In every color

Our Daily Bread
I like shoes.  Lots of shoes.  My motto is: if you find shoes that fit well, buy them in every color!  ha!  I am not that bad, but I do have a lot of shoes!

The devotional talks about buyers remorse. Have I ever had buyers remorse about shoes?  Well, yes.  I bought a few pair of nice tennis shoes that weren't quite the right size, but they were on sale.  Cheap.  The problem is that they rubbed calluses on my diabetic feet.  I couldn't feel the calluses or the blood blister.  When my left started hurting badly, the podiatrist brought these things to my attention.  I thank God that there wasn't any permanent damage.  My foot is healing and the callus is falling off.

Does this sound like the way sin can enter our lives and have its damaging effects?  Yes, sin can be more tempting and attractive than a great deal on a pair of cool shoes.  We don't always "feel" the affect that sin has on us until it is too late.  We can be left hurt and scarred.  Fortunately, God forgives us and helps us move on.  We may retain some scars, but we know our lives will be healthier from the changes God helped us make.  Praise God!

Lord, please help us realize our shortcomings and move on to the better life you have for us!

Foodie Friday
Super Bowl Sunday
Time to get ready for the big game!  Some of my friends don't know what that means so I am talking about the Super Bowl on Sunday night!  hahaha!  Here are a few super recipes for your Super party or gathering.

Pepperoni and Cheese Pizza Pull Apart Bread 

Ingredients
1/3 cup favorite flavored dipping oil
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 (16 ounce) pkgs pre-made pizza dough or homemade pizza dough
1 (7 oz) pkg sliced pepperoni
1 (8 oz) pkg shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F
2. Separate pizza dough into small bite sized pieces.
3. In a bowl add your favorite flavored dipping oil. Toss dough pieces in dipping oil to lightly coat.
4. Layer dough pieces in bottom of your Bundt Pan, next layer sliced pepperoni, shredded cheese and sprinkle with garlic powder. Repeat  all three layers again in the same order, and then end with final layer of dough pieces.
5. Bake in the preheated oven until the bread is browned and cooked through in the center, 30-40 min
6. Remove from oven, and invert the pan on a cutting board; the bread will fall out of the Bundt Pan in one piece.
7. Serve by pulling the bread apart into individual servings with optional marinara dipping sauce on the side.


I usually layer until about 2/3 of the pan is full. When I make this bread I definitely plan for it to feed a hungry crowd. You can scale down the ingredients if you choose to feed a smaller crowd.  You can serve it hot or room temperaure, which makes it a great option if you are tailgating at the game or heading ove to a friend’s house.  And if you do decide to make the larger version, don’t worry.  It’s pretty tasty leftover too, so you can be sure it won’t be around for long.  You can also edit this recipe to create a delicious Garlic Parmesan Pull Apart to accompany any Italian themed dinner.  YUM!

For a fancier get together, try this one:
Grilled Asparagus Tartines with Fresh Ricotta, Pesto and Scallions

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4 tartines

INGREDIENTS:
1 pound asparagus
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
Coarse salt and pepper
4 slices ciabatta or other crusty rustic bread
1/4 cup basil pesto
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1 scallion, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
Heat the panini maker according to the manufacturer’s directions.
Rinse the asparagus and break the ends off of each spear (if you hold onto each end and bend the spear it will naturally break in the right place). Discard the ends.
In a large bowl, toss the asparagus in 2 teaspoons of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the asparagus for about 3 minutes until they’re tender and grill marks appear.
Drizzle another 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over the ciabatta slices and grill the bread until it’s toasted with grill marks, about 2 minutes.
Spread about a tablespoon of pesto onto each slice of ciabatta. Spoon on a few tablespoons of ricotta and top it with grilled asparagus (you’ll have extra asparagus – you can save it to enjoy on its own, add it to a salad or pasta, or just make more tartines!) and a sprinkling of chopped scallions. Finish the tartines by drizzling the remaining 2 teaspoons of the olive oil over the top and grinding on a little black pepper.

Here is a nice collection on recipes if these don't sound good to you:
http://www.foodie.com/collections/nabisco-game-day-guide/game-day-guide?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=Nabisco&utm_campaign=awareness

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“The highest pinnacle of the spiritual life is not happy joy in unbroken sunshine, but absolute and undoubting trust in the love of God.” = A. W. Thorold

It ain't over

Our Daily Bread
There is a Gospel song called Stomp that I like to listen to occasionally because it has such a free and carefree sound.  It is also a little playful for a Gospel song!  After about four minutes of joy, the narrator in the song says "It ain't over, it ain't over" and the choir bellows out the chorus a few more times!

Observing or celebrating the death of a child of God should be the same way.  We should be bellowing out God's praises then look at each other and say "it ain't over, it ain't over!"  ha!  I loved the way the devotional talked about Psalm 116.  I never thought about how seriously God considers the death of his children.  He does not take it lightly!  Like the psalmist, we should use these times to praise God and recommit ourselves to a life that gives Him glory!

Lord, we thank you for life and for death.  For in both, we can live in you!

