Happy Sunday!

God Is On Our Side!


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And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.

2 Kings 6:16

KJV

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Merry Christmas!!!

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For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Happy Sunday!

God Meant It For My Good!

Photo taken from Through Nomadic Eyes

 

But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

 

Genesis 50:20

 

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Meatless Monday #30

Vegetable Pot Pie #2

To make this vegetable pot pie, I lightly steamed some frozen vegetables.  After steaming the vegetables, I mixed them with a can of cream corn and a teaspoonful of Earth Balance (vegan margarine).

 

I, then, seasoned the vegetable mixture with seasoning salt, dill, and garlic powder.  I stirred the seasonings into the mixture and poured it into a pre-made pie crust.

 

Instead of covering the pie with another pie crust, I decided to cover it with cornbread mix that had been previously prepared.

 

 

I placed it into a preheated (350 degrees) oven for about 25 minutes.  Then, I turned the oven to broil until the top of the cornbread was golden brown.
 

 

After the pie cooled, I sliced it and enjoyed a wholesome dinner that was easy to prepare!

 

 

 

Adding a cornbread topping to this pie gave it a deliciously different taste.  To see another vegetable pot pie that I made (slightly different), CLICK HERE!!!

Happy Sunday!

DOBLELOL.COM

 

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

 

Luke 18:1

 

 

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Doing You WELL Wednesday

God Is Thinking About You!

God is thinking about you.  That's right.  He has you on HIS mind - even when your thoughts of HIM are as far away as the east is from the west.  Maybe, you're thinking, " I'm not so sure about that".  According to scripture, GOD has us so much on HIS mind that HE sent HIS son to save us before we were ever born! (Romans 5:8)  Not only that, but HE has great plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

• And, HE knew us before we knew ourselves (Jeremiah 1:5).
• HE made us in HIS image and in HIS likeness (Genesis 1:27)

I don't know about you. 

But to me, it sounds as if GOD had me on HIS mind, HE has me on HIS mind and HE will have me on HIS mind because HE is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). 

 

And, if HE has me on HIS mind, HE has you on HIS mind too!  Because, guess what?  God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34).

If you are feeling lonely, inadequate or forsaken, remember that God has you on HIS mind - even when it seems as if others have forgotten about you and turned their backs on you.  HE will not leave you, nor will HE forsake you.  As a matter of fact, HE promised to always be with you! (Matthew 28)

    “What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?”

Psalm 8:4

Linking up with Michell on Doing You WELL Wednesday 

Happy Sunday!

1 Timothy 4:7-8

 

⁷ But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.

⁸ For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.

 

 

blogs.discovermagazine.com

 

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

Psalm 95:2 

 

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

Psalm 100:4

 

Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

Ephesians 5:20

 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Happy Sunday!

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Jeremiah 32:27

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Happy Sunday!

 

 

 

Ephesians 3:20-21

                                                                                                               

 

 

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Unto him be glory in the church by Christ  Jesus throughout all ages, world without end.

 

Amen.

 

 

 

 

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Happy Sunday!

 

...be it unto me according to thy word. 

Luke 1:38

 

Deliverance - ...be it unto me according to thy word. 

Healing - ...be it unto me according to thy word.

Peace - ...be it unto me according to thy word.

Prosperity- ...be it unto me according to thy word.   

Protection - ...be it unto me according to thy word.

Salvation - ...be it unto me according to thy word.  

Wholeness- ...be it unto me according to thy word. 

 

 

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Happy Sunday!

Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

 

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Ephesians 5:15-16

NIV

Doing You WELL Wednesday

What’s Your Connection?

Never underestimate the power of God.  Sometimes, we take for granted that we can do things on our own - totally independent of Almighty God.  While we underestimate HIS power, we often,  overestimate our own abilities - failing to realize that apart from HIM we are absolutely nothing.

For it is in Him that we live, we move and we have our being.   (Acts 17:28)

So, today, I pose two questions -”Who are you with? And, with whom are you trying to do whatever it is you are trying to do?”

1. Are you trying to do things with your reasoning?  Perhaps, you are trusting your education, your intellect or your beliefs to make things happen in your life.  OR,
2. Are you trying to make things happen because of your resources?  Maybe your income or your bank account is so impressive that you feel as if you can move mountains.  OR,
3. Are you trying to make things happen because of your relationships?  You know how we, sometimes, have a tendency to name drop.  We try to use name dropping as a way to persuade others to move on our behalf.  Relationships with other people are important.  But, if you don’t have a relationship with the RIGHT ONE, all of your endeavors are in vain.

Could it be that the reason your attempts are unfruitful is because you are not connected with the RIGHT ONE?  Could it be that your efforts, alone, are just not enough?  

The WORD of God reminds us in Matthew 19:26 that without God, our efforts are impossible.  They are pointless.  They are counteractive, fruitless and without direction.  

