Only Through the Cross - Max Lucado

“We have freedom now, because Christ made us free.” Galatians 5:1

Some teach that we earn God’s favor by what we know (intellectualism). Others insist we are saved by what we do (moralism). Still others that salvation is determined by what we feel (emotionalism).

 However you package it, Paul contests, . . . salvation comes only through the cross—no additions, no alterations.

SECOND BIRTH - MAX LUCADO

“God is being patient with you . . . He wants all people to change their hearts and lives.” 2 Peter 3:9

In many ways your new birth is like your first: In your new birth God provides what you need; someone else feels the pain, and someone else does the work. And just as parents are patient with their newborn, so God is patient with you. But there is one difference. The first time you had no choice about being born; this time you do. The power is God’s. The effort is God’s. The pain is God’s. But the choice is yours.

ADOPTED - MAX LUCADO

Serve only the Lord your God. Respect him, keep his commands, and obey him.” Deuteronomy 13:4

Christ’s kingdom is . . . a kingdom where membership is granted, not purchased. You are placed into God’s kingdom. You are “adopted.” And this occurs not when you do enough, but when you simply admit you can’t do enough. You don’t earn it; you simply accept it. As a result, you serve, not out of arrogance or fear, but out of gratitude.

WHAT'S IN YOUR BUCKET?

Please forgive me for taking so long to post this...

In May the WOW committee put on a wonderful luncheon for the women of Westview.  Our guest speaker was Grace Batchoun who captivated us with her insight on our spiritual garden.  She was incredibly kind to pass on her notes to me so that I could post them on our blog. 

"WHAT'S IN YOUR BUCKET? by Grace Batchoun   

"My hope is to be able to help you assess where you are now, to encourage you to grow and to excel and finally, I want to challenge you to use your gifts and experiences to make a difference around you and in the world.

* What's in your bucket?  How full is it?  As we do maintain regularly various things around us, we need to once in a while, look inside and see how we are doing.

Someone asked Ann Landers, an advice columnist; what is the best advice that you can give to your readers?   Ann Landers responded; "Live life expecting to have obstacles.  And when obstacles come your way, look them straight in the face and tackle them right on."  This is easy to say but how can you be ready in life to face whatever comes your way?

 Imagine you are on top of the CN tower and you're watching a parade pass by.  You can see the beginning, the middle and the end of the parade.  You can see it all.  Unfortunately with our life, we can only see the past and the present.  We can hope for things in the future but we cannot see it.  So how can we be ready?

What are some things that we can intentionally invest in to make sure that we are not running low?  How can we be stronger to weather the storms of life?  Look in your bucket; how full is it?

You need to fill it intentionally and on a regular basis.  In general, there are 4 areas that need to be constantly filled.

1-  Your EMOTIONAL well:
          * Do you intentionally take time to nurture your relationships?
        * Are you intentional in your friendships?  Do you have one or two friends that you can confide in and be totally transparent/
         * Do you express and share your hopes, fears and desires?
         * Are you true to yourself and to others?
         * Do you apologize and ask forgiveness?

2-  Your MENTAL well:
         * Are you cultivating your mind and sharpening it?
         * Are you exposing yourself to new adventures and new learning?
         * Are you getting better every day?
         * Do you see growth?

3-  Your SPIRITUAL well:
         * Are you taking the time to pray, to meditate, to journal?
         * Do you take time to reflect?
         * Do you take time to be alone?
         * Do you take time to be quiet and listen?
         * Do you take time to connect with God and to be encouraged by His word?

4-  Your PHYSICAL well:
         * Do you take time for recreation and fun?
         * Do you take care of your body and try to look your best?
         * Are you eating well, sleeping well, and exercising?
The benefits of exercise are endless: boosts brainpower and makes you sharper; gives you energy, reduces health risks, makes you happy and more relaxed.

You cannot run empty.  If you run empty, it is easy to lose focus and to fall.

Louis L'Amour is credited with saying, "The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on."  This is your bucket-no one else will turn the faucet on for you.  Be intentional, fill your bucket.

