Defending yourself....

Sets myself up above Christ in my life.

I'm beginning to see just how detrimental it to defend myself. In all areas of life.

When the hurt comes, and pride rises up in defense, God cannot and will not interfere.

My heart, at that moment, closes off to the Holy Spirit. My ears become deaf to His words. Pride takes over and tries to protect a reputation that is a lie. Pride tries to defend being "good enough."

Psalm 14:3

But no, all have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!

Isaiah 53:6

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.

Romans 8:9

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.)

2 Corinthians 5:14

Either way, Christ’s love controls us. Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life.

Hebrews 12

New Living Translation (NLT)

God’s Discipline Proves His Love

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.[a] Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[c] then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?[d] He said,

“My child,[e] don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t give up when he corrects you.
6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”[f]

Going Gluten Free

So, it's been a long time since I posted.

Two weeks ago I made the switch to gluten free and dairy free. It's been rough. I had some very strong cravings at first and didn't fully quit eating wheat until I realized what my symptoms are.

If anyone reads this and would share a recipe or favorite food item, I'd appreciate it.

Easy Vegetarian Pad Thai

Ingredients:
1 package mung bean noodles (cooked to package directions)
1/2 cup matchstick carrots
1 can sliced waterchestnuts
1 can shiitake mushrooms
1 cup mung bean sprouts
1/2 cup snow pea pods thinly sliced
1/2 cup thin sliced green onions
1/2 cup raw cashews
Olive oil for cooking about 2 tbsp
1 to 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
1/2 cup Bangkok Padang peanut sauce

What to do:
In large skillet heat oil. Toss in all ingredients except mung bean noodles and stir fry until veggies are tender. Toss with noodles. Add a few raw bean sprouts just before serving.

Gyros

What you need:
Precooked Gyro meat (amount depends on how many you want to feed)
8-12 oz plain greek yogurt
1 lemon
1 cucumber diced, peeled and seeded
1 TBSP garlic
2 TBSP dried dill
lettuce
Feta cheese crumbles
tomato cut in bite size strips
Pita or thick flatbread

What to do:
For the tzatzki sauce: in blender combine yogurt, cucumber, juice from lemon, dill, and garlic and blend till smooth.

Quick fry the meat to release the fat and heat it up. We like ours kinda crispy, but cook to your own taste.

Assemble with pita/ flatbread, sauce, lettuce, tomato, feta and meat. Roll it up and eat!!

Crockpot baked oatmeal

ingredients:
2 1/2 cups regular or steel cut oats
1 c brown sugar
2 t baking powder
1 1/2 t cinnamon
1 1/2 c chopped dried apples
1/2 c dried cranberries
3 eggs beaten
1 c milk
1/2 cup oil


How to:
whisk wet ingredients together and set aside. mix dry ingredients together in crockpot. pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix together. cook in crockpot on high for 1 to 1 1/2 hours stirring often. makes 4- 6 servings, may double recipe in crockpot and keeps in fridge for reheating for a week.                    kel

Lemon Chocolate Fudge

I couldn't find a recipe on the internet that was what I wanted. There are chocolate fudge recipes out there and there are lemon fudge recipes (using white chocolate, I might add) out there, but there are no Chocolate Lemon Fudge recipes that I saw!

So, I looked around to get the basics of how to make a good fudge and then I created my own.

Here it is...

Ingredients:
4 cups packed brown sugar (I used light)
2 cups of butter (Yep, 2 whole cups)
1 14oz can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup dutch cocoa
3 to 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 TBSP pure lemon extract

How to do it:
Spray a 9x13 pan with oil and then line with parchment paper. I sprayed the paper just to make sure it doesn't stick when you take it out.

In large pot, bring brown sugar, butter and milk to a boil. Let this boil for 2 1/2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 2 minutes. Then add the lemon extract and stand back while you mix it in, the fumes can be overpowering...

Next, get you hand mixer and gently mix the cocoa and powdered sugar into the mixture. Blend til smooth.

Pour your concoction into the pan you prepared ahead of time. Let it cool.

When it's almost hardened, lift it out of the pan and cut into squares. How many you get depends on how big you cut them, but this makes a boatload because it's a double recipe...