Technology Thursday
Dropcam

Ever wonder what your crazy cats are up to during the day?  The housekeeper?  The aging parent?  The Dropcam is an easy way to attach a webcam to your wireless home network so you watch what is going on in your home while you are away.  It is sort of pricey by today's standards for a "webcam" but the easy integration with the home network makes it worth it.  You can even view what the cam sees on your mobile device such as an iPhone or Android phone.  Pretty cool.  You also have the option to store up to 30 days of video "in the cloud" for reference if you like (for an additional monthly charge). Interesting idea. There are two camera models with different HD resolution.  They cost $149 and $199.  Check it out at https://www.dropcam.com/.

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13

I ain't got time for that....

Our Daily Bread
There was an Internet sensation last year when Sweet Brown was interviewed by a local news service after her apartment building caught on fire.  Her unique voice and personality spread all over the Internet when someone set her interview to a dance beat.  OMG!  It was hilarious!  My roommate and I STILL say to each other "I ain't got time for that!"  ha!

I see a theme developing for this week - waiting on the Lord.  Being patient.  I added the tag line at the bottom of my blog before reading the devotional.  It never ceases to amaze me how God works!  I think a lot about plans and changing plans.  If you read my blog at all then you know I am a planner.  I am usually pretty good about being flexible but not always.  ;-(  God is teaching me that my plans are not necessarily his plans. My ways are not his ways.  It is a difficult lesson to learn.  I have a peace knowing that God is working in me.  I also have the humility to know how much I fail him.  I know that I am not always the man I think I am.  Let us all take a step back today to reflect on God's plans for our lives and praise him for including us in his magnificent plans!

Lord please help us make your ways, our ways.  We thank you and praise you!

Teaching Tuesday
Hebrews
We studied the book of Hebrews and the corresponding chapter in the text book this week.  I would have liked to study all of the books attributed to Paul first, but our class took a different direction.

The book of Hebrews is not attributed to Paul or anyone else as far as we know.  It was written by an anonymous author that had intimate knowledge and access to the apostles (and maybe even Jesus).  It is not sure who it was written to or exactly when.  It was apparently accepted as "canon" or an official book of the Bible because of its remarkable content.

Here is the weekly summary we write for class:
This is Amazing
The confidence in which he writes about his beliefs.

This Befuddles/Bothers me
The sections about Jesus confuse me.
Paul did not write this book

This is worthy of Celebration
Hebrews 13:21-22

I want to Dig Deeper into this
Understanding why this book was written

Take a look at the book sometime.  Read your Bible commentary about it.

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Waiting for God is never a waste of time. - Our Daily Bread Jan 26 2014

Spiritual landmarks

Our Daily Bread
It has been said that women follow landmarks when following directions.  Men seem to follow an internal compass that tells them which direction makes sense and feels right.  That is why we hate asking for directions!  ha!

I think we all have some spiritual landmarks in our lives.  Some in our past, some in our present and some coming up in our future.  For me, there is the little Baptist church across the street from my grandmother's house where I accepted Christ, North Eaton Baptist Church where I grew in the Lord and Seneca Lake camp where I experienced God on so many levels!  The present includes my current church, my EFM group and my roommate.  Who knows what the future will hold?  How about you?  What landmarks mean a lot to you?  Do they anchor your location and help you move toward your destination?  Let's think about that today!

Lord, thank you for our spiritual landmarks.  Please help us use our landmarks and our spiritual of direction to find our way to you!

Movie Monday
The weather outside was frightful, but my home theater was delightful!  I watched several movies this weekend instead of doing stuff I needed to do.  Yikes!  Oh well.  At least I completed my Bible study lessons!  Here are a few of the movies I watched:

Blue Jasmine
This is Woody Allen's latest movie.  His movies are always a mixed bag!  Cate Blanchett played a rich, spoiled woman who lost everything when her husband was arrested for embezzlement and fraud.  She moves to San Francisco to live with her estranged sister until she gets on her feet.  The story line is bizarre.  The acting is amazing.  Definitely interesting for a rental when you are in a weird artsy mood!

I give this movie three bear paws.

Red Dawn (2012)
This is the 2012 remake with Chris Hemsworth of Thor fame.  It wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  It was well done in general though the acting was lukewarm at best.  It is mindless entertainment worth watching.

I give this two bear paws.

Kill Bill Part 2
I only saw the last part of this one (again).  There are some amazing fight scenes.  The swords and martial arts are amazing.  Like most Tarantino movies, there are some parts that are drawn out way too long!

I give this movie two bear paws.

Predator
This movie is a classic for me!  I loved all the Predator movies.  This was the first one.  Arnold is in his classic form.  There is lots of blood and guts so don't watch this if you are squeamish!

I give this two bear paws.

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Living out of love for God and pleasing Him should be our heart’s desire. - Our Daily Bread

Tapping my foot patiently

Our Daily Bread
I have a joke with my friends about my ability to be patient and wait: I tap my foot patiently...  Yeah, like you can do that!  ha!  While I am stubbornly patient about some things, I have a tendency to take things into my own hands instead of waiting on God.  The results are usually disastrous and cost me money!  ha!  Oh well.

