've prayed. I've repented. I've pleaded. I've worshipped. I've read. and I still feel like crying.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Who does the building?
Isaiah 9:9-10
9 And the people of Israel[e] and Samaria,
who spoke with such pride and arrogance,
will soon know it.
10 They said, “We will replace the broken bricks of our ruins with finished stone,
and replant the felled sycamore-fig trees with cedars.”
To think that I can make anything of my life, of the ruins of my sin, that my efforts will count for anything is pride. Psalm 127:1
[ The Blessing of the LORD ] A Solomonic song of ascents. Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
When I try to make things happen in my life, or to be something, or change something in my life, IF God is not the One initiating the changes, my efforts are vain and very prideful.
9 And the people of Israel[e] and Samaria,
who spoke with such pride and arrogance,
will soon know it.
10 They said, “We will replace the broken bricks of our ruins with finished stone,
and replant the felled sycamore-fig trees with cedars.”
To think that I can make anything of my life, of the ruins of my sin, that my efforts will count for anything is pride. Psalm 127:1
[ The Blessing of the LORD ] A Solomonic song of ascents. Unless the LORD builds a house, its builders labor over it in vain; unless the LORD watches over a city, the watchman stays alert in vain.
When I try to make things happen in my life, or to be something, or change something in my life, IF God is not the One initiating the changes, my efforts are vain and very prideful.
Hope
Isaiah 6:5-7
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
When driven by conviction to the point of crushing under the weight of sin because of seeing the Holiness of God and the state of my own heart, crying out for mercy is an act of hope. It is the belief that God is loving and merciful that drives the soul to cry out for reprieve. It is the belief that God longs for reconciliation that cries out for mercy. If the sould did not have hope, the weight of sin would crush and the soul would sear its conscience and turn from the One who could save it. Hope believes, hope cries out, hope receives mercy.
5 Then I said, “It’s all over! I am doomed, for I am a sinful man. I have filthy lips, and I live among a people with filthy lips. Yet I have seen the King, the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.”
6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal he had taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. 7 He touched my lips with it and said, “See, this coal has touched your lips. Now your guilt is removed, and your sins are forgiven.”
When driven by conviction to the point of crushing under the weight of sin because of seeing the Holiness of God and the state of my own heart, crying out for mercy is an act of hope. It is the belief that God is loving and merciful that drives the soul to cry out for reprieve. It is the belief that God longs for reconciliation that cries out for mercy. If the sould did not have hope, the weight of sin would crush and the soul would sear its conscience and turn from the One who could save it. Hope believes, hope cries out, hope receives mercy.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Easy meal/ menu planning
***NOTE*** You can choose 1200, 1500 or 1800 calories and eatingwell.com will give you a menu to follow complete with links to the recipes! Click on the title of this post to go to the website!
EatingWell 28 Day Diet Meal Plan
Calorie Level: 1200|1500|1800
Sample: Day 1, 1200 calorie diet.
Breakfast
Whole-wheat toast (1 slice)
Apricot jam (1 tablespoon)
Skim milk (1 cup)
Dried Fruit Compote with Green Tea & Lemon
Lunch
Herbed Zucchini Soup or Green Gazpacho Whole-wheat pita bread (1/2 medium pita)
Peach (1 small)
Snack
Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip Multigrain rice cake (1 cake)
Dinner
Strawberry-Raspberry Sundaes Tilapia & Summer Vegetable Packets or Grilled Sirloin with a Coffee Bean-Peppercorn Crust Steamed broccoli (1 cup)
Brown rice (1/2 cup, cooked)
EatingWell 28 Day Diet Meal Plan
Calorie Level: 1200|1500|1800
Sample: Day 1, 1200 calorie diet.
Breakfast
Whole-wheat toast (1 slice)
Apricot jam (1 tablespoon)
Skim milk (1 cup)
Dried Fruit Compote with Green Tea & Lemon
Lunch
Herbed Zucchini Soup or Green Gazpacho Whole-wheat pita bread (1/2 medium pita)
Peach (1 small)
Snack
Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip Multigrain rice cake (1 cake)
Dinner
Strawberry-Raspberry Sundaes Tilapia & Summer Vegetable Packets or Grilled Sirloin with a Coffee Bean-Peppercorn Crust Steamed broccoli (1 cup)
Brown rice (1/2 cup, cooked)
Leek and Potato soup
***NOTE*** really good to add leftover ham or some bacon to it. Increases the calories, but it's still really low cal.
Leek and Potato Soup
Eatingwell.com
6 servings, about 1 cup each
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Profile
Low calorie | Low cholesterol | Low saturated fat | Heart healthy | Healthy weight | High potassium |
View Our Nutrition Guidelines » Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
3 leeks, trimmed, cleaned and thinly sliced (3 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 pounds all-purpose potatoes, (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into small chunks
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
1.Heat oil in a large heavy saucepan or stockpot over low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook for 2 minutes more. Pour in broth, increase heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2.Pour the soup through a strainer set over a large bowl. Puree the leeks in a food processor or blender until smooth, adding some the broth if necessary. Return the puree and broth to the saucepan. Add potatoes and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash the potatoes thoroughly with a potato masher.