Do you know what fills your bucket?  Do you know what drains it?

Each one of us is unique, what will satisfy one and give one energy is not necessarily what will satisfies another or gives energy to another.  Some people get energy from doing, others from thinking, others from having deep authentic relationships, others from meeting tons of people etc.

What gives you energy?
What makes you come alive?
Who or what kind of people give you energy?
In which situations are you at your best?
What are the things that you enjoy doing and don't feel the time pass by?
What are the things that you feel you excel at?
What can you do to even get better at what you are already good at?
What comes to you naturally?
What activities do you pick up easily?
What are the things that you said to yourself; when can I do that again or how did I do that?

"The journey from mediocrity to greatness is discovering and developing those things that make you come alive." - Gallup

The things that you are good at, the things that you enjoy are within your area of strengths and/or gifting.  Focus on the things that fill up your bucket and reorder your life to do more of the things that make you feel alive.

Now for the things that frustrate you, that sap your energy, be aware of them but try to manage around them (ignore them, do not do them, ask someone else to do them).

Do what it takes to set yourself up for success.  Keep doing the things that make you feel alive and keep filling your bucket.  In the end, it's not the years in your life that count, it's the life in your years - Abraham Lincoln

Now that you have a good view of your bucket and know how to fill it up, what are you going to do?  How can you use what's in your bucket to make a difference in the world and live beyond yourself?  We are called to do just that.

     Ephesians 2:10 "for we are God's workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good work, which God prepared in advance for us to do"

     2 Corinthians 9 "and God is able to make all things abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work"

     Matthew 5:13 " you are the salt of the earth.  You are the light of the world.  Let your light shine before man that they may see your good deeds and praise your father in Heaven"

Wouldn't it be great to see Christians be the leaders in the fight against poverty, aids, injustices, human rights violations, corruption, land mines, environmental issues, etc.?

We cannot be silent!
To do that, you need to:
     * Expose yourself-learn about the various needs and issues
     * Loosen your mind and not restrain it.  Philip Yancey said: "have a life enhancing vs. a life constricting faith."
     * Do not stay in neutral
     * Ask yourself what angers you in society and what are you passionate about?

When was the last time you spoke up and took a stand about something that bothered you?
When was the last time you said enough is enough, you cannot take it anymore?
When was the last time you spoke up because it was the right thing to do?

Usually, we find ourselves thinking about taking a stand or speaking up when we get really angry about something.  We get so upset, we say, "I can't take this anymore! I cannot be quiet anymore!  I can't take the bullying anymore or I can't stand more innocent people dying!"

For Gandhi, this happened when he was thrown off a train in Apartheid South Africa.  For Martin Luther King Jr. it happened when he was forced to give up his seat for a white person and remain standing on a bus for three hours.

Yet for every Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr. who got angry and did something about it, millions of others do nothing.

Taking a stand is about standing up and doing what's right, regardless of what others are doing, saying or thinking...

What are the things that you cannot stand?
What catches your heart?

E. Hale said "I am only one"
Take the first step even if you don't see the whole staircase.

Turn on the faucet, fill up your bucket and do whatever you can to make a difference around you and in the world!"

It May Not Be Easy

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and sat down again.” John 13:12

Please note, he finished washing their feet.

That means he left no one out . . . He washed the feet of Judas. Jesus washed the feet of his betrayer. He gave this traitor equal attention. In just a few hours Judas’ feet would guide the Roman guard to Jesus. But at this moment they are caressed by Christ . . .

That’s not to say it was easy . . . That is to say that God will never call you to do what he hasn’t already done.

Garlic & Feta Cheese Dip

Submitted by Jennifer Butterfield

4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 cup)
4 oz. fat free cream cheese, softened
1/3 C. Low Fat Mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. oregano
1/8 t. dill weed
1/8 t. thyme


In a food processor combine all of the above. Process until thoroughly mixed. Cover and chill until serving time.


Serve with veggie crudites or whole grain crackers or chips.