Remember, it was Daniel’s connection with God that allowed him to spend a night with hungry lions and not become their dinner.  It was Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s connection with God that protected them from a fiery furnace.  It was Paul and Silas’ connection with God that made it possible for them to walk out of prison.

Therefore, I encourage you, today, to check your connections.  Are you with God, or are you with man?  Because the WORD plainly states that,  “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible”.

 

 

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Happy Sunday!

^{What are you speaking concerning your situation? Death or life?}

 

Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

 

Proverbs 18:21

 

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Meatless Monday #29

Homemade Vegetable Soup #3

 

The temperatures have begun to drop, and the feel of fall is in the air.  During the cooler months, I tend to eat more chili and soups.  Making soup is a good way to avoid throwing away vegetables that, otherwise, may go to waste.  I prefer using fresh vegetables, but I often add in canned or frozen vegetables.  This weekend, the weather has been perfect for enjoying a bowl of soup.  Below is a simple recipe that I used.  It can be tweaked to fit your taste buds.

 

Blend carrots, tomatoes and sweet red peppers with a couple of cloves of garlic to make the base. If you do not have carrots and tomatoes, use canned tomatoes or tomato sauce.  Pour the tomato base into a stockpot and heat.  Chop celery and red cabbage.  Add it to the pot.  Season to taste, and allow the cabbage, celery, and tomato sauce to simmer.  Drain and rinse a can of black beans and a can of mixed vegetables.  After the cabbage and celery have slow-cooked for about half an hour, add the beans and mixed vegetables.  Simmer for another half hour, and enjoy a bowl of homemade vegetable soup!

I don't always add these vegetables.  These are the vegetables I had in the pantry and in the refrigerator.  Use whatever you have on hand.  If I'm not making a vegetarian soup, I simply add in chicken or beef.

 

 

For other easy vegetarian soup recipes, click on the Meatless Monday tab!







Happy Sunday!

God Is True To His WORD!

 

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.


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Doing You WELL Wednesday

From time to time, we all need

...someone to hold our hand,

...a shoulder to cry on,

...someone who will soothe our fears and wipe our tears

And, there are times, when we are so weak that we need a prop.

But, what do you do when your prop fails?

...when your leaning post falls to the ground?

...when your encourager does not encourage you?

What do you do?

I'm reminded of the OT story of how the Israelites won the battle whenever Moses lifted up his hands and how they lost whenever he lowered his hands. I'm reminded of how Moses arms became tired and how Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses - holding up his hands. (Exodus 17)

You 're probably wondering - what does this have to do with me in 2013? Well, I believe there are a couple lessons from this story that you and I can apply to our very own lives.

1. Lesson #1

From time to time, it's alright to have a helping hand as long as you don't become completely dependent upon the other hand. The only hand that we should totally rely upon is the hand of God. He won't let us down!

2. Lesson #2
Team up with people who have common goals and who share your passions. My grandmother used to always say, "Birds of a feather flock together." Notice how the Israelites won when Joshua, Moses, Aaron and Hur worked together. They had one goal in mind - to win the battle!


Finally, take inventory of those who surround you. Are they lifting you up, or are they tearing you down? Are they pushing you forward, or are they holding you back? 

Or, are they openly cheering you on when they're really your secret haters?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Give me a discerning spirit to know who's with me and who's against me. Teach me, Lord, to try a spirit by the Spirit. Show me how to treat those who may be outwardly with me, but are really against me. If I need to rid myself of relationships, show me the way. If I need to distance myself from someone, show me the way. Thank you, Lord, for being my very present help during this time of need.

In Jesus' name,

Amen

Linking up with Michell at Doing You WELL Wednesday

Happy Sunday!

  

 

Microsoft Office Photo

 

 

 

Lamentations 3:22-23

 

22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

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Happy Sunday!

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

 

 

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Meatless Monday #28

Chickpea Burgers

After watching several YT videos, I decided to try making my own chickpea burgers.  Well, my first batch was a flop.  I did not add oatmeal or ground flax, and they stuck terribly to the frying pan. (I didn't think that those two ingredients would make a difference.  Boy, was I ever so wrong?  They looked so pitiful that I didn't bother to take a picture of them.) Anyway, my second batch was almost PERFECT! 

To make these, I chopped a half cup of celery and 1 clove of garlic.  Then, I rinsed and drained a can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans).  I blended the celery, garlic and chickpeas with a tablespoonful of Bragg's Amino and 1 teaspoonful of  olive oil.  (If you decide to give this recipe a try, season to taste.  The Bragg's along with the celery and garlic were enough seasoning for me.)

I poured this mixture into a bowl and mixed in about a tablespoonful of ground flaxseed and a half cup of oatmeal.  Then, I preheated some olive oil in a frying pan.