Happy eating!

Looking through the fog...

In this picture, the fog was starting to roll in when I took the shot. Within a matter of minutes you couldn't even see the cross from where I was standing.

Lately, this is how I kinda feel in life.

Mom's in the hospital on a ventilator. No real idea from the docs what caused her to go into Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She can't breathe on her own right now. During the day, she is responsive and then at night, her levels crash and my emotions are on the same roller coaster that her levels are on.

Keeping my eyes on the Cross of Christ is a challenge. When I am emotionally engaged in what is happening with my mom, I freak out. I can't see Him or what He's doing here.

If I step back and disengage emotionally, the rational side of me can agree that God's hand is Sovereign and good and He will prevail, no matter what the outcome.

I think the balance is learning to allow His Presence into my emotional wreck and let Him make sense out of my processing and trusting Him with her life and with my own.

And I know that eventually, the fog clears and I'll see clearly again.

Tomorrow, I will spend my day at the hospital watching her. Tomorrow night I will spend my time worshiping Him.

Trusting God with my mom's life...

                                                   

My mom's life is in the Cross. He holds the answer to whether we get to have her for a while longer or whether He takes her home.

My first reaction was a bit of panic.

Then fear tried to get a hold of me.

Then I prayed and peace came.


Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.


Psalm 31:14
But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!”


Psalm 71:5
O Lord, you alone are my hope. I’ve trusted you, O Lord, from childhood.


Psalm 84:12
O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.


Psalm 112:7
They do not fear bad news; they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.


Proverbs 3:5
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

Pomegranate Apple Cobbler

POMEGRANATE APPLE COBBLER


Ingredients:

4 medium apples, cut into bite size pieces

2 medium pomegranates, seeds separated 

1 stick of butter

1 1/2 cup granola with coconut 

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 cup wheat flour

How to:

Start by cutting the apples up and place them into baking dish. Pour the pomegranate seeds evenly over the apples in the dish.

 Photo: Kelly Teater

In a mixer, combine butter, granola, flour and sugar.

Photo: Kelly Teater

Evenly spread the mixture over the apples and pomegranate seeds.

Bake in the oven at 350* for 40 minutes or until fruit is tender and topping is golden brown.

photo: Kelly Teater

Ham Potato and Sauteed Leek Soup

Ingredients:
2 cups sliced leeks
3 tablespoons butter
6 cups cubed potatoes
6-8 cups water
1/2 quart half and half
1 package cubed ham
pepper

How to:
Slice and place leeks into soup pot with butter. Sautee.

When leeks begin to brown and smell yummy, add potatoes, water, ham and half and half.

Season with pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer until potatoes are tender.

Cream of Celery Sweet Potato soup

Cream of Celery Sweet Potato Soup by Kelly Teater

Cream of Celery Sweet Potato Soup




Ingredients:

4 cups sliced celery

3 cups diced sweet potato

1 large sweet onion diced

1 1/2 tablespoon chopped garlic

1 tablespoon minced crystallized ginger

2 bay leaves

2 cups chicken stock

4 cups water

1-2 cups milk or cream

2 tablespoons butter

How to:

Place veggies in a large stock pot or dutch oven and add butter. 

Saute for about 5-10 minutes to soften. 

Add ginger and garlic and saute for 2 more minutes. 

Add water, broth and bay leaves and bring to a boil. 

Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. 

When veggies are translucent, use a hand blender to blend soup, leaving a few chunks. 

Add milk and let simmer for another 20 minutes to reduce and thicken soup. 

Serve!!! Makes 10 servings.

