Leftovers

Been using up the leftovers this week.

It is like the truth of the abundance of God!  He always gives what we need and then some more!

We had some friends who called it an upgrade...

Revelation 7:16-17

Common English Bible (CEB)

16 They won’t hunger or thirst anymore. No sun or scorching heat will beat down on them, 17 because the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them. He will lead them to the springs of life-giving water,[a]and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

Revelation 22:1-3

Common English Bible (CEB)

22 Then the angel showed me the river of life-giving water,[a] shining like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb 2 through the middle of the city’s main street. On each side of the river is the tree of life, which produces twelve crops of fruit, bearing its fruit each month. The tree’s leaves are for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse. The throne of God and the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.

Revelation 22:16-17

Common English Bible (CEB)

16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to bear witness to all of you about these things for the churches. I’m the root and descendant of David, the bright morning star. 17 The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who is thirsty come! Let the one who wishes receive life-giving water[a] as a gift.”

John 4:9-11

Common English Bible (CEB)

9 The Samaritan woman asked, “Why do you, a Jewish man, ask for something to drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (Jews and Samaritans didn’t associate with each other.)
10 Jesus responded, “If you recognized God’s gift and who is saying to you, ‘Give me some water to drink,’ you would be asking him and he would give you living water.”
11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you don’t have a bucket and the well is deep. Where would you get this living water?

when i think of water I think about how it overflows onto everything unless it is contained in some way.  Like a river overflowing its banks during a flood time, you can not stop it!

if it is actual water or this is just the picture he uses so we can understand the gift that He is offering us, I really don't know.  But I love the thought of living water!  Not murky, stagnate water, but living water!  Water that flows from the throne of God!  See what I mean? a God of abundance!  Water that flows doesn't need to be rationed, it isn't in a desert region, but it just keeps coming and coming and never runs out!

And not only that, but HE offers it as a free gift!  He just gives it to us...we don't have to earn it!

The water will grow the trees that produce the leaves for the nation's healing and he will wipe every tear from our eyes.  He is a God who sees the big picture and the smallest of detail of the individual.

How many people have shed a tear unnoticed?  Probably every person ever born has shed a silent tear and no one else knew.  But this word says EVERY tear, that means those we shed when we thought we were alone in the middle of the night or in the middle of our grief.  He knows and sees it all.

Our nations will be healed, our tears will be wiped away.  Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.

Lamb Chili

Lamb chili

lamb shanks
tomatoes
sweet peppers
Jalapenos
banana peppers
onion
garlic
cumin
chili powder
coriander
smoked paprika
salt and pepper

boil bones for lamb broth, cut up all lamb and vegetables into diced pieces, put in crock pot on high, put everything in the crock pot except boiled bones.  Boil bones and other scraps from the shank to create a nice broth, drain bones and everything else, I used cheese cloth, and then add the broth to the crock pot.
This was pretty strong on the pepper flavor.  It would be better to cook the peppers prior to putting in the crock pot.  Served it with homemade croutons from left over baguette and sweet potato chips.  Since I didn't have beans and I used the stock from the lamb bones, it really had the consistency of soup rather than chili.

Calming a storm

23 When Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24 A huge storm arose on the lake so that waves were sloshing over the boat. But Jesus was asleep. 25 They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, rescue us! We’re going to drown!”

26 He said to them, “Why are you afraid, you people of weak faith?” Then he got up and gave orders to the winds and the lake, and there was a great calm.

27 The people were amazed and said, “What kind of person is this? Even the winds and the lake obey him!”

I have some questions about this passage.  I don't understand why Jesus said they had little faith.  I guess, I am not sure what he expected them to do in this situation that would have been a showing of faith.  We have storms in our life that come up, and we truly are in danger?  How are we to respond to these situations?  

Lamb Shanks

Lamb Shanks

2 lamb shanks
oven at 350
large roasting pan
salt and pepper


I am going to cook some lamb in the oven pretty straight forward.  I usually use rosemary, but the store was out. Corn on the cob tonight too with the lamb.