 

While the olive oil was heating, I formed the mixture into patties.  Then, I placed them into the frying pan and allowed them to cook until brown on one side before flipping them over to brown on the other side.

 

I enjoyed my burger between two slices of whole wheat bread with several slices of tomato, ketchup and mustard.  Delicious!

 

Some of the health benefits of consuming chickpeas are as follows:

digestive tract support

unique supply of antioxidants

decreased cardiovascular risks

better regulation of blood sugar

increased chances for satiety and reduced caloric intake

To see a detailed explanation of the above health benefits, go to The World's Healthiest Foods.

Happy Sunday!

For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

Psalm 91:11

 

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Meatless Monday #27

Hummus

 

This easy, delicious, nutritious snack was quite simple to make.

Ingredients

1 can of chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained

1-2 tablespoons of tahini

the juice of 1-2 limes, depending on the desired taste

a clove (or more) of garlic, depending on taste

These were the seasonings that I used.

a pinch of cayenne

dill weed

garlic sea salt

parsley flakes

I used a blender to mix the ingredients for a very smooth consistency.  A food processor could also be used.

 Voila'!!!

 

I chose to pair my hummus dip with carrots, crackers and a salad.

Happy Sunday!

Psalm 25:4-5

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Show me Your ways, O Lord;
Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.

Linking up with Deidre and the Sunday Community and Scripture and a Snapshot

Doing You WELL Wednesday

Guess who's been nominated for a Liebster?

I was nominated by Alison at Embrace the Struggle. Getting this news was surely a pleasant surprise for me.  Thanks, Alison!

The Liebster Award is given to fellow bloggers with less than 200 followers who are forthcoming in the blogosphere.

So, this is how it works.

Rules:

1. You must link back to the person that nominated you.

2. You must answer the 11 questions given to you by your nominator.

3. You must pick 11 bloggers, each with under 200 subscribers, to be nominated for the award.

4. You must come up with 11 questions for your nominees to answer.

5. You must go to their blogs and notify your nominees.

 

 

I was asked by Alison to answer the following questions.

1. What’s your guilty pleasure? My guilty pleasure is to enjoy a cup of Starbuck's coffee with a hot, glazed Krispy Kreme doughnut.
2. You’re forced to choose between buying shoes and buying makeup. Which one wins? Buying makeup definitely wins. I enjoy going into stores like Sephora and Ulta just to try out the testers that are on display!
3. Which skill, or set of skill, do you still want to master? I've always wanted to learn to sew. In my lifetime, I've probably spent a small fortune at the alteration shop.
4. Which movie recently made you weep? It was Fireproof. Although not a very recent movie (2008), I did weep. I wept because of the restoration that occurred at the end of the movie. The restoration was evidence of God's miracle working power when our lives are as broken as the marriage in the movie.
5. What tidbit about you would surprise most of your blog readers? In 2009, I survived a car wreck when the vehicle that I was riding in flipped over several times, landed up , facing the opposite direction. I walked out of the vehicle with a broken leg and had to have knee surgery. I am a living testimony of God's goodness!
6. If I took away books and music from you, which would cause you to have withdrawal symptoms? This is a tough one! I like books and music. I guess I would have more withdrawals without books.
7. What is a deal-breaker for you in friendships? DISHONESTY, friends who are not loyal, friends that take and never give. When I discover that someone that I'm close to really does not have my back the way I think they should - I rethink their friendship status!
8. Planes, trains, and automobiles. Which is your preferred mode of transportation?  Why?   Planes -Traveling by air is definitely a faster form of transportation, especially for long distances.
9. Who was your favorite musician when you were a teenager? I guess that would probably be Prince - back in the day.
10. Which subject did you hate the most in school? History

And the nominees are.... (drumroll)

I think all of you are fabulous.  You write in a way that definitely encourages me to return to your blog - again and again!!!  

Tanya @ Mom's Small Victories
Jazzwife @ Slimwavy
Bekah @ Resolve
Ashley @ This Southern Girl's Heart
Evelyn @ Become A Healthier You
Christina @ Juggling Real Food and Real Life
Brittnei @ Get Fit, Healthy Life
Mary @ Woman To Woman
Jenne' @ Sweet Potato Soul
Vicki @ Your Writing Coach
Denise @The Lighthouse Of Prayer

Your Questions

1. What is your favorite drink?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. If you could travel to any place in the world (all expenses paid), where would it be?
4. If you knew you would be on a deserted island for a week, what two beauty products would you take along?
5. If you could spend the day doing anything you wanted to do, what would it be?
6. What is your dream car?
7. Do you prefer to go to the movies, or do you prefer to wait until the movie is on DVD?
8. Do you like your water icy cold or at room temperature?
9. When it's cold, do you prefer an extra blanket or thick pajamas?
10. Hot or cold cereal?
11. Computer (online) or TV?