Nutrition Facts 10 Servings Amount Per Serving Calories 69.8 Total Fat 0.9 g Saturated Fat 0.5 g Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g Monounsaturated Fat 0.2 g Cholesterol 2.9 mg Sodium 175.4 mg Potassium 244.5 mg Total Carbohydrate 13.3 g Dietary Fiber 2.2 g Sugars 2.0 g Protein 2.6 g Vitamin A 109.4 % Vitamin B-12 0.0 % Vitamin B-6 7.7 % Vitamin C 19.5 % Vitamin D 3.8 % Vitamin E 1.4 % Calcium 7.5 % Copper 4.1 % Folate 5.8 % Iron 2.4 % Magnesium 2.8 % Manganese 9.8 % Niacin 1.9 % Pantothenic Acid 2.8 % Phosphorus 3.1 % Riboflavin 4.0 % Selenium 1.2 % Thiamin 3.6 % Zinc 1.4 % *Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Fig and Oatmeal Cookies

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup white flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup chopped fresh figs
2 packages maple and brown sugar instant oatmeal (I used OatFit)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
2. Cream sugar and shortening and add beaten egg.
3. Sift dry ingredients including oatmeal packets and blend with creamed mixture. Fold in figs.
4. Drop by spoonfuls on greased sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 18 cookies.

10 years later....

While this weekend was spent with so many reflecting on the events of 9/11 ten years ago, for us this weekend was spent reflecting on ten years together. 9/11 happened 3 days after Charlie and I were married 10 years ago. We were both getting ready for work as the tv was filled with the images and video of the horrible events. This weekend marks 10 years and its been all over the tv again, with specials and interviews and etc...UGGG For us, we reflect on how we've grown together, where God has brought us and the prospect of where we will be in another 10 years. The past does not define our lives. God does. He said to forget the past and look to the future. I'm thankful for the man that God gave me who has put up with and grown with me over these last years. Happy Anniversary Charlie!

Progression of the Lie

I've been thinking about how I go from being sure and confident in a choice or going from being so joyful and peaceful to completely doubting that choice or feeling down and heavy.... 1. I make a decision to do something that seems right, God's will or is a growth choice. 2. Almost immediately, there is a second thought, a doubt, a question in my mind. 3. That doubt keeps lingering, returning, pestering. 4. I doubt myself, my choice, my abilities, and question my acceptance with others. 5. I relinquish my choice, my decision, my resolve to step out in growth. 6. I feel bad about myself, my choices, my decisions and shrink back with discouragement. 7. I remember the Promises of God. 8. I read the Promises of God. 9. I begin to believe the Promises of God. 10. I make a decision to do something that seems right, God's will or is a growth choice... Now, how do I stop the cycle????

New Job, New Season!

I've been with the same company for over 5 years. I love the kids I work with and really struggled with even applying for a school district job. When I went back to work after a 2 month leave for surgery, I made a choice to step out and OBEY my husband. He's been saying for about 3 years or so that I needed to find a better job. I struggled from feeling loyalty to the children and their families. I also didn't understand about the better job part, because I thought my job was pretty good. Then I got a phone call last week to come for an interview. The next day they called me and hired me. Now, I get the benefit of a grand total of 17.6 weeks off per year. I am contracted to work 172 days per year and the rest is time off. I get paid for a full 12 months. When the kids are out of school, so am I. The sad part is leaving the boy I have been working with for the last 5 months. I will miss him greatly.

No One listening...

At least that's how it seems to me... But, I know the One who will always listen to hear my voice. He bends down His ear to hear me, He said so.

Hello?

Is anyone there? Do you hear me when I speak? Do you listen to what I say? There's so much that God has been teaching me, and I've not been very good in keeping up with what He's been saying. Please leave a comment or follow if you are listening....

Walking on Water...

Matthew 14
Jesus Walks on Water
22 Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. 23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.

24 Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. 25 About three o’clock in the morning[b] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”

27 But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here![c]”

28 Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”

29 “Yes, come,” Jesus said.

So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strong[d] wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.

31 Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”

32 When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. 33 Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.


Just today, I'm realizing that the trials of the last year or so have been like this in my life...
The storm around me was all His doing, with Him walking toward me, reaching out His hand to draw me closer...to trust explicitly in His ability to carry me through.

The struggle with letting go...of watching my son fighting for independence...the battle within myself to let Him be my cheerleader and support...trusting Him for financial provision...trusting Him with my life...letting go of all of the things that I've held onto, these things that have been my boat, my safety, my support. He has stripped them away. Tonight as I was laying in bed, I felt like there was nothing under me, like I'd stepped of the ledge with nothing under my feet. Then He reminded me of this Scripture, of His hand reaching for me--to help me, to lead me, to hold me, to show me the way.