So this dish took an interesting turn today, my cooking usually does


rib celery
egg plant
onion
sherry cooking wine
soy sauce
sriracha sauce
salt and pepper
shanks
cumin
smoked paprika
olive oil

chopped up celery , onion and egg plant into large chunks and placed under the lamb
seasoned with sherry, soy sauce, cumin sriracha and smoked paprika (drizzled with EVOO)
cooked on 350 for 45 mins and then took out vegetables and stirred around then turned up to 425 for the last 15 minutes.  The meat wasn't cooked quite enough, it was med on the outer parts but rare in the middle, think chicken leg when it isn't cooked long enough, the meat was flavorful, but the star to me was the vegetables, these were really tasty.  I think adding the vegetables to the pan really is going to up the cooking time for the meat.  Another note, the shank is full of connective tissue, which we did not know as this was our first time cooking this particular cut of lamb.

Since the meat was undercooked for our liking, I am going to try and make some lamb chili with the garden tomatoes from my family, onion and the peppers we have.  Round two might be enjoyed even more!

Philippians 4

Common English Bible (CEB)

Stand firm in the Lord

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters whom I love and miss, who are my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord.

Loved ones, 2 I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to come to an agreement in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I’m also asking you, loyal friend, to help these women who have struggled together with me in the ministry of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my coworkers whose names are in the scroll of life.

4 Be glad in the Lord always! Again I say, be glad! 5 Let your gentleness show in your treatment of all people. The Lord is near. 6 Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. 7 Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus.

8 From now on, brothers and sisters, if anything is excellent and if anything is admirable, focus your thoughts on these things: all that is true, all that is holy, all that is just, all that is pure, all that is lovely, and all that is worthy of praise. 9 Practice these things: whatever you learned, received, heard, or saw in us. The God of peace will be with you.

this passage speaks to me as lately I have been having some underlying stress that I can not identify, I only know because I am grinding my teeth at night.  verse 6 speaks of not being anxious about anything, rather bring your requests to God in your prayers and petition along with giving thanks.  I am so grateful that we can come to HIM with everything that lies before us and the daily challenges of living

BBQ Ribs and corn on the cob

Had a dish this past weekend.  BBQ ribs.  The ribs were cooked in soy sauce, and water and that was drained.  After that they were put in a slow oven for about an hour with BBQ sauce.  They were quite tender and delicious.

Also, I learned how to cook corn-on-the-cob.  You bring the water to a rolling boil, add corn, return to a boil and then turn off the heat, cover the corn and it is ready to serve with dinner.  So simple.  I have never know how to do this so this was a great cooking lesson for me.


Just starting to reach out through face book with the prayer ministry.  The page is called Willow Hills Prayer Ministry.  the LORD reminded me that we are not to speak anything that HE has not said.  To not fall into the temptation to make it something that we want, but to wholly embrace this ministry of the Holy Spirit and ONLY allow what He wants to communicate, not clever human wisdom or ideas.  This sounds easy, but it really isn't.  Jesus said "Whatever I speak, just as the Father has told me I speak"  he never relied on his human ideas or feelings when it came to speaking according to this statement.  This is the admonition for us as well. We are going to be spending much time in prayer...we need to be careful.

On another note, I was thinking of organizing a prayer retreat.  Not sure if that was my idea or? so another thing to pray about.

Pizza with Whole Wheat Crust

Pizza dough

Today I am going to try a simple pizza dough for some homemade pizza

Whole wheat flour
all purpose flour
cornmeal
olive oil
yeast
sugar
warm water

topping will be cheddar cheese, pepperoni, olives (and left over hot dog) green peppers from the garden.

Will also be making some homemade soft serve ice cream, vanilla base with strawberry swirl.

half and half
heavy cream
vanilla bean
superfine sugar (i have found putting regular sugar in a food processor makes it fine enough)
and homemade strawberry jam

Sounds like a real Friday night party!

Read David's prayer today after the LORD told him that he was going to bless his house and make it an everlasting throne (Jesus).
There were a couple of things that really stuck out to me in this discourse.  First of all GOD choose to move around with the children of Israel in a tent (a picture of how Christ would have his ministry) I am thinking.  and that God never did ask his servants to build him a house for the ark.  Here is another place that makes me wonder about the building projects that we take on "for the Lord".  I know it is radical thinking...but I really want to see the heart of God in this manner.
Also, David was so gracious in his prayer in saying, is this how you normally treat people??  He sounds blown away to me, what a humble man.  David was always thinking about the LORD.  I want to be like that.

Uptown Cafe in Noblesville

A friend took me to a really good cafe today called the Uptown Cafe in Noblesville.  I had a BBQ meatloaf sandwich with a fruit cup.  It was flavorful and the the fruit was fresh and delicious.

Many places I have eaten have not had the quality, freshness or flavor that this cafe has.  I am happy I have found a place that is just good cooking!  Everything was delicious!