Let Us Wait - Max Lucado

“The day of the Lord will come like a thief.” 2 Peter 3:10

Paul says “we are hoping for something we do not have yet, and we are waiting for it patiently” (Romans 8:25).

Peter tells us: “You should live holy lives and serve God, as you wait for and look forward to the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12).

Hope of the future is not a license for irresponsibility in the present. Let us wait forwardly, but let us wait.

Butternut and Ham Bisque - from Family Fun Magazine

Posted by Wendy McRae
Even my picky eater likes this soup!

This soup features one of fall's most distinctive flavors, sweet winter squash. To give the bisque its due, be sure you use sweet onions such as Vidalias.

Ingredients
 • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 very large sweet onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 cups peeled, diced butternut squash
• 1 cup peeled, diced all-purpose potatoes
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup light or heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups diced cooked ham

 Instructions


1. Melt the butter in a medium soup pot or a large saucepan. Stir in the onion and rosemary. Partially cover the pan and cook the onion over moderate heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the garlic and cook another minute.
 2. Add the squash, potatoes, chicken stock, and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover the pot. Cook the soup at a low boil for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are very soft. Remove the pan from the heat.
 3. Using a large slotted spoon, transfer the soup solids and a ladleful of broth to a food processor (do this in batches if your processor is small). Puree the vegetables, then stir them back into the broth. Stir in the pepper, the cream, and the ham, heating for several minutes before serving.

Makes 6 servings.

SIMULCAST APRIL 24th

Just a reminder that if you haven't already signed up for Beth Moore's "So Long Insecurity" simulcast, you can find Sara Cherry either on Wednesday mornings at Bible study or on Sundays in the lobby of Westview (she has a table set up there).

This promises to be an incredible opportunity to one, meet with a bunch of women who struggle with insecurities just like you do and two, begin the journey towards healing. 

Lets all say so long to our insecurities, ONCE AND FOR ALL!!!

Not Yet Complete - Max Lucado

“God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished.” Philippians 1:6

Not only are we ignorant about yesterday, we are ignorant about tomorrow. Dare we judge a book while chapters are yet unwritten? . . . How can you dismiss a soul until God’s work is complete?

Be careful! The Peter who denies Jesus at tonight’s fire may proclaim him with fire at tomorrow’s Pentecost . . . A stammering shepherd in this generation may be the mighty Moses of the next.

No Matter What - Max Lucado

“Nothing above us, nothing below us, not anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:39

No matter what you do, no matter how far you fall, no matter how ugly you become, God has a relentless, undying, unfathomable, unquenchable love from which you cannot be separated. Ever!

HOT MILK CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE COULIS

Preheat oven to 350°F
Grease an 8 X 8 pan

For the cake:

1 cup white sugar
1 cup flour
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 tbsp each vanilla, lemon and almond extract
2 eggs
½ cup milk
1 heaping tbsp butter

Mix the sugar, flour, baking powder and salt.  Add the eggs and flavoring and beat with an electric mixer (or whisk)
Bring the milk and butter to a boil.  Add to mixture and beat until well blended.
Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25 - 30 minutes

For the chocolate coulis:

½ cup cocoa
1½ cups white sugar
½ tsp salt
1 cup water
2 tsp vanilla

Mix cocoa powder, sugar, salt and water in a deep pot (it rises when it boils) and bring to a boil for 3 minutes stirring constantly.  Remove from heat and add the vanilla.

Serve over cake

Christ Claims You - Max Lucado

“The LORD won’t leave his people nor give up his children.” Psalm 94:14
 When everyone else rejects you, Christ accepts you. When everyone else leaves you, Christ finds you. When no one else wants you, Christ claims you. When no one else will give you the time of day, Jesus will give you the words of eternity . . .


What is the work of God? Accepting people . . . Caring before condemning.

