Let your manner of life reflect an attitude that is admirable, with attributes of calmness, wisdom, diligence and peacefulness-- which is useful for management of responsibilities, problems and challenges. See life as a chance to serve God through good stewardship. Let vitality be aparrent in your efforts as you walk in all kinds of good works God had in mind when he created you. This is what I've been learning from James 3:13 and Ecclesiastes 9:10 (scriptures below). These two scriptures have been on my mind this week. Recording things God is teaching me through Scripture inspires me and helps me to be focused.
Studying James 3:13 in the original Greek language proved insightful. At the link you can study the Greek words of this verse. Strong's numbers for the words of this verse are displayed. When you click on a Strong's number you can see the Greek definition.
http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jam&c=3&t=KJV#conc/13
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest. (KJV)
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (KJV)
James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. (KJV)
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. (KJV)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Casserole of Baked Beans, Potatoes & Beef
A few months ago I found some casseroles made with pork n' beans or baked beans, ground beef & potatoes which sure sounded good. I thought something like this might be good to help me curb my recent fast food cravings. I've haven't eaten any fast food recently. Go me!
I love Angus ground beef, which is on sale, and I decided to extend the wonderful Angus beef flavor with tofu, which also makes it low fat and economical. Tofu absorbs flavors really well and often tastes like meat, depending on how it's prepared.
This makes a large casserole, but you could half the recipe. I cooked this with canned no added salt tomato sauce & navy beans because I really watch sodium in my diet. I tried to give it that great baked bean flavor though. I like this recipe a lot! It's a pretty involved recipe but fun and it would be great for times when you're bored and want
something to do.
Casserole of Baked Beans, Potatoes & Beef
1 lb. ground chuck, browned and drained of fat (try Angus beef when you can find it on sale)
14 oz. extra-firm tofu, prefrozen, defrosted, squeezed dry & crumbled
1 slice cooked bacon, crumbled
3 lbs. russet potatoes in jackets, microwaved & sliced in 3/4 - 1 inch rounds
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 15 oz. cans navy beans, bean broth reserved
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 onion, peeled and microwaved whole
1/2 green bell pepper, cut in strips and microwaved
3 cloves garlic, pressed
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
1 Tbsp. spicey brown mustard
2 Tbsp. molasses
1 dash Tabasco
about 1 Tbsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. or so paprika
dried parsley, generously
dried mustard, sparingly
salt to taste
vegetable oil spray
Add to blender tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper & bacon, blending after each ingredient added. Pour into a large pot sprayed with vegetable oil spray. Add reserved bean broth, 1 cup of water, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, molasses, brown mustard, dry mustard, spices and parsley. Simmer slowly for 5-10 minutes. Add beef and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add tofu and simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste ( I usually like a lot of pepper but this didn't even taste like it needed pepper). Remove from heating element and cover with lid.
Spray a large rectangular pan (about 11 x 15 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches deep) with vegetable oil spray. Add olive oil to coat pan. Line pan with potato rounds. Sprinkle lightly with salt and dried parsley.
Add beans to beef mixture. Adjust seasonings. Pour bean mixture over potatoes and bake in 350 F oven for 30-40 minutes. It's okay if there's a little juice in the pan that hasn't absorbed into the casserole yet. Cover with foil after removing from oven (or before if top of casserole dries out or browns too quickly). Serve (tell everyone it's better if they cut up their potatoes) & enjoy!
I love Angus ground beef, which is on sale, and I decided to extend the wonderful Angus beef flavor with tofu, which also makes it low fat and economical. Tofu absorbs flavors really well and often tastes like meat, depending on how it's prepared.
This makes a large casserole, but you could half the recipe. I cooked this with canned no added salt tomato sauce & navy beans because I really watch sodium in my diet. I tried to give it that great baked bean flavor though. I like this recipe a lot! It's a pretty involved recipe but fun and it would be great for times when you're bored and want
something to do.