The devotional talks about our daily waiting on the Lord.  I loved the observation that waiting on the Lord is what helps us learn the difficult spiritual lessons in life: submission, humility, patience, joyful endurance, persistence in well-doing.  Praise God!  We can learn these things as we wait patiently!  As the devotional says, "waiting on the Lord is never a waste of time!"  Praise God!

Lord, please help us wait on you with patience and faith!  We love you and thank you!

Psalm Sunday
Psalm 128 is another song of ascents.  It basically talks about how following God ensures success in life.  We know now that is not the case, but we learned that following God brings us peace and joy.  It does not mean great wealth and lots of children!  I believe that the great blessing bestowed on those who follow God is a heaven on earth -- at least as much as it can be!

Psalm 128

A song of ascents.

1 Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
    who walk in obedience to him.
2 You will eat the fruit of your labor;
    blessings and prosperity will be yours.
3 Your wife will be like a fruitful vine
    within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots
    around your table.
4 Yes, this will be the blessing
    for the man who fears the Lord.
5 May the Lord bless you from Zion;
    may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
    all the days of your life.
6 May you live to see your children’s children—
    peace be on Israel.

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You are a success in God’s kingdom if you are faithful where He has placed you. - Our Daily Bread

Watching and waiting

Our Daily Bread
Have you seen the Publishers Clearinghouse sweepstakes commercials?  They show up at someone's house unexpectedly and change their lives!  They carry balloons and a big check.  What an unexpected event!

I have to admit that I might think more about winning the sweepstakes than the coming of Jesus.  ;-(  While the changes of winning are very small, I often think that the chances of Jesus coming back in my lifetime even smaller.  I am working on that.  I am working on living like each day is my last.  That each day may be the blessed day he returns for his people.  We don't know exactly what will happen, but we do know that things will change!  Praise God!

Lord, please help look to your coming each and every day!

Simply Saturday
Amazing Grace
It has been an interesting week of personal discovery and growth.  I love weeks like this and I hate weeks like this.  Talk about mixed emotions!  I learned some things about myself during my long weekend in NYC.  Lots of walking and solitary time.  Lots of people and excitement.  There were periods that I desperately wished that I had someone to share these experiences with.  There were periods that I thanked God for being alone so I could truly enjoy this freedom!  Talk about mixed emotions!  ha!

The emotion and thought that I keep having over and over was God's Grace.  The amazing grace we sing about.  The grace that we often take for granted, much like we take for granted the coming of Christ (see above).  We know the reality, but don't LIVE his grace.  What does that mean?  I don't really understand it completely.  My understanding so far is extending the grace that God shows us to others.  Wow!  Read that again.  Extending the grace that God shows us to others.  Isn't that amazing?

Let's think about this concept and pray about it this week.

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Revivals greatest enemy is Pride, and the only bride Revival will walk down the isle with is Humility. Humility will deny herself the right of self gratification rather than turn away from God to fulfill her own pleasures, and she will not allow herself to receive the praise that should go to another (especially the Lord). Finally, she will rush to renounce herself, rather than sitting quietly when her Lord is robed of His glory. Oh, Father, we are so unlike her, but may we meet her so that we may walk down the isle to Revival and true Christlikeness? from  Jonathan Edwards on Humility in Religious Affections

We ain't never done it that way before

Our Daily Bread
Yes, the title for this post is an exaggeration and I never do that!  ha!  Whoops there's one!  How many of us have heard some variation of this phrase in our churches over the years?  I used to hear something close to this phrase when I was a minister of music in Kentucky churches.

Why do I mention this?  The devotional had a great insight into how people interact with God.  They have a tendency to interact with him on their own terms instead of on God's terms.  God's terms are the only ones that matter!  This is a relationship between the Almighty God and us.  God granted us the privilege to have the relationship based on his love for us.  We have no leverage in these negotiations!  ha!  Full surrender to him is our only sensible option!  Praise God!

Dear Lord, we thank you and praise you for the opportunity to love and serve you.  Please help us surrender all and tell others!

Foodie Friday
I made a pot roast in the crock pot yesterday.  MmmMmmmm!  Talk about a great comfort food dinner for winter time!  The only problem is that I ate too much!

I started doing something a little different the past two times I made this recipe.  First, I put the roast at the bottom of the crock pot like normal and placed the cut up potatoes and carrots on top of it like normal.  Notice that I didn't say anything about spices or soup mix yet?  After placing the meat and veggies in the crock pot, I poured a can of Campbell's French onion soup and a can of beef broth over the meat and veggies.  This is different than I used to do.  Using this approach, the veggies get a taste of the onion and beef without being cooked to smithereens in the crock pot all day.  It was great!  Give it a try!

I plan to make some of the snacks for my EFM class on Monday night.  I plan to make some Ghiradelli chocolate chip cookies, some Honey Baked ham biscuits and some cocktail wienies in the crock pot.  MmmmMmmmm!

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Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13