1 John

The Test of Knowing Him

3 Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. 6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

7 Brethren,[a] I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you have had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.[b] 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.

9 He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

We need to walk as he walked, and that is in LOVE.  We can not get away from the commandment to love one another.  I have had an understanding of what it means to love the least of these, perhaps because I had fit into that place.  But we are to love all people, our family , our neighbor, the rich the poor, the slave the free...LORD teach me to love all people!

Hot dogs

Hot Dogs

Nathan's hot dogs are delicious.  Start with those if you like.
Hot dogs
beet relish
cooked peppers
crusty bread
mustard

These are going to be hot dogs on the gourmet side.  I hope they turn out delicious.

note this was a great flavor profile and so colorful on the plate.  the beet relish was sweet and earthy, with the dijon mustard, cooked green peppers and the bite of hotdog.  We ate it without bread.  Served the bread with goat cheese.  Tried the relish on the goat cheese and bread that was also a good flavor combination.

2 Thessalonians

Paul speaks of the lawless one whom the LORD will consume with the breath of His mouth.  This had me wondering about the passage in Genesis
7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being.

Is this the same breath?  I don't know.  Perhaps the LORD will reveal some truth to me about this.

Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet Potato Hash

one large sweet potato
one pound ground beef
sherry
coffee
smoked paprika
cumin
coriander
salt and pepper
olive oil

brown ground beef in pan, after browning remove meat and set aside so it doesn't overcook and get tough
cut up sweet potato in hash size pieces (1/8 by 1/8) inch.  Small so it cooks quickly.  After removing ground beef from pan cook sweet potato, add oil as necessary to brown sweet potato. (I was able to use the juices from the meat, my meat was very lean)  add spices and after potatoes have cooked deglaze the pan with the sherry and or some coffee.  Don't use too much of either as they have really strong flavors.  I have found that the coffee flavors work really nicely with this spice trio.  After sweet potatoes have gotten fork tender add cooked ground beef back into the pan heat and serve.

I served this with this side

Spicy Tomato Pasta

2 cups of penne
2 cups spicy vegetable stock (we made some really spicy stock)
4 ripe tomatoes
various cheeses (I had colby jack, goat cheese and an aged gouda)
2 Tbl butter

boil penne as directed, but use the stock rather than water, chunk up the tomatoes into bite size pieces (i left in the noodles, but they cooked to long, so take the noodles out for this part) add tomatoes to the remaining stock after noodles are cooked, cook down the tomatoes just slightly, add cheeses and butter blend until sauce, add over the noodles.

God is just so good to me, I spent the day visiting with my mom and daughter this afternoon on the phone and the computer.  Family is a wonderful gift from Him and I am so glad I have time to appreciate it!

Grilled Salmon Sandwiches

Salmon Sandwiches
Can of red salmon (6oz)
fresh dill (1 sprig)
juice of lemon wedge (1/4 of lemon)
2 hard boiled eggs
2 celery stalks chopped
1 small carrot chopped fine
2 Tablespoons mayo
Tabasco to taste
Whole wheat bread
sliced colby jack cheese
butter at room temperature
frying pan
stove top

Open salmon drain and combine with chopped fresh dill, juice of lemon wedge, chopped hard boiled eggs (I used a fork to make the egg smaller, i find it incorporates better)celery and carrot mayo and Tabasco.  Mix all ingredients until well mixed.Butter bread on side that will go onto the frying pan.  Heat pan on medium heat until warm, place sliced cheese directly on fry pan just long enough to warm, but not melt.  After cheese is slightly warm, place on one side of bread (not the buttered side).  Add the fish mixture on top of the warmed cheese and place other piece of bread, buttered side up on fry pan.  Cook on medium heat until bread is golden and warmed through.  By cooking on a slower temperature you will bring more heat to the center of the sandwich, melt the cheese without burning the butter that is on the bread.

The fresh dill and lemon juice really brightened up this sandwich, I served with a side of sweet potato chips.  Prewarming the cheese ensured that is was melted into the fish mixture.  This made three sandwiches and was very filling.

Sunday was a day of worship, but not in the traditional way of going to church.  We went for a walk and did our Bible study together as we walked, we discussed the events surrounding the tower of babel in the book of Genesis.  We also discussed issues of not being judgemental of one another and not putting on unnecessary bondage on people that God didn't put on them.  We humans are very good at requiring more from ourselves or even others than God requires.  We we came home the passages were looked up and read for further clarification and to be sure we were not remembering wrong.  The afternoon was spend in worship, just listening to music and enjoying the presence of the LORD.  It was a really great day!  At the end of the day, our brother called and asked us to join in for prayer on Monday for some specific needs at 5pm.