Casserole of Baked Beans, Potatoes & Beef
1 lb. ground chuck, browned and drained of fat (try Angus beef when you can find it on sale)
14 oz. extra-firm tofu, prefrozen, defrosted, squeezed dry & crumbled
1 slice cooked bacon, crumbled
3 lbs. russet potatoes in jackets, microwaved & sliced in 3/4 - 1 inch rounds
1 Tbsp. olive oil
2 15 oz. cans navy beans, bean broth reserved
2 8 oz. cans tomato sauce
1 onion, peeled and microwaved whole
1/2 green bell pepper, cut in strips and microwaved
3 cloves garlic, pressed
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
1 Tbsp. spicey brown mustard
2 Tbsp. molasses
1 dash Tabasco
about 1 Tbsp. cumin
1/4 tsp. or so paprika
dried parsley, generously
dried mustard, sparingly
salt to taste
vegetable oil spray
Add to blender tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper & bacon, blending after each ingredient added. Pour into a large pot sprayed with vegetable oil spray. Add reserved bean broth, 1 cup of water, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, molasses, brown mustard, dry mustard, spices and parsley. Simmer slowly for 5-10 minutes. Add beef and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Add tofu and simmer for 5 minutes. Add salt to taste ( I usually like a lot of pepper but this didn't even taste like it needed pepper). Remove from heating element and cover with lid.
Spray a large rectangular pan (about 11 x 15 1/2 x 1 3/4 inches deep) with vegetable oil spray. Add olive oil to coat pan. Line pan with potato rounds. Sprinkle lightly with salt and dried parsley.
Add beans to beef mixture. Adjust seasonings. Pour bean mixture over potatoes and bake in 350 F oven for 30-40 minutes. It's okay if there's a little juice in the pan that hasn't absorbed into the casserole yet. Cover with foil after removing from oven (or before if top of casserole dries out or browns too quickly). Serve (tell everyone it's better if they cut up their potatoes) & enjoy!
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Gratitude, Thanksgiving & Praise
Today as I walked into my parents home for our weekly Sunday morning Bible study, also with my sister and her family, I told Mom "I'm as happy as a little kid out of school for the summer". Why was I so happy? Because I was up and about this morning, instead of sleeping through noon, like I have for the past several days, and I knew that it wasn't soon going to be dark before my day really had a chance to get started good. I hadn't been in this kind of a rut any recently until this. Some medication I take makes me more prone to sleeping long hours, if I don't get regular exercise. I was sick for a few days and managed to hurt my foot twice. I'm very thankful I got well quickly. I love our family Bible study and it was wonderful to be back in church today.
I've been reading from E.M. Bounds Essentials of Prayer, which is so inspiring. Here are some excerpts from chapter four, "Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving" including a link to this chapter online, where you can also read the whole book at Christians' Classics Ethereal Library.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bounds/essentials.v.html
Excerpts:
Many are the causes for thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms are filled with many songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving, all pointing back to the results of prayer. Thanksgiving includes gratitude.
Thanksgiving is just what the word itself signifies—the giving of thanks to God. It is giving something to God in words which we feel at heart for blessings received. Gratitude arises from a contemplation of the goodness of God.
Answered prayers cause gratitude, and gratitude brings forth a love that declares it will not cease praying: “Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” Gratitude and love move to larger and increased praying.
As prayer brings things to us which beget gratitude and thanksgiving, so praise and gratitude promote prayer, and induce more praying and better praying.
Gratitude and thanksgiving forever stand opposed to all murmurings at God’s dealings with us, and all complainings at our lot. Gratitude and murmuring never abide in the same heart at the same time. An unappreciative spirit has no standing beside gratitude and praise. And true prayer corrects complaining and promotes gratitude and thanksgiving.
The bane of the wilderness-journey of the Israelites on their way to Canaan was their proneness to murmur and complain against God and Moses. For this, God was several times greatly grieved, and it took the strong praying of Moses to avert God’s wrath because of these murmurings. The absence of gratitude left no room nor disposition for praise and thanksgiving, just as it is so always.
The spirit of praise was once the boast of the primitive Church. ...That this spirit of praise is sadly deficient in our present-day congregations must be evident to every careful observer. That it is a mighty force in projecting the Gospel, and its body of vital forces, must be equally evident.
Praise is so distinctly and definitely wedded to prayer, so inseparably joined, that they cannot be divorced. Praise is dependent on prayer for its full volume and its sweetest melody.
Giving thanks is the very life of prayer. It is its fragrance and music, its poetry and its crown. Prayer bringing the desired answer breaks out into praise and thanksgiving. So that whatever interferes with and injures the spirit of prayer necessarily hurts and dissipates the spirit of praise.
Where grace abounds, song abounds. When God is in the heart, heaven is present and melody is there, and the lips overflow out of the abundance of the heart.