All of the things that I used for strength and comfort are gone...who I thought I was, what I dreamed of doing, how my life would look, my trusting in my abilities. I feel empty, desperate...like crying til there are no more tears. And in this moment, I don't know which way to go...what to say...what to do, but to look up and say "help me" and trust.

I have to believe...that His promises will come...that He knows what will happen...that He loves me...that He will help me...that He alone is my hope, my strength, my future...that what I see is so limited...that there is a purpose in even this.

I know He spoke to me and called me to this place. Why do I doubt in this moment what He's working?

Oriental Chicken Salad

Ingredients:
1 head cabbage, chopped finely
2 pkg ramen noodles crushed(minus the seasoning packet)
1/4 cup sesame seeds
1/4 cup pomegranate red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1 pound chicken strips cubed

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and let sit for 20 minutes to soften noodles...

Church of the Harvest
Prophetic Assembly
April 6, 2008



Charlie & Kelly Teater




Prophets:
Moses Veigh
Bob Isabell
Brad Neuschwander

Moses Veigh
You know I just want to tell you brother, God really has his hand on your life and I heard the Holy Spirit speaking to me, I believe, when He said don’t even consider the former things. Don’t even remember the days of old. There have been hurts and wounds from the past that have seemingly been healed over, but they still bear a lot of memory to you. But today the Lord said don’t even consider the former things or the things of the past, behold I’m doing a new thing now. And sister, this is what you have been praying for. You have been crying out to God. You have interceded. You’ve come and wept on the altar. There’ve been tears that have flowed for a real joining together of your hearts and lives in the house of the Lord. You love one another, you people are good people, but the enemy has tried to hold, hold you back from your utmost because of the devices of the devil to try and make you look back. Here is what God said, I don’t want you looking back to what used to be but I’m gonna do a new thing now. He said I’m not gonna move you, but I’m gonna turn your desert into a joyful river. Come on. I’m gonna put a river there. And He said I’m gonna put a way, a highway in your wilderness. Now He said I’m not gonna move you from where you are, I’m just gonna change your environment. I’m gonna do some construction work. Hallelujah. God makes rivers. God makes highways. Amen? And He’s gonna make a way for you in your situation where you have been frustrated and saying how can I ever get out of this thing? And God says I know the way out. Praise God. And He loves you brother. He’s been doggin you for a long time and you know that. And you’ve been kind of skirting around it, and so well, not me, I’m not worthy and all of that. Let me tell you something – you are precious in His sight. He paid a big price for you on the cross – for the both of you. And you’re going home a happy momma. You’re going home to a different man. You’re going home to a transformed family. Hallelujah. Amen? This is going to be God’s day – join your hands together – I know you guys love one another and I know the enemy has tried his utmost to just bring that kind of division in thought, but you know we’re not going to let that happen. Amen. From this night on we’re going to go on. God said behold I am going to do a new thing, I don’t know what the new thing means to you, but boy I’m excited about you. I’m gonna do a new thing, I’m going to do make a new man out of this guy – He’s going to get up in the morning and say honey, let’s pray. Let’s pray. You’re gonna move into a whole new order brother - the order of the high priest of your house. You’re gonna have authority in the name of Jesus. I don’t mean you’re going to get religious. You don’t have to get religious, don’t do that. Just have to full of the Holy Ghost and let God just saturate your lives and you are going to take the helm of the house and say that “as for me and my house, we are gonna serve the Lord.” Do you have children? They’re gonna see it. They’re gonna say, what ever happened to Dad? Hallelujah. Amen. And that’s what you’ve been wanting. You’ve been wanting that brother. I spoke with you this morning and you spoke to me, didn’t you, back here? God put you in my heart, I didn’t know who you were. I didn’t know you were coming up here to be ministered to or not. But I felt that in my heart, God was really doing something in your life. I’m not going to tell what you shared, it doesn’t matter the point is it was very real to me and I’m convinced that God ordered this night for you people to be transformed. And this is gonna be, listen, this is gonna be one of many families in this whole community that are going to be touched by God.
And you know, there was a couple in the Bible who was named Aquilla and Priscilla – Aquilla, Priscilla. I believe that’s the way it goes. Its male, female. Okay. And these two people had a special touch of God on their life to expound the word of the Lord more perfectly to people who didn’t quite understand it. And there’s gonna be couples coming into this house very quickly, look out folks its going to happen, and we are going to need people like you just to take them by the arm and say let us tell you how wonderful Jesus is. Let us tell you what He did in our lives. I see you ministering to young couples in this house and you are going to teach these women how to love their husbands. You are going to say God did a miracle for me, He’ll do it for you. Amen? And God’s gonna change this whole atmosphere. Tonight, its all over. Don’t look back. You know you’ve got a whole lot bigger windshield in front of you, than a rearview mirror. Got it? Yeah, absolutely. You keep looking in a rearview mirror, you’ll have a wreck. But you look out and say Oh my God, the whole thing’s open to me now. Amen. Amen? And the cry of your hearts see, since you’ve been a very young person was to be involved in the work of the Lord, in the ministry, God’s called you from a child – I can see the call of God on you and the enemy has beat you over the head and say you blew it, you missed it, you’re not gonna…he’s a liar. He is a liar. God has not forgotten his covenants with you daughter because those prayers and those tears, and those intercessory prayers that you prayed have registered. And God is publicly announcing to this church, I’ve heard the prayer of this mamma. Hallelujah, and things will never be the same. Praise God. You are going home to a brand new house. You are going to say Shalom to your house. You got that this morning. And Amen. She’s been doing it, but God wants you to do it. Look out devil, he’s not coming near your place. He is in serious trouble. But you are gloriously set free tonight, amen. To be the kind of people God intended you to be. Amen? Is that okay brother? I hope you’re not embarrassed, because we wouldn’t do that. But I’m excited for you, I’m so excited for what I’m gonna hear about this family. And I am going to come back and check on you.