Linking up with Michell at Doing You WELL Wednesday!

Happy Sunday!

This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.

Psalm 118:23

 

Linking up with The Sunday Community and a Scripture and a Snapshot!

 

 

Doing You WELL Wednesday

Product Review

Lilla Rose Flexi-Clip

Hello Victorious Friends!

I have been soooo busy lately, and I have not been a part of the DYWW Hop.  I just needed a bit of time to catch my breath.  "Whew!"  I really missed you all!

Anyway, today I will review the flexi-clip by Lilla Rose.  I was asked to review this clip, but my review is solely based on my own experience.  First of all, when asked to review this clip, I was a bit skeptical.  Not because I thought that it was some kind of scam or something, but I rarely use metal accessories in my hair.  I try to stick with plastic clips/barrettes and headbands made of satin/silk or polyester fabric.  I was also skeptical because I was unsure as to whether the clip could hold thick, natural coily/curly afro-textured hair. 

 

Lilla Rose

So, I checked out their website and watched a few YT videos (Of the many YT flexi-clip videos, I eventually found a You Tuber whose hair was very similar to mine.  To view it, click HERE .)  After watching the videos, I decided to order the large flexi-clip.  When it arrived, (the Hawaiian Flower was the design) I was very impressed with the packaging.  It was carefully packaged to ensure no damage during shipping. After examining the clasp, I was doubtful as to whether it could hold my hair.  I decided to test it.  I was surprised.  To test its comfortability,  I wore it around my house for a couple of hours.  I felt no pulling or tugging.  When I removed it, the clasp did not become entangled in my hair. So far so good!  I wore it to church and to work.  Both times, I styled my hair in a half up/ half down hairdo.  Although the clip, itself, is heavy, it did not feel heavy on my head.  This clip is definitely a keeper.  I would definitely recommend it to anyone needing a change from their usual hair accessories.  The clip comes in many different styles, and it can be worn casually or dressy.  An added bonus for me is that it matched my jewelry!

 

 

 

Watching the sizing and styling videos will help new customers determine the correct size flexi-clip. To watch the video, click HERE.

 

Meatless Monday #26

 

 

Garlic Spaghetti w/Kale

 

 

 

Ingredients

1 cup of chopped kale

1 box of whole wheat spaghetti

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Parsley

Garlic Powder

Garlic Sea Salt

Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Minced Garlic (not shown)

 

 Boil the pasta with a teaspoon of the garlic sea salt.  While the pasta is cooking, warm about a fourth of a cup of the EVOO on low to medium heat.  Add in the minced garlic and allow it to slowly cook.  Also, add in the kale.  BE CAREFUL not to scorch the garlic.  Add in a teaspoon full of garlic powder along with a half cup of the pasta water - this makes the sauce.  Drain the pasta, but don't rinse it.  Mix the sauce and spaghetti.  Season to taste.  Enjoy !

 

 

 Some for dinner, and...

 

To make this a complete meal, I paired it with a delicious salad.

Some for lunch the next day.

Happy Sunday!

 ^{Free Images}

 

And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

 

Habakkuk 2:2

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Meatless Monday #25

Crockpot Oatmeal

 

Although I've never been a big fan of oatmeal, I have learned to enjoy it - mainly because of its health benefits which I will share below. 
One of my favorite ways to enjoy a bowl of oatmeal is by making Crockpot Apple Oatmeal. Check out an easy recipe, HERE. The good thing about making Crockpot Oatmeal is that different fresh fruit (of your choice) can be added to make this a wholesome meal.  Leftover Crockpot Oatmeal can also be rewarmed or eaten cold. I have made oatmeal this way several times - each time tweaking it to my preferences. 
 

This time, I cooked the oatmeal with 1 diced , medium-sized apple.

 

 

I topped this oatmeal with cinnamon, ground flaxseed, and raisins.

 

 

According to research, oatmeal is considered one of the super foods.  Among its many benefits, the fiber in oatmeal may :

Lower Cholesterol Levels

Reduce Risk of Cardiovascular Disease

Prevent Heart Failure

Stabilize Blood Sugar

Substantially Lower the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Protect against Breast Cancer

 

 

Happy Sunday!

REJOICE!

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This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24



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Meatless Monday #24

Rattlesnake Beans

You read it correctly - rattlesnake beans!  They are so called because of their rattlesnake appearance - green and purple streaks.  They can be cooked just as you would any other snap bean.  I was surprised to find the taste the same as other fresh snap or pole beans.




 

To cook the beans, chop celery, orange bell peppers and onion.  Sauté them, and add to boiling water.  Season to taste, and allow them to cook until they're done.  

Rattlesnake Beans

Brown Rice

Sliced Roma Tomatoes