A Savior (Not A Condemner) Is Born

At the suggestion of Beth Moore during the Living Proof Live Simulcast this past August, I have decided to make an "ABCs list of scripture." What this simply means is finding a verse from the Bible that starts with each letter of the alphabet to encourage you to memorize scripture. I have slowly been working on my list and today I decided the verse I was going to use for the letter "F" was John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." Pretty appropriate seeing how Christmas, the day we were given God's son, is just three days away. However, this verse is not the focus of my entry today. Though I am eternally thankful for God's gift, the following verse, John 3:17, spoke volumes to me this morning. "For God did NOT send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (All caps my emphasis.)

I have always had a tough time accepting grace. The fact that I have been forgiven and not condemned is something I have to constantly remind myself of. Being a legalistic perfectionist, I find it difficult to forgive myself of failures and mistakes and expect others, including Christ, to do the same. I have read and memorized the scripture that says there is no condemnation in Christ but a sneaky little voice will creep into my head and remind me of all my past shortcomings. Fortunately though, a more powerful source constantly reminds me that God's Son came to save me and not condemn me. What a great verse. God telling us that he didn't send his Son to "clean house" and wipe out all the riff raff but to love, heal, forgive and offer mercy to anyone who chooses to accept these gifts.

So this Christmas, as I watch one of my children open the gift under our tree that holds the baby Jesus from our Nativity scene, I WILL be reminded that I have been forgiven, that I am loved and that my failures will not keep me from being the woman God has intended me to be.

No fail dinner tonight, clam chowder with English muffins toasted and topped with cheddar and tossed salad.

Fish or Clam Chowder
2 cups chicken stock
2 cups diced potatoes
2 tbsp butter
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 med onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb fish fillets, cubed or 2 cans whole baby clams, drained
1/8 tsp dried whole thyme
1 pint half and half
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
3 whole English muffins, split
6 slices cheddar cheese

Bring stock to a boil in a large sauce pan then add potatoes. Cover and cook 10 minutes. In a small skillet, melt butter then saute bacon with onions and garlic until bacon is lightly browned and veggies are tender. Add bacon, onion, garlic, drippings, fish or clams and thyme to potatoes in the stock. Simmer 10 minutes then stir in half and half, salt and pepper. Simmer 5 more minutes then sprinkle with parsley. Toast English muffins lightly then top halves with cheese and broil until cheese is melted. Serve with chowder and salad. Serves 6.

Bah Humbug

As the familiar Christmas song goes, "Tis the season to spend money, fa la la la la la la la la..." Ok, so maybe it doesn't go quite like that but lately that's the version I've been hearing in my head. From Christmas presents to parties it seems like there is always something else requiring the usage of my well-worn debit card and dwindling bank account. And unfortunately at times like this my inner scrooge appears and makes me wish I had more, more, more while finding myself becoming envious of those who do. Then this morning I read something in my Bible that reminded me more money will never be what I need.

In Psalm 49, verses 16 through 19, the psalmist wrote, "Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him. Though while he lived he counted himself blessed--and men praise you when you prosper--he will join the generation of his fathers, who will never see the light of life."

Yikes, "never see the light of life," can you imagine? So often we think people who have an abundance of wealth are "living the life" but according to this passage the life they are living does not compare to the life Christ's offers and many people who appear to have it all will never actually experience the greatness or 'light of life'! Obviously this is not about wealthy Christians who have chosen Christ because wealth does not exclude us from Heaven, it's about those who allow their wealth to hinder them from depending on the Lord for their salvation and just as money will not exclude you from Heaven, it will not guarantee you a spot there either. All the money in the world could not buy the 'light of life'.

So while I was thinking I needed more, God gently reminded me that a more thankful attitude and a better understanding of the riches I have in His son is what I really need. More Him, less me.

You don't have to be rich to afford dinner tonight...pulled pork quesadillas with cilantro-lime sour cream and black bean and corn salad.

Pulled Pork Quesadillas
1 (2-3 lb) Boston butt roast
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt
Chili Powder
Ground Cumin
1/2 to 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
8 flour tortillas
2 cups monteray jack cheese, shredded

Place pork roast in crock pot and sprinkle generously with spices on all sides. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until pork shreds easily with a fork. Remove from crock pot and shred. Add bbq sauce and set aside. On a flour tortilla place enough pulled pork to cover the bottom leaving about 1/2 inch along the edges. Top with cheese and another tortilla. Repeat with remaining tortillas. Heat large skillet over medium heat. Cook quesadillas 2-3 minutes on each side until light brown and cheese is melted. Serve with cilantro-lime sour cream.

Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
juice from 1 lime
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup sour cream

Mix well and chill until ready to serve.