Brad Neuschwander
Amen. As I was just waiting on the Lord I saw several pictures come to mind. I want to start with the last one first. I saw a great catapult being tightened down and being filled with weighty rocks being launched into the atmosphere against the strongholds of the enemy. And I believe the Lord is speaking to you tonight sir and to you tonight ma’am that God’s wanting to touch you through the area of brokenness and humility to draw you to His side. The Bible said of Moses that he was the meekest man on the face of the earth. There was authority and a mantle under the control of humility and it comes by brokenness. And we know the scripture who can ascend to the hill of the Lord - those with clean hands and a pure heart. And really to get there you have to be broken. You have to be willing to say God, I’m gonna come to you in a new way I need to ascend to the top. And the Lord is actually, tonight for both of you, wanting to draw you closer into the heartbeat of prayer life together. Oh man of God, he’s going to change what you’ve thought of prayer. He’s going to change how you’ve viewed hearing the Lord just as He did with some rough and tumble fishermen, he’s desiring to do with you. It doesn’t matter if there’s not been classical education, sometimes it’s better that the Lord can begin to work in you the school of prayer, the Lord can begin to change you, because there’s been circumstances that have been working about that God can put a meekness and humility into your life that you’re going to be able to identify with the bumps and the scrapes of life of those who come in this door. It’s been said a few times tonight by Pastor Bob about the economy and the things and I’m telling you there are things in this world the Bible promises, Jesus promises, that they are just the beginning of woes. God’s gotta have people in this house that understand how to deal with people that have had some very hard speed bumps in life. You are going to immediately recognize as a couple those that have been fractured, those that have been bumped, those that have been bruised, those that have been in car wrecks along the way and God is calling you to come along side and how to lift them to the heart of the father. And as you do God will be loading the cannons of your prayer life with the stones of faith that will launch toward the strongholds that have held the people captive and it will be just like in that movie The Lord of the Rings where those stones will come crashing in to those strongholds and breaking apart the fortresses and the pillars that have kept the people in prison. It is an anointing that is coming upon your prayer life, its an anointing that the Lord wants to draw you in this house, that you might identify and say, “Let the people go! Let the healing balm of Gilead be released!” There’s a word of counsel in your spirits that God is simply taking from the things that you’ve walked through and you’re going to be so endearing, man of God. There’s going to be something about your hands when you grab their hands in prayer. There’s going to be something about your touch because you’ve learned through the school of brokenness that the love of God will impart through the both of you. There’s a coupling that’s coming tonight, and its happening right now-a tying together, a yoking together in the prayer and intercession ministry of this house. We yoke it, let it be established tonight. In Jesus’ name, let it come upon them in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Hallelujah.