Such Love - Max Lucado

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34, NIV

How Jesus, with a body wracked with pain, eyes blinded by his own blood, and lungs yearning for air, could speak on behalf of some heartless thugs is beyond my comprehension. Never, never have I seen such love. If ever a person deserved a shot at revenge, Jesus did. But he didn’t take it. Instead he died for them. How could he do it? I don’t know. But I do know that all of a sudden my wounds seem very painless. My grudges and hard feelings are suddenly childish.

New Wednesday Morning Bible Study

Hungry Hearts
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
9-11 a.m. in the foyer
Discerning the Voice of GOD
How to Recognize when God Speaks by Priscilla Shirer


The Father so passionately loves you that He sent Jesus to die in your place.  He desires a personal relationship in which He speaks directly to you.  Have you spent most of your Christian life leaning on these beliefs without really experiencing them? Have you been in the presence of passionate believers who shared stirring encounters with God’s voice while your own soul overflowed with confusion? Discerning the Voice of God provides participants with practical help in knowing what you hear is from God.  Through this study you will become more familiar with the Holy Spirit...His character, language and tone of voice.

PRISCILLA SHIRER is a Bible teacher whose ministry is focused on the expository teaching of the Word of God to women. Her desire is to see women not only know the uncompromising truths of Scripture intellectually but experience them practically by the power of the Holy Spirit. Priscilla is a graduate of the Dallas Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Biblical Studies. For over a decade she has been a conference speaker for major corporations, organizations, and Christian audiences across North America and the world. 

This DVD series is a 6 week course running from April 28th until June 2nd.*
The cost of the book is $23.00, and payment is due when you register.

*Dates are subject to change.

The Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns

Hi there

Yesterday Laurie shared this song with us - with reference to the Lord of Hosts! The song is about listening to the VOICE of TRUTH!

Thought it would be a good song to add to our blog.
Love Salx

Quiet Kindness - Max Lucado

“When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it.” Galatians 6:10

Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line.

They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship.

Never More Human - Max Lucado

“He poured out His soul unto death.” Isaiah 53:12 NKJV

The scene is very simple; you’ll recognize it quickly. A grove of twisted olive trees. Ground cluttered with large rocks. A low stone fence. A dark, dark night . . .

See that solitary figure? . . . Flat on the ground. Face stained with dirt and tears. Fists pounding the hard earth . . .

That’s Jesus . . . God was never more human than at this hour. God was never nearer to us than when he hurt.

He Knows What You Need - Max Lucado

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 NLT

How did Jesus endure the terror of the crucifixion? He went first to the Father with his fears.

Do the same with yours. Don’t avoid life’s Gardens of Gethsemane. Enter them. Just don’t enter them alone. And while there, be honest. Pounding the ground is permitted. Tears are allowed . . .

And be specific . . . He knows what you need.

Works Matter - Max Lucado

“If people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. Can faith like that save them?” James 2:14

James’ message is bare-knuckled; his style is bare-boned. Talk is cheap, he argues. Service is invaluable.

It’s not that works save the Christian, but that works mark the Christian. In James’ book of logic, it only makes sense that we who have been given much should give much. Not just with words. But with our lives.

Chocolate Guinness cake - Published by Chatelaine on 3/1/2009

Submitted by Jennifer Butterfield in honor of St-Patrick's day

Believe it or not, beer does amazing things for cake. Our St. Patrick's Day special is dense and rich, with the slightest undertone of stout.

Preparation time 30 minutes

Baking Time 25 minutes

Makes 12 wedges


•1 and1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
•3/4 cup (175 mL) cocoa powder
•1 and 1/2 tsp (7 mL) baking powder
•1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
•1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
•3/4 cup (175 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
•1 cup (250 mL) lightly packed brown sugar
•2 eggs
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla •1 cup (250 mL) dark stout beer, such as Guinness, or your favourite beer
•3 cups (750 mL) icing sugar
•1/2 cup (125 mL) cocoa powder
•1/2 cup (125 mL) unsalted butter, at room temperature
•1/3 cup (75 mL) beer or milk
•1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
•Generous pinch of salt
•1 and 1/4 cups (300 mL) candied beer nuts, chopped (optional)

