Composure and Courage

Ever have trouble biting your lip when feeling assaulted, experiencing something unjust or feeling like you need to jump to your child's defense?  It's hard to maintain our composure and respond with words like honey - words that would help the situation and not add injury to insult.    

It is better though - that is - to walk away, PRAY, then address - or not  - as the LORD leads.  I seem to have this situation arise quite a bit ~lol~.  I have found it helpful mostly - to not respond.  We are called in the Bible to give an answer when asked - but not "provoked".  If someone is stirring up anger in you, try to step away, seek God for what He is teaching you in the moment and deal with it - quickly!  If it is not clear to you, then take it to the counsel of a godly, trusted friend.

Do you feel like you are under attack?  Perhaps you have made a wrong choice (again ~lol~ :-) and need to move forward.  There are powerful words in the Word to claim.  Remember the words of Paul to his crew as outlined in Acts:

No one had eaten for a long time.  Finally Paul called the crew together and said, "Men you should have listened to me in the first place and not left Crete.  You would have avoided this damage and loss.  But take courage!  None of you will lose your lives, even thought the ship will go down.  For last night an angel of God to Whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me and he said, "Don't be afraid Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar!  What's more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.  So take courage!  For I believe God.  It will be just as He said."

So, to Whom do you belong. Who do you serve?  Believe in His goodness.  Believe in His faithfulness.  Live righteously.  Claim His goodness in your life.  Take courage!  Keep fighting the fight - grow in Christ and be an example of His abundant grace.

Play Ball?

Notice big brother at the mound.

Now, here's one of his most loyal fans...

We're looking forward to the weather warming up! :-)

Home Cooking - Banana Chip Muffins

Yummy!

Beat well:
1 egg
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup milk
3 medium mashed bananas
Add:
1 3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Batter will be lumpy.  Fill greased muffin tins 3/4 full .  Bake in 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.  Makes one dozen muffins. These are great for breakfast with yogurt, a slice of cheese and piece of fruit.  Enjoy!

Sacrifice

It's amazing what we do for those we love, isn't it?  We'll skip personal pleasure and comfort for the greater good - whatever that may be at the time.

"...just as my Father knows me and I know the Father.  So I sacrifice my life for the sheep."
John 10:15

Sometimes we can plan and prepare for the offering and other times we just need to answer the call.  Do what you can, when you can.  In denying myself I have found joy and reward - a life of simplicity.

Women's Conference Fun!

We enjoyed a beautiful and delicious dinner banquet.

Which was pre-empted by some fiction novel cover drama.

But ultimately,

LIFE CHANGING!

Home Cooking-Butter Chicken

Preparation time is short.  This dish comes together so quickly - especially if you have the chicken pieces cooked ahead of time.  I like making it very saucy.  It can make a nice leftover dish by stir frying together after the flavours have had even more time to mingle.  This recipe serves 4, but is easily doubled.

2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken  thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
1 onion chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
2 tbsp butter
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp of cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 cup tomato sauce
1 cup evaporated milk
1/4 cup plain yogurt
salt and pepper to taste

Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan.  Cook the chicken pieces until lightly browned.  Remove chicken and set aside.

Heat remaining oil in a large saucepan and saute garlic, onion and ginger until soft and fragrant.  stir in butter, juice and spices.  Cook stirring for 1 minute.  Add tomato sauce, cooking for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.  Stir in milk and yogurt.  Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring often.

Add reserved chicken to sauce and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce is thickened and chicken is cooked through.  Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.

Serve with Naan bread or over rice.

Chasing Dreams with Ideas

God has placed dreams in our heart that are from the very heart of GOD!  The dream of God is at the very centre of who we are.  Our very purpose proceeds who we are.  To that which we believe, we must commit!  God will provide.  Allow Him to be your provision.  Know that God will not surrender you to something that ia not good for you.  He gives you authority.  Believe it.  Embrace you!

Psalm 139

What ideas do you have about serving the LORD?