Black Bean and Corn Salad
2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained
1 green pepper, chopped
3 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 medium red onion, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp ground cumin
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro

Mix all ingredients and chill until ready to serve.

God's Sense of Humor

"Do not test the Lord your God..." Deuteronomy 6:16

Yesterday I did just that. I tested God. I had been debating whether or not I should attend a ladies conference this weekend and couldn't shake the feeling that the Lord really wanted me to be there. As I considered all the reasons why I shouldn't go I realized they were based upon my selfishness. One particular reason I clung to was not having the extra money to purchase a ticket. That's a good one right? After all it is Christmas time and I have all those gifts to buy...but wait a minute, wasn't I going to be spending the exact amount next week to enter a running race? A race that I wanted to participate in and one that more than likely would not provide any spiritual growth. This is where the test came into play.

I was on my way home from running errands when I thought, "Ok God, if you want me to go to the conference then let there be a check in the mail!" I smugly pulled into our driveway, got out of the car and walked directly to the mailbox knowing there would not be a check in the mail. And I was right. Ha! There was no check in the mail! But wait, what was that thin envelope sandwiched between the Pizza Hut coupons and a flyer from Verizon? There was a check in the mail! I tore into the envelope thinking I had gotten really good at predicting God when the first thing I noticed was the sentence, "This is not a check." What?? Inside the envelope was not a paycheck but the direct deposit receipt from Eric's last paycheck. It held no monetary value and was actually mailed late. I couldn't help but laugh! Here I was expecting God to perform like I wanted Him to and for a brief moment He let me think He did!

How great is our God's sense of humor that He allows us to think we are in control only to gently remind us later how much we really need to let go of our ideas and expectations and let HIM write the stories and miracles of our lives. I like to think God was in Heaven laughing at me as I tore into that envelope thinking I had Him all figured out. I could hear His beautiful laugh followed by His gentle voice saying, "Daughter, my plan is so much better than you think. Stop trying to guess my actions. Don't test me, just trust me."

Needless to say, I'm going to the conference this weekend. No God did not send a check for the exact amount, though I know He could have, but He did teach me a few lessons: That I need to trust Him even when it seems like the resources needed to do so are not there, that He cannot be predicted and that He has a great sense of humor.

One thing you can predict is that Beef and Vegetable Soup along with grilled cheese sandwiches will be enjoyed for dinner!

Beef and Vegetable Soup (aka Stone Soup*)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 lbs beef roast cut into 3/4" chunks
1 med. onion, chopped
4 (14.5 oz) cans beef broth
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups water
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp pepper
1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped
1 lb red potatoes, scrubbed and chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 (10 oz) pkg frozen corn
1 (10 oz) pkg frozen peas

Brown beef in oil in large pot. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Stir in broth, tomatoes with juice, water, bay leaf, thyme and pepper. Bring to a boil then cover, reduce heat and simmer 45 minutes. Add carrots, potatoes and celery then cover and simmer 45 more minutes. Add peas and corn and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with grilled cheese sandwiches.

*A great story to share with your kids while making this soup is the fable about Stone Soup. You can read one version of the story here: http://www.dltk-teach.com/fables/stonesoup/mtale.htm

Great Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
8 slices multi-grain bread
8 slices of muenster cheese
1 med onion, thinly sliced
1 med tomato, thinly sliced
butter

Heat skillet or electric griddle to med heat. Layer each sandwich with cheese, onion, tomato then another slice of cheese. Butter outsides of sandwich and cook until golden brown. Enjoy!

**Oh, and as a side note we did receive an unexpected check in the mail today. It wasn't the exact amount of the conference but it was enough to help. God's little way of reminding me He is still in control. :)

Turkey Trottin'

"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" Galatians 5:7

With Thanksgiving just around the corner I am excited about running my first "Turkey Trot" race. I don't consider myself a runner and if you would have told me just six months ago that I would be entering, much less excited about, a race I would have bet you Thanksgiving dinner you'd be wrong. However, three months ago I got bored with walking and decided to "step it up" a bit and began running. Since then I have found myself actually looking forward to the solitude and comfort that comes with my early morning runs. Sure it takes some discipline to crawl out of a warm bed, early in the morning while everyone else is still asleep, but the time alone with God and the feeling of accomplishment is completely worth it.

Then this morning when I opened my Bible to Galatians and read the verse above, I was amazed yet again at how neat God is that he would show me such an appropriate verse for my upcoming race. Not because I need to anticipate someone "cutting in on me" while running next week but to serve as a reminder that as a Christian I am called to run a good race and that I need to constantly be aware of the things that can cut into my race and distract me from the path I need to stay on to cross the finish line. I'll admit I have taken many wrong turns in my race, been cut in on and have even followed those running a completely different race but thankfully the Lord has always come along beside me and helped me get back on the right track.