3.Stir in sour cream, salt and pepper. Return to low heat and heat until hot, but not boiling. Serve hot or chilled.
Nutrition
Per serving: 162 calories; 4 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 13 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 7 g protein; 2 g fiber; 206 mg sodium; 507 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (15% daily value), Vitamin C (40% dv).
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat
Leek and Potato Soup
Eatingwell.com
6 servings, about 1 cup each
Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Profile
Low calorie | Low cholesterol | Low saturated fat | Heart healthy | Healthy weight | High potassium |
View Our Nutrition Guidelines » Ingredients
1 1/2 teaspoons canola oil
3 leeks, trimmed, cleaned and thinly sliced (3 cups)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
6 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 1/4 pounds all-purpose potatoes, (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into small chunks
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
Preparation
1.Heat oil in a large heavy saucepan or stockpot over low heat. Add leeks and cook, stirring, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook for 2 minutes more. Pour in broth, increase heat to medium and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
2.Pour the soup through a strainer set over a large bowl. Puree the leeks in a food processor or blender until smooth, adding some the broth if necessary. Return the puree and broth to the saucepan. Add potatoes and simmer, covered, until the potatoes are soft, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and mash the potatoes thoroughly with a potato masher.
3.Stir in sour cream, salt and pepper. Return to low heat and heat until hot, but not boiling. Serve hot or chilled.
Nutrition
Per serving: 162 calories; 4 g fat (2 g sat, 1 g mono); 13 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrates; 0 g added sugars; 7 g protein; 2 g fiber; 206 mg sodium; 507 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin A (15% daily value), Vitamin C (40% dv).
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat
Sweet & Sour beef-cabbage soup
***NOTE*** I add the apple close to the end so it doesn't get all mushy. Also, I would suggest using less caraway (unless you really like it).
Eatingwell.com
6 servings, about 1 3/4 cups each
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Profile
Diabetes appropriate | Low calorie | Low cholesterol | Healthy weight | High potassium | Heart healthy |
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound lean (90% or leaner) ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 1/2 cups frozen bell pepper and onion mix, thawed, chopped
1 medium Golden Delicious or other sweet-tart cooking apple, unpeeled, diced
6 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 15-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon paprika, preferably Hungarian sweet
3 cups coarsely chopped Savoy, or green cabbage
1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation
1.Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add beef, caraway seeds and thyme and cook, stirring and breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is mostly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in pepper-onion mix and apple; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes more.
2.Stir in broth, tomatoes, honey and paprika and adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in cabbage and cook just until barely tender, 3 to 4 minutes more. Season with vinegar to taste, salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Per serving: 250 calories; 10 g fat (3 g sat, 5 g mono); 54 mg cholesterol; 20 g carbohydrates; 20 g protein; 4 g fiber; 705 mg sodium; 717 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (45% daily value), Vitamin A (30% dv), Iron & Potassium (20% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 2 1/2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat
Eatingwell.com
6 servings, about 1 3/4 cups each
Active Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Profile
Diabetes appropriate | Low calorie | Low cholesterol | Healthy weight | High potassium | Heart healthy |
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 pound lean (90% or leaner) ground beef
1 1/2 teaspoons caraway seeds
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 1/2 cups frozen bell pepper and onion mix, thawed, chopped
1 medium Golden Delicious or other sweet-tart cooking apple, unpeeled, diced
6 cups reduced-sodium beef broth
1 15-ounce can crushed or diced tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon paprika, preferably Hungarian sweet
3 cups coarsely chopped Savoy, or green cabbage
1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Preparation
1.Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add beef, caraway seeds and thyme and cook, stirring and breaking up the beef with a spoon, until it is mostly browned, about 4 minutes. Stir in pepper-onion mix and apple; cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes more.