So when I went on my walk this morning, I was thinking about how the Spirit of the LORD is hindered by unbelief.

Matthew 13:57-58

New King James Version (NKJV)

57 So they were offended at Him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.”58 Now He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

I find this is true in my simple life as well.  God has done so many miracles in my life, I am blown away.  Physical, emotional healings, made my enemies to be at peace with me, fought for me when I did not even know He was fighting.  Yet others, i can not share even what has happened in the past, or what God has for us even now, all because of unbelief.  Sad really.

I just read an article about those who are more intelligent tend to Not need God...was never so grateful for my simple mind than ever, I would have missed out on so much in my life.  The thing is that these are the people of God that He is referring too...not an unbeliever.  The LORD of Glory has so much for His children.  If we could only believe.  LORD help me believe! 

Jesus Rejoices in the Spirit

21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All[b] things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.”

I am uncertain why HE does what HE does, or why I am so blessed, but I am glad I am counted in that number!  I would not want it any other way.

Pickles

Dill Pickles

We used the pickle mixture from ball that already has all the stuff you need in it to make the pickles.  We did add some fresh dill, mostly so we would know what flavor they are. We canned 6 quarts and 3 pints and we also canned 3 pints of yellow banana peppers that we hope to use on sandwiches.  The peppers are basic as they are just preserved in vinegar pretty much.  so far it seems as if all the jars have sealed

I am excited to try all this stuff, just not sure where to store it in the house!

Genesis Chapter Two (i think)

last night Troy and I did a time line from Adam to Noah.  Adam only died about 120 years prior to the birth of Noah according to the time line set in the scripture.  It was kinda neat to realize that so many people were in Noah's life that had a first hand account of the story of creation from Adam.  I am trying to remember so I may be not exact on this, but I think 1,000 years had past before Noah was born, so then another 500 before he has his kids and then at some point after that the flood.  That really isn't that long for the earth to be filled with violence.  I think we are getting close to the LORD coming back, because we have so much violence and oppression as well.  But, we know it won't be a flood.  Until then...keep being salt and light and loving one another.  He commanded us to be this way.

Wild Rice

Wild Rice!

delicious...

this took about one hour 40 minutes in the oven at 350
wild rice is 1 cup of rice to 3 cups of water
This was a surprise, the rice was soft, although it looked like it wouldn't be
and it was great, I didn't add anything but a pinch of salt during the cooking
we didn't even have to add butter or soy sauce, like we normally do on rice, we just ate it straight from the oven with our salmon

Salt and light
Jesus said in Matthew 5 that we are salt and light
this morning I was thinking that salt is used to enhance the flavor, not change the dish
how many times have I tried to change someone, when really I have only asked to enhance their life with the Holy Spirit that lives in me...i have to think about this and try my best to NOT ever do it from this point on
Also, light, it lights the path, it is something that is present, but mostly unappreciated and taken for granted.  But it is never harsh.  Light is always useful.  LORD help me not be harsh or think I need to change anyone.

Homemade Jam

Blackberry and Strawberry Jam

Blackberries and Strawberries were at a nice price this past weekend so we picked up some fruit and some sugar and did three batches of jam.  Trying to learn how to make the jam without pectin.  First batch was cooked to long, but still has a great flavor.  Have not tried the other batches yet.  It will take some time to master this skill.  But I think it will happen.  The good thing about preparing all these desserts at home is you realize how much sugar and other things are in them, it will certainly make me eat them in greater moderation knowing that!

Put the blackberry jam on whole grain bread with some goat cheese...yummy

Looking at the Book of Ephesians chapter 1-3

The thing that really stood out to me is the words that Paul uses in the text, like lavished, immeasurable and vast.  The grace He has lavished on us, the immeasurable greatness of His power and vast strength.  Also that God the Father who has blessed us with EVERY spiritual blessing in the heavens.  We serve a God of abundance.  He does not just give us what is needed or required, but lavishes us with His grace...blesses us with every spiritual blessing, not just one or two...he is a generous God!

Last week I was blown away in the book of Genesis by His kindness and mercy, and now i am equally blown away at His generosity and how much HE does bless us!  He has already blessed us with every spiritual blessing.