The music of praise, for there is real music of soul in praise, is too hopeful and happy to be denied.
According to our special needs, so must our praying be. We are to be special and particular and bring to the knowledge of God by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, our particular requests, the things we need, the things we greatly desire. And with it all, accompanying all these requests, there must be thanksgiving.
It is indeed a pleasing thought that what we are called upon to do on earth, to praise and give thanks...
I've been reading from E.M. Bounds Essentials of Prayer, which is so inspiring. Here are some excerpts from chapter four, "Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving" including a link to this chapter online, where you can also read the whole book at Christians' Classics Ethereal Library.
http://www.ccel.org/ccel/bounds/essentials.v.html
Excerpts:
Many are the causes for thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms are filled with many songs of praise and hymns of thanksgiving, all pointing back to the results of prayer. Thanksgiving includes gratitude.
Thanksgiving is just what the word itself signifies—the giving of thanks to God. It is giving something to God in words which we feel at heart for blessings received. Gratitude arises from a contemplation of the goodness of God.
Answered prayers cause gratitude, and gratitude brings forth a love that declares it will not cease praying: “Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.” Gratitude and love move to larger and increased praying.
As prayer brings things to us which beget gratitude and thanksgiving, so praise and gratitude promote prayer, and induce more praying and better praying.
Gratitude and thanksgiving forever stand opposed to all murmurings at God’s dealings with us, and all complainings at our lot. Gratitude and murmuring never abide in the same heart at the same time. An unappreciative spirit has no standing beside gratitude and praise. And true prayer corrects complaining and promotes gratitude and thanksgiving.
The bane of the wilderness-journey of the Israelites on their way to Canaan was their proneness to murmur and complain against God and Moses. For this, God was several times greatly grieved, and it took the strong praying of Moses to avert God’s wrath because of these murmurings. The absence of gratitude left no room nor disposition for praise and thanksgiving, just as it is so always.
The spirit of praise was once the boast of the primitive Church. ...That this spirit of praise is sadly deficient in our present-day congregations must be evident to every careful observer. That it is a mighty force in projecting the Gospel, and its body of vital forces, must be equally evident.
Praise is so distinctly and definitely wedded to prayer, so inseparably joined, that they cannot be divorced. Praise is dependent on prayer for its full volume and its sweetest melody.
Giving thanks is the very life of prayer. It is its fragrance and music, its poetry and its crown. Prayer bringing the desired answer breaks out into praise and thanksgiving. So that whatever interferes with and injures the spirit of prayer necessarily hurts and dissipates the spirit of praise.
Where grace abounds, song abounds. When God is in the heart, heaven is present and melody is there, and the lips overflow out of the abundance of the heart.
The music of praise, for there is real music of soul in praise, is too hopeful and happy to be denied.
According to our special needs, so must our praying be. We are to be special and particular and bring to the knowledge of God by prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, our particular requests, the things we need, the things we greatly desire. And with it all, accompanying all these requests, there must be thanksgiving.
It is indeed a pleasing thought that what we are called upon to do on earth, to praise and give thanks...
Friday, February 20, 2009
Pictorial Scriptural Intercession
I'd noticed that when I try to recite scripture I've memorized to someone, I'm so concentrating on remembering the scripture that I mostly look at the floor. I decided to look at a photo of someone while reciting memorized scripture.
A few weeks ago I told my sister about how I'd been reciting these scriptures, from Ephesians 4 (see scriptures below), to a graduation pic of her son, my nephew, who's now in college. My sister excitedly said "I claim it" in a quick prayer to God for her son. I've continued to recite these scriptures to the photograph of my nephew and I also pray these scriptures for him. I've been praying for him a lot more ever since his high school graduation. Recently I asked my sister about him, she said that he's so grown up now and that he's really nice. :) I've been happily pondering this in light of my praying with this scripture for my nephew!
Another example of scriptural praying, is praying as taught by Jesus in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 & Luke 11:2-4). There is much teaching in the Bible about prayer and related to prayer. Here is a link to an article on prayer in the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (online at blueletterbible.org), with many scripture links related to prayer:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/isbe/isbe.cfm?id=7059
I love how God answers prayer. My most recent prayer happened while wondering about a title for this blog post. God also impressed on me that we need to live like we are making a pictorial for Him, filled with snapshots of genuine faithfulness.