So, if you're going to be turkey trottin' next week too, keep in mind you're running a good race and finish strong! Here's something else to keep in mind, cranberry chutney and Italian macaroni and cheese go great with turkey!

Cranberry Chutney
1 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 bag fresh cranberries
1 cup chopped apple
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup apple juice
juice from 1/2 an orange
juice from 1/2 a lemon
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Combine sugar and water in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cranberries and return to boil then reduce heat to simmer. Add remaining ingredients and cook 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool then serve.

Italian Macaroni and Cheese
12 oz wide egg noodles
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups milk
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 cups Havarti cheese
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Butter a 13x9x2 inch baking dish and set aside. Cook the noodles according to package directions then drain but do not rinse. In a large bowl blend well the cream, milk, flour, salt and pepper. Stir in 1 cup Havarti, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1/2 cup Mozzarella and parsley. Add noodles and toss to coat. Pour noodle mixture into prepared baking dish. Combine remaining cheeses and sprinkle over noodle mixture. Bake uncovered until cheese bubbles and begins to brown on top, about 20 minutes. Let sit for 1o minutes before serving.
**Diced ham can be added with the noodles before baking to make a complete meal.

Poor Me

I've been feeling sorry for myself lately. I have been dealing with a minor injury that has kept me from my normal activities and is forcing me to take it easy. Granted at one time, I would have lavished in this laziness but over the past several months I have established a routine that I really enjoy and it is bothering me to have to take time off from it. However, as I was sitting around planning my pity party I eventually realized I had absolutely nothing to complain about. The Lord has blessed my family with health, our home and with an income. I know there are many people struggling with serious illnesses and with job losses that would covet my life and though a pity party sounded like fun at first, I decided I would try the "Thanksgiving Approach" since it is, after all, Thanksgiving. So, here are 25 things I am thankful for:

1. My salvation (ok, so it's the churchy answer but I really couldn't imagine life without my Jesus).
2. My husband, that he has a way to make me feel more loved everyday.
3. Fisher, my first miracle and my pride.
4. Easton, my second miracle and my sunshine.
5. Finley, my third miracle and my joy.
6. My parents and their commitment to each other.
7. Eric's parents and their consistency in their walk.
8. My church and pastor.
9. My sisters and the fact that though we may not talk or see each other daily we are always there for each other.
10. My friends and the ability to "Jesus talk" with them.
11. My freedom to worship the Lord openly and publicly.
12. PUBLIX!
13. The ability to hear my kids say "mom" even though I cringe sometimes when they do.
14. Flip flops, need I say more?
15. Taste buds, although I have a love/hate relationship with them (wish they didn't work so well).
16. That I got to experience pregnancy even though it may have been on my back for three months.
17. The beach and the sand and the salty water and even the dang jellyfish just because they are all part of the experience.
18. Clouds because a little shade is nice in Florida and because Easton saw one the other day that looked like a pig.
19. Spatulas, for spanking and for getting the last bit of peanut butter out of the jar.
20. Harold, my KitchenAid Pro Line Mixer.
21. Telephones and the ability to pick one up and call, who am I kidding, I mean text, a friend whenever I want or need to.
22. Farmer's Markets and Art's and Craft shows and the memories of my grandparents that they evoke in me.
23. Beth Moore AND her Texas Sheet Cake.
24. Vacations and time spent alone with family minus all the distractions of daily life.
25. Our dog because even though she doesn't walk on a leash all that great, barks nonstop at squirrels, eats non-edible items and chews the kids' toys, I saw Marley & Me and know how empty life would be without her.

Something you'll be thankful for is what we're having for dinner and though the ingredient list is a little long, stuffed chicken with yellow rice is really good and relatively easy to make.

Stuffed Chicken with Yellow Rice
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp crumbled feta cheese
1 tbsp chopped walnuts
1 tbsp chopped parsley
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 pkg yellow rice

Prepare rice according to package directions then set aside. Cut small slit in side of chicken breasts to make a pocket. Mix cheese, walnuts and parsley and put 1 tbsp of the mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Mix flour, salt and pepper. Dredge chicken in flour mixture. Mix egg and milk then dip chicken in egg mixture then again in the flour mixture. Place in fridge until ready to cook. Heat oil and butter in large skilled over med-high heat and cook chicken until light brown on both sides then reduce heat and cook until done. Place rice on serving dish, top with chicken then pour sauce (recipe below) over both. Serve with steamed broccoli.

Sauce
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 cup chopped celery
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 (8 oz) can tomatoes, drained and chopped
2 tbsp chopped parsley
1/4 cup white wine
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp dried oregano

Heat oil in small skillet. Cook onion, carrots, celery and garlic until tender. Add tomatoes, parsley, wine, sugar and oregano. Simmer 20 minutes or until thick.