Also, I was listening to Gary Wilkerson and he had a powerful reminder that we have not only be set free from the bondage of sin, but we are in fact getting ready to take on an inheritance as we are adopted by the Father.  Paul says sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, HE is the down payment of our inheritance. WOW

We are His beloved and He is waiting for His bride...which will be presented to Him without spot or blemish because of the finished work of the Cross of Christ!  Now that is something to look forward too!!!

Chocolate Ice Cream

Homemade Chocolate Ice cream

1 cup of sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 cup of half and half
3 tsp vanilla extract
nuts

Heat on low the sweetened condensed milk with the unsweetened cocoa for 5 minutes until mixed and slightly thickened remove from heat and let cool slightly, stir in half and half and vanilla, place mixture in refrigerator until cool, place in ice cream maker as per instructions (12-15 minutes on mine)
At end add nuts and marshmallows for rocky road (i am omitting the marshmallows and using hazelnuts in my recipe)

Kale Frittata

frozen chopped kale from garden
dried jalapeno seeds
5 eggs
(heavy cream optional)
pie pan
350 oven
olive oil

place small amount of olive oil in the bottom of the pan
add the chopped kale pressing down in a layer
place jalapeno seeds on top of kale
pour over whipped eggs ( if you would like to make a layer above kale add some cream to whipped eggs, it makes for a very beautiful presentation when served)
otherwise pour eggs over kale and it will cook throughout
place in oven until eggs are cooked though (about 30 mins)

Genesis Chapter 2

this morning i spent time in the book of Genesis, reading about the care that the LORD took in the creation of us and this earth.  My thought went to the fact that He was the first sculptor, artist, surgeon (he put Adam to sleep when he took out his rib and closed it up) He planted a garden, His care was hands on.  I am always amazed at the tenderness of how He interacted with mankind.  Something else, he did not curse man or woman at the fall.  I had not noticed that before.  He cursed the serpent, He cursed the ground and He said that women would have sorrow multiplied in bringing forth children.  He didn't curse us.  He only made a promise, a promise of redemption through the Messiah.  The garden was not destroyed either, but man was drove out so he could not eat of the tree of life and live forever in a fallen state.

this God is one of great care, a God of great creativity and beauty, a God who is very hands on with us, not a God who is far off, but One who shaped us and the animals with great care, i understand why people think we came from the basic pool of stuff...because we did...only it was be design, not some accident, He formed each and every living creature and placed His loving touch on us all, and in man He breathed the breath of life

The Word talks about the earth being without form and void...was it at one time a ball of gas?  I have many questions about these things.  but the most important question of all had been answered for me.  God took great care when He made this place we call home.  He is so tender and loving.  We should try and do the same for one another and the world He made...because it was very good.

Spicy Vegetable Stock

Made some spicy vegetable stock.  It is hearty.  I put everything in that stock from the garden.  Including eggplant and cucumber.  It turned out quite nicely, but pretty hot from the peppers.

I applied the stock to two different applications and froze the rest for later use.

first quinoa cooked in the stock...took the bite of heat from the peppers out but gave a rich flavor to the grain

also, fresh pole beans from the garden, boiled the beans in the stock, it gave them a nice flavor, spicy and delicious!

served these side dishes with a rib eye steak, the dinner was a big hit, cooked the steak in a hot pan 4 minutes each side, that is just perfect, salt and pepper and brush with olive oil on meat in dry grill pan
always let the meat rest after cooking before cutting open, allow those juices to go back in...I got a BIG kiss for this steak....simple but delicious!


6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain[c] we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

this is the passage that I was considering this morning. Especially verse 8
And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.

Right now it makes me think of the street people...maybe they are on to something.  In America we have added the shelter part.  That shelter is a right of all peoples.  But over and over the word just says food and clothing.

Do Not Worry

25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

Jesus addresses the food and clothing issue, but never speak about housing...this is an idea that we have decided is everyone's right

Honestly Jesus himself had no home

The Cost of Discipleship

57 Now it happened as they journeyed on the road, that someone said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”

58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

he spent the end of his life homeless and at the mercy of others good will

The Prayer in the Garden

39 Coming out, He went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed, and His disciples also followed Him.40 When He came to the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

is it in fact our own greed that allows us to say "such and such" owns this property or that property and no one is allowed there...how many street people are looked down upon in our culture as lacking or not being good enough or just outright crazy...I am not talking about those who are forced into homelessness, but those who choose to live on the streets, or in the mountains or the parks of the city.  Not only did Jesus live outside he has a bunch of disciples tagging along.  A whole "gang" if you will.  somehow thinking about this I believe that Jesus would not be welcome into American culture and traditions, that we would miss him entirely as we broke up his place of rest as we do when we sweep through encampments of street people.  this hurts my heart today to think of our misguided, although probably well intended   standards and traditions of men.