 1.Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Lightly oil or spray two 8-in. (20-cm) round cake pans. Sift flour with cocoa, baking powder, soda and salt into a medium bowl. Stir to mix. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter with sugar for 3 min. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after additions. Beat in vanilla. Using a wooden spoon, stir about one-third of flour mixture into butter mixture. Add half the beer. Repeat additions, ending with flour. Stir just until evenly mixed. Pour batter into pans and smooth top.
 2.Bake in centre of oven until a cake tester inserted in centre of cake comes out clean, 25 to 28 min. Cool in pans on a rack for 10 min. Run a knife around inside edge of each pan, then turn cakes out onto a rack. Cool completely.


3.For icing, sift icing sugar with cocoa into a bowl. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter until creamy, 2 to 3 min. Gradually beat half the icing-sugar mixture into the butter, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will be dry at this point. Gradually beat in beer or milk, vanilla and salt, then remaining icing-sugar mixture.


4.To frost, place 1 cake, top side down, on a cake plate. Spread one-third of the icing overtop. Sprinkle with 1 cup (250 mL) nuts. Place remaining cake on top, domed side up. Gently press down. Spread it with half the remaining icing, then spread the sides with icing. Garnish with remaining nuts. Cake will keep well, covered, at room temperature, up to 2 days.

'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.' - Malachi 3:3

Submitted by Heidi Numme

Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.

One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.

That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver.

As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.

The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: 'He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'

She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time.

The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.

The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?'

He smiled at her and answered, 'Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'

If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.

His Love Is Not Normal - Max Lucado

“Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing it!” Psalm 89:1, The Message

God’s love is not human. His love is not normal. His love sees your sin and loves you still. Does he approve of your error? No.

Do you need to repent? Yes. But do you repent for his sake or yours? Yours. His ego needs no apology. His love needs no bolstering.

And he could not love you more than he does right now.

Island Salmon with Mango Salsa and Coconut Rice

Recipe submitted by Wendy McRae
I made this for dinner tonight and received high praises!  The family loved the flavors.

4-6  Salmon Filets (skin on), brushed with a little oil and orange juice
4-6  Slices of pineapple - grilled (for garnish)



For the salsa:

1 mango - cut into bite sized cubes
1 avocado - cut into bite sized cubes
5 strawberries - cut into small pieces
1/4 of a small red onion - diced
1/4 cup of orange juice
Chopped cilantro to taste
Mix everything together

For the coconut rice:
 2 cups coconut milk
1 cup water
1 cup jasmine rice
1/2 tsp salt
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 cup shredded sweetened coconut
1/4 cup toasted sweetened coconut (for garnish)

Rince the rice well.  Add rice to coconut milk, water, salt and sugar and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 - 20 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.  Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.  Add the shredded coconut and mix well.  Sprinkle each serving of rice with the toasted coconut before serving.

B.B.Q. the salmon skin side down on an oiled grill at around 400°F , about 20 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Spray flames with water if they get too high. Don't overcook it or it will be dry. Top with a slice of grilled pinapple.
 
Enjoy!

REDEEMING LOVE a novel by FRANCINE RIVERS

POSTED BY WENDY McRAE

This book is amazing!  I couldn't put it down.  A must read!

FROM AMAZON.COM
In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God's unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this "soiled dove," he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction. This is one of her best. --Cindy Crosby

No More Pain - Max Lucado

“There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain, because all the old ways are gone.” Revelation 21:4
Folks, if you’re expecting to be given a fair shake in your life, forget it! You won’t be. You’re going to face illness. And your body is going to wear out. You may be the victim of someone else’s mistake. But you can get through those tough times if you prepare your heart now, living to know and serve the Savior who loves you and died so that you might have an eternal home free of pain and sorrow.

Who Are You Lord?

Sorry it's a little blurry but it's a good message

A Good Friend - Max Lucado

“The greatest love a person can show is to die for his friends.” John 15:13

I like John most for the way he loved Jesus. His relationship with Jesus was, . . . simple. To John, Jesus was a good friend with a good heart and a good idea . . .