2.Stir in broth, tomatoes, honey and paprika and adjust the heat so the mixture boils gently. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in cabbage and cook just until barely tender, 3 to 4 minutes more. Season with vinegar to taste, salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Per serving: 250 calories; 10 g fat (3 g sat, 5 g mono); 54 mg cholesterol; 20 g carbohydrates; 20 g protein; 4 g fiber; 705 mg sodium; 717 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (45% daily value), Vitamin A (30% dv), Iron & Potassium (20% dv).
1 Carbohydrate Serving
Exchanges: 2 1/2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 fat
Mini breakfast casseroles
***NOTE*** don't have ramekins? You can use a muffin pan! I can't wait to try this one!
Mini Italian Breakfast Casseroles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
What You Need
4 EGGS
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Dash pepper
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
4 slices ham OR 8 thin slices prosciutto (about 4 oz.)
Here’s How
1.HEAT oven to 350°F. WHISK eggs, milk, 1Tbsp. cheese and pepper in medium bowl until blended. ADD spinach; stir to mix.
2.LINE four greased 10-ounce ramekins or custard cups with ham, pressing against bottoms and sides. DIVIDE egg mixture among ramekins; place in baking pan.
3.BAKE in center of 350°F oven until custard is just set, about 20 minutes. REMOVE from oven; let stand 5 minutes. SPRINKLE with cheese.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving
Excellent source: protein and choline
Good source: Vitamin A
calories: 115
total fat: 6 g
saturated fat: 2 g
polyunsaturated fat: 1 g
monounsaturated fat: 2 g
cholesterol: 226 mg
sodium: 404 mg
carbohydrates: 2 g
dietary fiber: 0 g
protein: 13 g
vitamin A: 485.0 IU
vitamin D: 22.4 IU
folate: 24.2 mcg
calcium: 59.7 mg
iron: 1.3 mg
choline: 145.3 mg
Mini Italian Breakfast Casseroles
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 4 servings
What You Need
4 EGGS
3 Tbsp. milk
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Dash pepper
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
4 slices ham OR 8 thin slices prosciutto (about 4 oz.)
Here’s How
1.HEAT oven to 350°F. WHISK eggs, milk, 1Tbsp. cheese and pepper in medium bowl until blended. ADD spinach; stir to mix.
2.LINE four greased 10-ounce ramekins or custard cups with ham, pressing against bottoms and sides. DIVIDE egg mixture among ramekins; place in baking pan.
3.BAKE in center of 350°F oven until custard is just set, about 20 minutes. REMOVE from oven; let stand 5 minutes. SPRINKLE with cheese.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving
Excellent source: protein and choline
Good source: Vitamin A
calories: 115
total fat: 6 g
saturated fat: 2 g
polyunsaturated fat: 1 g
monounsaturated fat: 2 g
cholesterol: 226 mg
sodium: 404 mg
carbohydrates: 2 g
dietary fiber: 0 g
protein: 13 g
vitamin A: 485.0 IU
vitamin D: 22.4 IU
folate: 24.2 mcg
calcium: 59.7 mg
iron: 1.3 mg
choline: 145.3 mg
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Clam Chowder
*****NOTE***** I did not use the bay leaf and I added some cooked crab that comes in the refrigerated section of the grocery store. OK, so I didn't add clam juice, bacon or thyme either. And I used red potatoes and 2% milk. I also didn't use the flour and used some cornstarch instead. Mine turned out WAY awesome and was even better the next day!
This low calorie chowder makes a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner on a chilly day. Sprinkle the clam chowder with oyster crackers, and serve with a slice of crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutesIngredients:
•2-6 1/2 oz. cans chopped clams, undrained
•2 8-oz. bottles clam juice
•2 slices bacon
•2 cups chopped onion
•1 1/2 cups chopped celery
•2 garlic cloves, minced
•5 cups peeled, chopped yukon gold potatoes (two pounds)
•2 cups water
•3/4 tsp salt
•1/2 tsp dried thyme
•1 bay leaf
•3 cups 1% low-fat milk
•1/2 cup flour
Preparation:
1. Drain the clams through a collander, reserving the liquid. Combine the clam liquid with the clam juice, and set liquids and the clams aside.
2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat, and cook the bacon until crisp. Reserve 2 tsp of the bacon drippings in the pan, and remove the bacon. Crumble the bacon, and set aside.
3. Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the bacon drippings, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the potatoes, water, clam juices, salt, thyme, and bay leaf to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. With a wire whisk, whisk together the milk and the flour. Slowly add the milk mixuture to the pan, and continue simmering the soup for 10 minutes, stirring often as the soup thickens.