Is it possible for me to be content with just food and clothing?  Have i bought into the belief that until I have a home i am not being a responsible or "godly" person.  Is is greed that drives our "American Dream" and have I been so caught up in it that I have not been able to even recognize it for what it really is?

LORD help me to understand godliness with contentment.

Volcano

Today I am learning about volcanoes.  It is a show on the History channel.   They are thinking that a certain volcano in Italy may have already be triggered to go off by an earthquake that has taken place recently.  There are other places too that have large volcanoes all over the world.  The volcano that is Yellowstone park is also due to erupt according to the scientific community that study such things.

Luke 17:28-30

New King James Version (NKJV)

28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyedthem all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

I does make me wonder if we are closer than ever to the return of Jesus.

this does encourage me to pray...even so come quickly LORD

Peppers

So today's food has everything to do with peppers.  And dolling up some quick and easy pantry items.

Had a red roasted pepper from the olive bar at the store and cut it up and added it to a macaroni and cheese and it was quite nice.

Also have had a couple of cans of cream corned (yuck) in my pantry for a few months.  Cut up two fresh jalapenos sauteed in olive oil, added corn and heated through.  It added some nice heat to the corn and livened up a very boring and uninteresting can of corn; the sweetness of the corn played nicely with the heat of the pepper.

You gotta love peppers!!

The other thing I am trying to do today is make some vege stock from all the veges from the garden that I had in the refrigerator.  This includes some interesting items.

cucumber,( i thought why not we cook pickles,) egg plant, celery, carrots, onions,garlic, bay leaf, sweet and hot peppers and cabbage...i am interested to see what the flavor profile will be like when it is done, i am somewhat concerned that it may be bitter...but here is to the fun of discovery!  Stock is a wonderful way to use up veges that are stocking up from the garden faster than we can eat them.

Jalapeno Jelly

Canned jalapeno jelly
large jalapenos = approximately 1 oz per pepper from the garden
the jelly turned out delicious
Troy helped me with the making of the jelly
we used liquid pectin and followed recipe from the canning book
planning on sending these for Christmas gifts

read some devotionals about grace today, and was reminded about how the LORD taught me so much about grace and how I am completely dependent upon Him for my right standing with Him. No matter what I do (or don't do) it doesn't change how HE feels about me.

Yesterday He told me again how much He loves just spending time with me.  When I think about that, my heart just is overwhelmed.  How does this God who is so good, look past all I've failed in and love me anyway.  And love me enough to pay the price that was mine to pay.  Amazing love how can it be that you my LORD died for me?

I shall rest in the complete work of the cross.

Homemade Turkey Soup

Turkey Soup from leftover roasted turkey thighs

leftover turkey
onion
jalapeno
sweet pepper
celery
carrot
sweet peas
rice
leftover gravy
vegetable stock
olive oil
stock pot
fry pan
salt and pepper

I cooked the bones from the thighs with carrot tops, celery tops and added 1 cup veg stock, I also threw in the bacon that I had cooked with the turkey in the oven.  drained stock and threw out bones etc.  seasoned with salt and pepper all of the vegs and sauteed onion, peppers, celery, carrots,and sweet peas in olive oil until al dente. (all pieces cut up to bite size).  cubed meat, added hot stock to vegetables and the leftover gravy as a thickener.  Brought to a boil and reduced to simmer.  After reduced heat added cut up turkey.  started white rice in rice cooker, when white rice was done cooking put in the bottom of bowl, ladle over turkey soup.

this turned out really delicious with enough to put in the freezer for another day.  It did have more fat due to the bacon, but the flavor was out of this world! yum

Deuteronomy chapter 8
10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the wilderness, something your ancestors had never known, to humble and test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” 18 But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.

this was spoken to Israel when they were getting ready to enter into the promise land, but I think it is certainly a good warning for all of us as well.  We must not forget who it is that has delivered us from all manner of sin.  He alone went to the cross:

Do not be far from me,
    for trouble is near
    and there is no one to help. (Psalm 22:11)

It was not us who paid the price for our sin, it was Him.  Thank you for the wonderful reminder to not let our hearts be proud, but remember what you have done.