One gets the impression that to John, Jesus was above all a loyal companion. Messiah? Yes. Son of God? Indeed. Miracle worker? That, too. But more than anything . . . Jesus was a friend.

Rum Runner Ribs

Recipe submitted by Laurie Thompson


4 lbs. pork back ribs
1 lime sliced
chicken broth
1/2 cup Heinz chili sauce
1/2 cup ketchup
1/2 cup canned, crushed pineapple with juice
1/4 cup HP Sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup each finely chopped green onion and dark rum
1 tsp. each lime zest and minced ginger
pinch allspice

To parboil ribs, cut each rack into 2-bone portions. Place in a large pot with the sliced lime and enough equal parts of each water and chicken broth to cover ribs. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Discard lime slices. Cool ribs in cooking broth for 1 hour. Drain well.

Sauce:

In saucepan, stir chili sauce with ketchup, pineapple, HP Sauce and brown sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in the green onion, rum, lime zest, ginger and allspice until well combined. Cool slightly.

Preheat the grill to medium-high. Toss ribs with half of the sauce mixture; grill, turning and basting often with remaining sauce, for 10-15 minutes or until glossy and well marked.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Laurie Thompson submitted this recipe and I can vouch for how tasty they are!  Very yummy!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies


1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsn. milk
2 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 and 1/2 cup oatmeal
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, one at a time. Add milk and vanilla. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to butter and sugar mixture. Add oatmeal, and mix well. Add chocolate chips.
 Place cookie dough on cookie sheets in 1” balls 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-13 minutes.

The Visitors - by a friend who wishes to remain anonymous

As dawn is breaking, I’m startled out of a deep sleep by the sound of the front doorbell ringing. I stumble out of bed and I make my way to answer the door. I’m surprised to see 3 people standing there. The first one is the Lord God Himself: My Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, Creator, All Sufficient One. Next, it’s the Lord Jesus Christ: My Saviour, Redeemer, Lamb of God who died on the cross or me. Last, it’s Holy Spirit--he wants to fill me up and give me everything I need to face the day ahead. All I have to do is ask. They gently smile and walk past me and all take seats in my living room. I say to them, “Sorry guys, but I’m really tired. I’m going back to bed for an hour.” They knowingly smile and nod at me as one of them quietly murmurs, “here we go again,” as I make my way back to my warm, cozy bed. When I get up an hour later, I’m startled to see that they’re still there as I stumble into the kitchen to start the coffee, make the lunches and do everything else to get the kids off to school. Once the kids are gone, I think “I better go and check on my visitors...but maybe I’ll go on Facebook first...just for a minute or two.” After two minutes turns into half an hour, I’ve kind of forgotten about my visitors who are patiently waiting to spend time with me....I start rushing around the house loading the dishwasher, answering e-mails, showering and then I hurry past them as I head out the door for Bible study. “Oh my goodness!” I think, “I forgot they were here. Maybe I’ll spend time with them after lunch out with the girls.” I return home later in the day tired, and as I walk into the house, I’m surprised that my visitors are still there waiting patiently for me to sit down and spend time with them. I feel annoyed and guilty. All I want to do is throw in a load of laundry and figure out what I’m going to make for supper. Maybe I’ll spend time with them after I watch “Oprah” and “Dr. Phil.” That always makes me feel better...getting my mind off of my own problems. But today, it makes me feel worse seeing the reality of how broken the world is. After “Dr. Phil,” I go straight to the computer to order the latest book that Oprah’s promoting: How to Find Strength from Within by her latest self-help guru who seemed to have it all figured out. Nothing else is working for me. I ask them to rush my order because I’d like to be feeling stronger by Friday. The 3 visitors are waving at me from the living room to get my attention, but I’m too excited about ordering my book to notice them. I get up from the chair feeling grumpy because I’ve just wasted 2 hours of my day and thinking how unfair it is that I’m always the one who has to make supper. “I’m so sick of taking care of everybody. Why can’t somebody take care of ME for a change?” I say under my breath. Then after the dishes and homework are done and the kids are in bed, all I want is a little down time watching T.V. with my husband. I don’t even notice that the 3 visitors are still waiting as I go off to bed feeling irritated at my husband because our life isn’t as romantic as life on “The Bachelor.” “If only he would lose some weight and work out. Then he’d have a body as nice as Jake’s,” I mutter to myself. As I drift off to sleep, I think , “Why am I feeling so distant from God, and why is it so hard for me to figure out His will for my life?” Sadly, the 3 visitors all look at each other and say, “we’ll come back tomorrow.” They let themselves out and gently close the door behind them but in their supernatural way continue to watch over me through the night in case I call out to them. Meanwhile, in the corner of my living room, Satan, who had discreetly slithered in with the other 3 visitors that morning, is doing his happy dance and says, “YES!!!” He’s won again! And you can bet, he’ll be back tomorrow too. Who will win the battle for my time then?