Bob Isabell
Hallelujah. I think this is bigger than you guys are. I’m not sure, you expected quite what you are getting. But you know, God in His goodness knows what you need, doesn’t He and what he wants you to hear and see? Sorry about that. Hallelujah. I have a sense that this is a little bit unusual and new in a way to the two of you. That you know there used to be an old song we used to sing, Lift your vision high, you’re in a way you’ve never been before. And I, I want you to know that God has brought you into this house. You’re not here by mistake or accident. You’re not a misfit in the church, you belong. God has plugged you in and planted you in this house for a reason and you have to hear the word of the Lord. You know they could have said, no, don’t come up here. You could have decided this is not what you wanted but you chose to come and you got accepted. And God wants to make some things very clear to the two of you, that you count in the house of God, that you belong right here in this church. And that days of another time, and another season have been eradicated and lifted out of your life – the frustrations and the wounds and the hurts and only God knows how to tweak the man and the woman and tune you in to the place you need to be so you get a clear sound and a clear picture of what’s going on. I am here to tell you in honor of the two of you tonight that God has great need of you. When you came up I just had a sense of it, I didn’t know exactly how it was going to fit but as I hear all of this kind of unfolding I kind of had a sense of evangelism over your life. You know, if you just look at the people that come sometimes and you get these things, and you’re a little bit nervous about where you want to go but you can’t judge by that, you gotta go with what God says. And I am here to tell you that you’re not to be ashamed how the gospel of Jesus Christ – it is still the power of God unto salvation. It still changes lives and brings people into the house of God and what God has done for you, he will do for others. Now you’ve got a testimony that’s wrapped up in your life and there’s people you know even now, God has brought you through your seasons but guess what, you’re here, and you belong and you’re plugged in and I believe the Lord wants to lift off of you this – we’re not like the pastors, we’re not leaders in the house, we’re not this, we’re not that, you’ve got to get that out of your mind. You are here by the appointment of a divine savior who said, I want them in this house, and they belong. And all that being said, I just need to tell you now part of the prophetic, part of the word means to get behind and push. It’s a weight – it’s a push on your spirit. You forgive me for a moment for leaning on you like but you’ve got to get the point of what I’m saying. That the word of the Lord tonight is pushing you out of where you’ve been and out of your past and out of what you’re comfortable with, and out of your comfort zone and out of what you can’t do and into the purposes and will of God. If all you wanted and all you heard was what you’re already doing and where you’re at, you don’t need me as a prophet, you don’t need the word of the Lord. This is bigger than you and God is lifting you out of your yesterdays and your small thinking and your little world that’s had fences around you and this very night he brings you to a place in Him and sets you free in God. You will do the purposes in the will of God. You will not be captured by another season and another time any longer. You will accomplish all that God says you’ll accomplish because you are quality people, you belong to him and this is a good word over your life. Come on. Say I’m gonna accomplish this. (Charlie: “I’m gonna accomplish this.” Kelly: “I’m gonna accomplish this.”) Come on church give them a hand, they’re gonna do what God said they’re gonna do.

Moses Vegh
You know all these other guys are singing songs to the candidates, I think I got one. And I need some help. We used to sing that little chorus ♫“I’ll never be the same again, oh no. Never be the same again. I’ll never be the same again, oh no. Hallelujah. Since I found the Lord, I am not the same and I’ll never be the same again.”♫ Stand up. Hallelujah. (Repeat the song)
Glory to God. I want to pray over this man. I want him to be full of the Holy Ghost. Amen. If he’s not been baptized, he needs to be baptized. I don’t know where you are there, pal, God wants to give you the whole shot tonight. Hallelujah. Come on church. Receive the Holy Ghost, receive the Holy Ghost, out of your belly shall flow rivers of living water. As the Holy Spirit gives you words, you say them. Speak them out brother. Don’t be ashamed, there’s nobody here but us. Oh thank you Jesus. Fill them full of the Holy Ghost. Don’t be ashamed brother, just speak it out, speak it out, its yours, the gift of the Holy Ghost, receive the Holy Ghost. Right now! Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. Fill him up Lord, fill him up Lord, fill him out Lord, Amen.