The Armor of Myself

"Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:11

I am fully aware that I should be putting on the "Armor of God" every morning but I constantly assume that the armor of "myself" is sufficient. I read my Bible and pray in the mornings but then I dress in the Armor of Carrie which is about as effective as a cute apron, a cookie sheet and a spatula in the middle of the trenches. Sure the apron might keep my clothes from getting dirty, the cookie sheet might deflect a bullet (if we're talking BBs here) and I may be able to swat a hand or two with my trusty spatula, but really, the flimsy armor of myself for protection?

Ephesians 6 makes it clear that the battles we face are not battles we can handle on our own. Verse 12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." So what does this mean? It means from the moment we wake up to the second we fall asleep Satan is trying to defeat us. The "flaming arrows" he constantly shoots at us are to weaken us, to make us struggle and to make us fall. He wants us to believe we can handle life on our own. That we don't need protection, wisdom or a Savior. Satan wants us to walk out the door every morning wearing our own fallible and penetrable armor called self-sufficiency so that when he takes aim and finally hits us in our weakest area we collapse. Whether our weakness is the inability to forgive, the tendency to wander or the constant desire to be in control of our lives, Satan knows where to aim.

Fortunately there is a better armor available. One that is strong and has been forged through the test of time. The Armor of God: The Belt of Truth (knowing the will of God), The Breastplate of Righteousness (making the right choices), The Sandals of Peace (knowing God is in control), The Shield of Faith (believing God's plan is best), The Helmet of Salvation (remembering Jesus is always with you) and The Sword of the Spirit (knowing God's word is true). Wearing this armor doesn't guarantee an easy battle, but it does guarantee victory in the end.

I will be breaking out that cute apron to make dinner tonight but thank the Lord it's just to keep the Chili from splattering on my clothes.

Easy Chili with Corncakes
1 lb ground sirloin (or turkey)
1 med. onion, chopped
2 (15oz) cans pinto beans, undrained
1 (28oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15oz) can tomato sauce
1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chilies, undrained
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

In large soup pot brown beef and onion over med-high heat. Add the remaining ingredients, reduce the heat to low and cook for an hour or until the chili has thickened, stirring occasionally.
Serve with sour cream, green onions, cheddar cheese and topped with a corncake.

Corncakes
1 (8.5 oz) box Jiffy corn muffin mix
1 egg
2 tbsp butter, melted
3/4 cup milk

Preheat skillet or electric griddle to med heat. Grease lightly with butter or cooking spray. Blend ingredients, batter will be slightly lumpy, then cook on hot skillet. Flip when bubbles appear. Enjoy!

Light and Dark

Although I love that it's light out when I wake up in the mornings I'm not crazy about it getting dark so soon in the evenings. All summer long we were able to enjoy several hours of sunlight outside after eating dinner but now with the time change we basically have to turn on every light in the house just to see what it is were about to eat for dinner!

This morning (while enjoying the sunlight) I read in Ephesians chapter five that Paul noticed a difference in the light and darkness as well and though he wasn't referring to "Daylight Savings Time" he wrote about something much more important. In verse eight he wrote, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light". Now my kids LOVE playing in the dark with flashlights but I'm not thinking this is what Paul meant by "children of light." However, there is a lesson to be learned in the flashlight:

1. To be effective a flashlight has to be turned on. If we are to be effective as Christians, we need to be turned on and into God's will.
2. To be effective a flashlight has to be pointed in the right direction, ahead of you where you are trying to go, not behind you spot-lighting where you have been. To be effective Christians we need to point the way to Jesus and salvation.
3. Finally, to be effective a flashlight's batteries occasionally need to be recharged. To be effective Christians we need to recharge ourselves by spending time in the Bible, worshipping God and by spending time with other Christians encouraging each other.

All the lights in our house will be on tonight as I make Chicken Parmigiana for dinner! May our home be a light in our neighborhood!

Chicken Parmigiana
4-6 chicken breast fillets (thin sliced)
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1 egg, beaten
1/3 cup vegetable oil
4-6 slices Provolone cheese
1 (15 1/2 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
1/2 box of spaghetti noodles

Cook spaghetti according to package directions then drain and set aside. Heat spaghetti sauce in medium sauce pan over low heat.

Combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese. Dip chicken in egg then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Place chicken on a cookie sheet and chill in fridge for 10 minutes. Heat oil in large skillet over med heat. Saute chicken in oil until golden brown on each side. Remove chicken from skillet and place in a 13x9x2 baking dish. Spoon a little spaghetti sauce over each chicken fillet then bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. Add a slice of Provolone cheese to each chicken fillet and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Pour remaining sauce over noodles. Serve chicken with sauce and noodles and a salad.