6. Discard the bay leaf. Add the clams and crumbled bacon to the chowder. Simmer an additional 2 minutes.
Serves 8
Per Serving Calories 200
This low calorie chowder makes a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner on a chilly day. Sprinkle the clam chowder with oyster crackers, and serve with a slice of crusty bread.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutesIngredients:
•2-6 1/2 oz. cans chopped clams, undrained
•2 8-oz. bottles clam juice
•2 slices bacon
•2 cups chopped onion
•1 1/2 cups chopped celery
•2 garlic cloves, minced
•5 cups peeled, chopped yukon gold potatoes (two pounds)
•2 cups water
•3/4 tsp salt
•1/2 tsp dried thyme
•1 bay leaf
•3 cups 1% low-fat milk
•1/2 cup flour
Preparation:
1. Drain the clams through a collander, reserving the liquid. Combine the clam liquid with the clam juice, and set liquids and the clams aside.
2. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat, and cook the bacon until crisp. Reserve 2 tsp of the bacon drippings in the pan, and remove the bacon. Crumble the bacon, and set aside.
3. Add the onion, celery, and garlic to the bacon drippings, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the potatoes, water, clam juices, salt, thyme, and bay leaf to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. With a wire whisk, whisk together the milk and the flour. Slowly add the milk mixuture to the pan, and continue simmering the soup for 10 minutes, stirring often as the soup thickens.
6. Discard the bay leaf. Add the clams and crumbled bacon to the chowder. Simmer an additional 2 minutes.
Serves 8
Per Serving Calories 200
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Jesus and the woman accused...
This morning I was crying and talking with God. He pointed out to me the story of the woman in John 8 who was brought before Jesus by the religious leaders. 3 Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. 4 "Teacher," they said to Him, "this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. 5 In the law Moses (H) commanded us to stone such women. So what do You say?" 6 They asked this to trap Him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse Him.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger. 7 When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, "The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her."
8 Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. 9 When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only He was left, with the woman in the center. 10 When Jesus stood up, He said to her, " Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11 "No one, Lord," [a] she answered.
"Neither do I condemn you," said Jesus. "Go, and from now on do not sin any more."
Like the woman, I was being accused for my rebellion. I have been disobedient and willful and have rejected His standards for my own. I have pushed and prodded and gotten my way even though I know it will hurt me in the end. I have been outside of His divine authority and out from under His protection and I have hurt myself and those around me with my sin. I deserved what I was accused of. The price for sin is death. (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23). But My God had another plan!!!! He paid the price to set me free (John 3:16)!!!! I didn't have to bear the shame and punishment I deserved (Romans 6:10) so I can live (Romans 6:11). God spoke to me this morning words of comfort. He wiped my tears and told me He loved me.
What the Spirit spoke to me was this: I stand between you and your accusers. Then it seemed as if He turned to them and said Let He who is without sin cast the first stone. Then He turned to me and said Are there any left? Go and sin no more. I realized this morning what Jesus did for this woman, He does for me when my enemy comes at me from every direction lying to me and beating up with all my faults and with his slimy condemnation. And though I am guilty and caught in the things that the devil accuses me of, the Bible says that I have been cleansed of my sin when I repent (1 John 1:9) and that I am made the righteousness of God (Romans 3) and that there is no condemnation in Him (Romans 8).
Because of Who He Is and because He chose me (John 15:16) I can go and sin no more.
Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with His finger. 7 When they persisted in questioning Him, He stood up and said to them, "The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her."
8 Then He stooped down again and continued writing on the ground. 9 When they heard this, they left one by one, starting with the older men. Only He was left, with the woman in the center. 10 When Jesus stood up, He said to her, " Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11 "No one, Lord," [a] she answered.
"Neither do I condemn you," said Jesus. "Go, and from now on do not sin any more."
Like the woman, I was being accused for my rebellion. I have been disobedient and willful and have rejected His standards for my own. I have pushed and prodded and gotten my way even though I know it will hurt me in the end. I have been outside of His divine authority and out from under His protection and I have hurt myself and those around me with my sin. I deserved what I was accused of. The price for sin is death. (Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23). But My God had another plan!!!! He paid the price to set me free (John 3:16)!!!! I didn't have to bear the shame and punishment I deserved (Romans 6:10) so I can live (Romans 6:11). God spoke to me this morning words of comfort. He wiped my tears and told me He loved me.
What the Spirit spoke to me was this: I stand between you and your accusers. Then it seemed as if He turned to them and said Let He who is without sin cast the first stone. Then He turned to me and said Are there any left? Go and sin no more. I realized this morning what Jesus did for this woman, He does for me when my enemy comes at me from every direction lying to me and beating up with all my faults and with his slimy condemnation. And though I am guilty and caught in the things that the devil accuses me of, the Bible says that I have been cleansed of my sin when I repent (1 John 1:9) and that I am made the righteousness of God (Romans 3) and that there is no condemnation in Him (Romans 8).