Ephesians 4:1-3, 7, 12, 14-15, 21-24, 30
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ… For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:… That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:… If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness… And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)
A few weeks ago I told my sister about how I'd been reciting these scriptures, from Ephesians 4 (see scriptures below), to a graduation pic of her son, my nephew, who's now in college. My sister excitedly said "I claim it" in a quick prayer to God for her son. I've continued to recite these scriptures to the photograph of my nephew and I also pray these scriptures for him. I've been praying for him a lot more ever since his high school graduation. Recently I asked my sister about him, she said that he's so grown up now and that he's really nice. :) I've been happily pondering this in light of my praying with this scripture for my nephew!
Another example of scriptural praying, is praying as taught by Jesus in the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13 & Luke 11:2-4). There is much teaching in the Bible about prayer and related to prayer. Here is a link to an article on prayer in the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (online at blueletterbible.org), with many scripture links related to prayer:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/isbe/isbe.cfm?id=7059
I love how God answers prayer. My most recent prayer happened while wondering about a title for this blog post. God also impressed on me that we need to live like we are making a pictorial for Him, filled with snapshots of genuine faithfulness.
Ephesians 4:1-3, 7, 12, 14-15, 21-24, 30
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ… For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:… That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:… If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness… And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. (KJV)
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Carrot Souffle
I found this recipe for carrot souffle (see link below), which I made a few small changes to, and sweetened with honey. I was in a hurry and forgot to add the butter! This souffle is so good that I may enter it in a recipe contest!
http://www.recipezaar.com/Picadillys-Carrot-Souffle-30216
This website has really helpful info on cooking with honey:
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/cooking-with-honey.html
Well this is another recipe that is very good with honey substituted for sugar. Oatmeal raisin cookies made with a blend of honey and brown sugar are awesome. I have a theory that a lot of things are better cooked with honey rather than sugar.
I'm generally getting quite enthusiastic about cooking!
http://www.recipezaar.com/Picadillys-Carrot-Souffle-30216
This website has really helpful info on cooking with honey:
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/cooking-with-honey.html
Well this is another recipe that is very good with honey substituted for sugar. Oatmeal raisin cookies made with a blend of honey and brown sugar are awesome. I have a theory that a lot of things are better cooked with honey rather than sugar.
I'm generally getting quite enthusiastic about cooking!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Tofu Stuffed Peppers
I just took some Tofu Stuffed Peppers out of the oven, for tomorrow. They're tastiest when made a day or two before eating. These are one of my Mom's favorites which I really like too. Mom requested these when we saw that bell peppers are on sale. I pretty much follow this recipe at the link below, except I parboil the peppers and bake the stuffed peppers in the oven at 350F for about 30 minutes. The recipe calls for 4 bell peppers but it made enough to stuff 6 large bell peppers. Before adding the tofu, squeeze all the water out of it. (NOTE: Try 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil instead of 2 tablespoons or the stuffing might taste too oily.)
http://deliciouslivingmag.com/mag/dl_recipe_416/
I want to make some carrot souffle too and need to find a good recipe.
http://deliciouslivingmag.com/mag/dl_recipe_416/
I want to make some carrot souffle too and need to find a good recipe.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Importance of Being Limber
I'm so glad I'm getting flexible again. At the pool today I swam and did lots of flips, which I love to do everytime I go swimming. Lots of times today after doing flips I surfaced on my back while hugging my knees. This is fun and I think it's helped my flexibility-- something I've noticed really helps me feel better. I'm so thankful that God answered my prayer to help me to prosper in my efforts to get healthier. I'm also thankful for a wonderful weekend.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Memory Scripture 3
The scriptures "siestas" individually selected in their favorite Bible version of the scripture, posted at the LPM blog, have been such a blessing to me!
Here is my scripture:
Hebrews 12:28-13:2 & 13:14-16, 20-21
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. …Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. …Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
I'll be taking the the whole month of February to memorize all this scripture.
I participated in a January Bible study at my church on hospitality. It was a great Bible study! I've been reading one of the recommended books, "Making Room" by Christine D. Pohl., which is one of the most awesome books I've ever read. : )
Here is my scripture:
Hebrews 12:28-13:2 & 13:14-16, 20-21
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. …Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. …Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (ESV)
I'll be taking the the whole month of February to memorize all this scripture.
I participated in a January Bible study at my church on hospitality. It was a great Bible study! I've been reading one of the recommended books, "Making Room" by Christine D. Pohl., which is one of the most awesome books I've ever read. : )
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