Being Made Perfect - Max Lucado

“With one sacrifice he made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Hebrews 10:14


Underline the word perfect. Note that the word is not better. Not improving. Not on the upswing. God doesn’t improve; he perfects. He doesn’t enhance; he completes . . .


When he sees each of us, he sees one who has been made perfect through the One who is perfect—Jesus Christ.

A Great Gift - Max Lucado

"I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,’ says the LORD Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 NKJV

God did what we wouldn’t dare dream. He did what we couldn’t imagine. He became a man so we could trust Him. He became a sacrifice so we could know Him. And He defeated death so we could follow Him . . .

Only a Creator beyond the fence of logic could offer such a gift of love.

It’s Not What You Do - Max Lucado

“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Jesus Christ.” Romans 8:1 NIV


There is never a point at which you are any less saved than you were the first moment Christ saved you. Just because you were grumpy at breakfast doesn’t mean you were condemned at breakfast. When you lost your temper yesterday, you didn’t lose your salvation. Your name doesn’t disappear and reappear in the book of life according to your moods and actions . . .


You are saved, not because of what you do, but because of what Christ did.

A Safe Place - Max Lucado

“They knew nothing about what was happening until the flood came and destroyed them. It will be the same when the Son of Man comes.” Matthew 24:39


Noah was sent to save the faithful. Christ was sent to do the same. A flood of water came then. A flood of fire will come next. Noah built a safe place out of wood. Jesus made a safe place with the cross. Those who believed hid in the ark. Those who believe are hidden in Christ.

Greek Style Orzo - a Rachlel Ray Recipe

Submitted by Wendy McRae

•1/2 pound orzo pasta
•1 red onion, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, chopped
•1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, coarsely chopped
•1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
•1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
•1/2 pound Greek feta, crumbled
•3-4 Greek hot peppers, chopped or a couple of tablespoons banana pepper rings, chopped


PREPARATION:


Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the orzo pasta.


Heat a skillet with 2 tablespoons EVOO, two turns of the pan, over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and bell pepper, season with salt and pepper and cook for 5 minutes. Add the two cloves chopped garlic and toss for a minute, then add the olives and tomatoes to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes more. Drain the orzo and toss in a serving dish with the vegetables, along with the parsley, feta and hot peppers. Adjust the black pepper to your taste and drizzle with a little extra EVOO.

So Long Insecurity Blog

If you have Beth's book "So Long Insecurity" you may wish to participate in her blog.  It's almost on week 5 but you could begin posting at anytime.  You may want to visit the blog just to read some of the comments already posted.  It's quite something to read all of those women's stories.  Click HERE to access the blog.

Beth Moore Simulcast- So Long Insecurity

So Long Insecurity is being broadcast live at Westview Bible Church on April 24th, 2010. 
Click on Beth's picture in the left margin of the blog for more information and to register. 


You don't want to miss it!


You may wish to purchase her book titled "So Long Insecurity-you've been a bad friend to us" available for order online at  amazon.ca"   or at  chapters.ca  Or you can call the Christian Book Depot at 514-636-8921 and order it with Gary or Dana.