Only One

One heartbeat deep inside of me
One breath that flows so free
One Spirit who makes me see
One hope pursuing me

One love is all I have
One life, it's all I am
One God who sees me
One cross that set me free

This life I live
It's not my own
Ever growing
His seed was sown
Deep in my veins
I felt it first
His love so pure
Thought my heart would burst

A love so deep
I could not hide
Within His wings
Life to abide
He came and touched
A place once dead
Eternal life
His death in my 'stead

Chicken tortellini vegetable soup

Chicken Tortellini Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup cooked cubed chicken
3 cups cheese tortellini (I used frozen)
1/2 zucchini cubed
1/2 mexican grey squash cubed
1/2 large yellow onion chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
5 cloves garlic chopped
2 large carrots chopped
2 medium tomatoes chopped
32 oz carton organic free range low sodium chicken stock
2 cups chopped kale
5 baby portabella mushrooms
1 small sweet potato cubed
fresh rosemary
fresh basil
fresh sage

In dutch oven, saute onion, garlic, celery with 1 tablespoon oil. Add fresh herbs. Let soften for about 2 minutes. Add carrots and sweet potato and let cook another 5 minutes. Add broth and rest of ingredients, bring to boil and then let simmer for 15 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Roasted Poblano Salsa

Roasted Poblano Salsa

Ingredients:

6 large poblano peppers
4 yellow chili peppers
1 jalapeno
1 bunch cilantro
6 medium tomatoes
1 large yellow onion
6 cloves garlic
2 small limes

Roast peppers and garlic under broiler on cookie sheet until blackened. Meanwhile, quarter onion and tomatoes and place in food processor with cilantro and juice from limes. Process to desired consistency. Pour into large bowl. When peppers are roasted, allow to cool enough so that you can handle them. Cut off tops and remove seeds. Place peppers into food processor and process until desired consistency. I like mine more finely processed. Add peppers to bowl and mix with tomato mixture.

Makes 2 quarts.

Homemade Chili

1 lb coarse ground beef for chili
1/2 large yellow onion chopped
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 can chili beans with sauce
1 small can tomato sauce
1 small can tomato paste
1 can diced tomatoes
2-3 tbsp hot mexican chili powder
2 tbsp cumin

In dutch oven, brown beef with garlic and onion. When browned add the rest of the ingredients. Add 1-2 cups water. Simmer for about 2 hours stirring about every 1/2 hour. Serve with rice or barley, cheese, sourcream, or whatever toppings you like!

Baby Bella Asparagus Quiche

1/2 pound asparagus cut in 1 inch pieces
1/2 pound baby portabella mushrooms sliced
3 green onions chopped
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cup half and half
2 cups shredded fontina cheese
2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
1 pre made pie crust

Preheat oven to 350*

Place pie crust in 9 inch baking dish and keep chilled. In skillet, sautee asparagus, mushrooms and green onion. Meanwhile, whisk eggs and half and half together in bowl. Put shredded cheese in bottom of pie crust and add veggies when tender. Pour egg mixture over the whole thing and bake at 350* for about 45 minutes until egg is set. Remove from oven and let cool. Serves 8.

Creamy Chicken and Orzo

8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
3 green onions chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary
1 sprig fresh oregano
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup half and half
1 box orzo pasta
1 cup shredded cheese, mixed fontina and asiago

In skillet, brown chicken and add green onion, rosemary, oregano, pepper and paprika. Meanwhile, cook orzo according to package directions. When chicken is cooked, add sour cream, half and half and cheese, stir and mix well. Add orzo to chicken and serve!

Stewardship and being ready

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.

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.

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...

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.

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!