Luke 22:18-20

New King James Version (NKJV)

18 for I say to you,[a] I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”

20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

he is the one who makes us free from all sin!  Thank you!

Blueberry jam
I tried to make blueberry jam today
won't know if it gelled enough
but it was a beautiful color and quite shiny when i stopped cooking it
if will either be a jam or a sauce if i didn't boil it long enough
i followed the directions in the canning book, but they don't give you a "time" to cook it is all technique...so this really was an adventure

God uses the foolish things

Yesterday I went for a walk in the morning and I was pondering about the passage speaking about how God uses the foolish things of the world.

For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c]

20 Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe.22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[

I was pondering this yesterday as i considered my life currently and how the LORD is moving and directing me in my life.  From the outside I am nothing to look at, most people don't even give me a second glance and i am most forgettable.  Ordinary, very ordinary, and I would say foolish.  Not of noble birth, not influential and not wise by human standards, yet I have in my life seen great victories through the power of God in my life.  The Spirit has enabled me to do extraordinary things through prayer and God has fought battles for me I didn't even know He was fighting, until the fighting was over.  I have been healed and seen others healed.  both physically and emotionally.  Lives have been changed through the power of God.  It is awesome.

I just had to smile yesterday as i realized all that God has wrapped up in this most ordinary of vessels.  The Spirit of God lives within me, I am his temple because of the finished work of the Cross and yet I can pass by and most people won't even know I am there.  I don't understand the mysteries of how He does what He does by putting His Spirit within us, but I do know that I am a fool for Christ! and what a wonderful life it is!  Praise be to GOD for HIS mercies endure forever! What a promise.

Tried and new wine:  Black Stallion Napa Valley Cabernet- we both enjoyed this wine, not too sweet and not too strong, it would be worth buying again

Didn't do any cooking yesterday, but will be putting together some soup from the leftover turkey dinner today.  Spent the afternoon looking at what we need to try and make jalapeno jelly this weekend. Gathering the jars and pectin, sugar, vinegar while Troy picked the peppers from the garden.

Italian Vegetable Bake

today I made a vegetable bake from the egg plants and other vegetables that are producing abundantly in the garden

Egg Plant
Banana Peppers
Onion
kale
fresh basil
goat cheese
white cheddar
roasted tomatoes
marinara sauce
oven 350
large baking dish

Slice egg plant  1/4 inch , salt egg plant for a few minutes prior to assembly to draw out extra moisture
layer all ingredients in the bake pan
i did it like this: roasted tomatoes, eggplant, marinara sauce to cover egg plants, onion, peppers, kale, goat cheese,basil, next layer of eggplant, remaining marinara, onion and grated cheddar on top
make sure you cover the egg plant completely with the marinara sauce, this gives it a wonderful flavor

this dish was pretty tasty, i actually served it with angel hair pasta, i cooked it for one hour at 350 and that made the eggplant done just right.  my onions i did in rings, but they seems kinda chewy, so i would either pre-cook or maybe chop them up next time.  i did the rings thinking it would complement the round egg plant

This dish was very pretty and tasted great.  I put some in the freezer to see if it will hold up being frozen and reheated.  I will update once we try the dish from the freezer.

I also read the book The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
this book is a fictional work about the civil war as lived through the thoughts and actions of one young soldier

It reminded me of myself in some ways.  The character was always trying to figure out everything in his head and when he didn't try and figure it out and just did it he seemed to have a much better outcome.  Lately that is something the LORD has been speaking to me about.  About being less in my head and more in the doing.  Sometimes we can be the opposite, too much doing and not enough reflection about what our life is about.  The LORD is trying to help me find this balance.  If we look at the life of Jesus as recorded in the gospels he was certainly a man of great action, but he also had times of prayer, when he would go off alone to pray.
the word talks often about feeding the hungry, like when Jesus fed the 5000.  I find that He was very practical in the ways that he helped people.  Not with great ceremony, He just helped people and was concerned for them.  This drove some of the religious leaders to hate Him.  That is one of the traps of religion the great "ceremony" of it all.  This book touches on that as well as we see the young soldier going off to war and the great and swelling words and hospitality shown to the men and how it impacted the pride of the young man.  They love the greetings in the market place Jesus would say of the religious leaders of His day.  Do we also love the greetings, the long prayers, the ceremony of our chosen religion.  Or are we content to reach out to those around us and let those around us reach out to us in ordinary ways.  I believe that the most extraordinary events have happened to me in the normal course of my days.  Very rarely have these things happened in a formal church setting...although some have happened there too.  We have the opportunity to be Jesus' hands and feet everyday he gives us breath.  Won't you let Him show you how amazing your life can be?