Because of Who He Is and because He chose me (John 15:16) I can go and sin no more.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Be not afraid to entertain strangers...
So I was standing at the counter getting all my ingredients for my homemade chili together when the door opened. I did not look because I thought that my son had gotten the time he had to be at work wrong and that he was coming back home. Nope. Not him. I turned around to see a strange man standing in my doorway. He was in his late 40's to early 50's I would guess and looked like he wasn't sure where he was. He said "I think I'm in the wrong place." I left the kitchen and went to the door where he was turning to leave. I wondered if I could help him. He said he was looking for a place that had the same colors as our house and some apartments near it. I directed him down the street where there are duplexes and such. As he went to turn away I smelled what I thought was an alcohol smell. I feel bad for this man. He seemed sad and lost. When I went back to making dinner, I thought how different this could have been. He could have come in violently and hurt us, but he didn't. I could have reacted in fear, but I didn't. God's peace was in my home and in my heart. I had compassion for him. I thought that I'd wished to remember to share Jesus love with him. I thought about inviting him in for something to eat or drink. I thought about how differently I might have responded in other circumstances. I thought about how Hebrews 13:1 says to entertain strangers because they might be angels in disguise. I thought about how the Lord has changed me.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Song Lyrics/ poetry I wrote a couple years ago...
Fill me with You
Fill me with Your Love
Let me love Your people
Shower me in Your Love
It's Your Love LORD
that changes things
It's Your Love LORD
that heals our hearts
It's Your Love LORD
that I'm seeking
It's Your Love LORD
I can't live without
How I need You
to feel Your Presence and be renewed
How I need You
to change my heart and make me new
How I need You
to show me Your way
How I need You
to be my Everything
How I love You my King
by kelly teater
Stir me in the morning Lord, and awaken meFill me with Your Love
Let me love Your people
Shower me in Your Love
It's Your Love LORD
that changes things
It's Your Love LORD
that heals our hearts
It's Your Love LORD
that I'm seeking
It's Your Love LORD
I can't live without
How I need You
to feel Your Presence and be renewed
How I need You
to change my heart and make me new
How I need You
to show me Your way
How I need You
to be my Everything
How I love You my King
by kelly teater
Fill me with Your Love O Lord, and awaken me
Here is my life, I lay it down for You
Awaken, Lord awaken me, Awaken
Awaken, Lord awaken me, Awaken
Stir the fire, Ignite my soul
Breathe in me, And make me whole
Awaken, Lord awaken me, Awaken
Awaken, Lord awaken me, Awaken
You're the Fire, that I seek
Your Love, O Lord, is what I need
Breathe in me, and Awaken my soul
Awaken, Lord awaken me, Awaken
Awaken, Lord awaken me, Awaken
And I will rise up to meet You
And I will praise You with my life
And I will love you Lord with all that I am
How my soul cries out for You Lord
My heart longs for Your touch Lord Jesus
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
by kelly teater
I want to be lost in You
Lose my life
I want to be lost in You
And feel Your arms around me, Jesus
And feel Your breath on my cheek, O God
And hear You speak sweet words of Love to me
And know that I belong wholly to you
Lose my life
I want to be lost in You again
O God I pray
Lose my life
I want to be lost in You again
And I need to know
That You Love me so
I give my life to You
And pray that you would use me
To please You my God
I want to be Yours
And tell You that I love You
I want to be Yours
And live where You are
I want to be free
to serve You
to love You
to know You
Lord, I want to be lost in You
Lose my life
I want to be lost in You
Lose my life
I want to be lost in You
Lose my life I want to be lost in You, again.
Lord, I need to be lost in You.
by Kelly Teater
I became alive when you breathed Your life into me
I became alive when You reached Your hand down and smiled on me
You pulled me from the pits of Hell
You wrapped me in Your arms of Love
You forgave my sins and You called me child
You loved me with an Everlasting Love
You loved me and You created me
I am Your delight
I am Your joy
I am Your child
I am forgiven
I became alive when You breathed Your life into me
I became alive when You reached Your hand down and smiled on me
You pulled me from the pits of Hell
Your wrapped me in Your arms of Love
You forgave my sins and You called me child
You loved me with an Everlasting Love
Your loved me and You created me
You are my Delight
You are my Joy
You are my Father
I am Forgiven
by Kelly Teater
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