super fine sugar for ice cream

made some soft serve ice cream in my home ice cream maker...I added frozen blueberries that didn't work out so good because they stayed frozen, but the vanilla ice cream was good and creamy

I didn't have the superfine sugar, I put regular sugar in the food processor and that seems to work fine.  the sugar didn't have a bad texture...so that is a good trick to remember

Turkey with Beets and Kohlrabi July 22

Decided to try and combine turkey, smoky bacon and beets and kohlrabi.

Turned out pretty good.

Turkey with Beets and Kohlrabi

Two turkey thighs
fresh red beets
one purple kohlrabi
5 slices smoked bacon
salt and pepper
cumin
smoked paprika
large roasting pan
oven 350

chop up fresh red beets and kohlrabi into 2 bite size pieces, season with salt and pepper put some olive oil to coat vegs (lightly) toss and place in single layer on the bottom of the pan, season turkey with skin on with salt pepper cumin and smoked paprika, place turkey thighs on top of beets and kohlrabi, lay bacon on top of turkey skin.  cook in oven at 350 until internal temperature reaches 180.

the problem that happened tonight is that I couldn't tell if the juices were running clear because the beets give off a red color that is close to the color of juices that the poultry gives off, so you need to rely on the temperature to know if the turkey is done

the beets and the kohlrabi had a good flavor added by being the bed for the turkey, the combination of both vegs looked pretty and the kohlrabi lighted up the dish with a different texture and color,

i made gravy from the drippings of the turkey and the bacon which was well received and had a wonderful color due to the red beets and the cumin added a nice warm undertone to the gravy, i just served it over some bread and the turkey
the turkey was moist and good flavor even without the gravy

Beginning

Today is the beginning of a new journey for myself.  I am going to start the journey of my two favorite things.  Good food and the Word of God.

I will be testing and trying new dishes and I will be trying to share good truths from the Word.

Today's food for thought.

Psalm 22

This Psalm moved me to great emotion today as i pondered how Jesus suffered for us.  How everyone was against him and the word said sneered at him.  The took his only possession, his clothing and divided it among themselves.  The stared at him.  All this and the word says his heart melted like wax.  How painful this was for him.  To be rejected.  He suffered so much for us.  My emotion overtook me when I realized, I probably would have been among those who rejected him.  How at times in my life I have rejected him.  I have gone my own way, sought my own selfish gain.  But in all of that he did not waiver.  He still was faithful to the promise.  He allowed the Father's will for him.  And now HE LIVES!  My redeemer LIVES!  Such hope we can have in Christ!  He did not fail.  If we seek Him we will find Him.  Just like Mary.  She went to the grave to find her LORD, to grieve her loss of the one she loved.  To find HIM alive!  What a wonderful surprise for her that morning.  That is how it is when you spend time with the LORD...always a wonderful surprise.  My surprise was this blog name...it is from Psalm 22.

The humble will eat and be satisfied.

I pondered on that, I am satisfied...in fact I live a life of abundance, my heart is full of love and joy.

and today's menu...barbecued turkey and homemade ice cream with blueberries

I will let you know if they turn out

This past weekend hits:

Jalapeno Poppers- easy and addicting!

fresh jalapeno peppers
plain goat cheese
smoked bacon
sheet pan
oven 350

cut jalapenos in half lengthwise, remove seeds and ribs (i wear gloves to keep hands safe for this part)
stuff each pepper with goat cheese until flush with pepper sides, cut pre-sliced smoked bacon in half, wrap half strip of bacon around pepper place on sheet pan, bake at 350 until bacon is cooked, remove from oven and serve warm (we had this with eggs for breakfast the next day re-heated, they held up pretty well)

Smoked Salmon Appetizers- easy no cooking required

smoked salmon ( i buy the scraps from the meat department, cost much cheaper)
crusty bread or crackers
goat cheese
basil
cucumber

spread goat cheese on to bread
slice cucumber thinly place on top of cheese
put a leaf of basil over cucumber
top with small amount of salmon

Troy enjoyed these more than I did, go easy on the salmon if it is stronger in flavor, but i did enjoy the nice coolness of the cucumber for a summer snack