Book #14: "I Can" Evangelism

How do I share my faith? I can't find fancy, eloquent words. I can't attest to bringing lots of people to their knees and accepting Christ as their Savior. I can't get past the fact that I might be rejected, denied, or embarrassed. I don't want to offend anyone. I don't have a dramatic story to tell. I don't have all the answers. I don't want to fail - myself or God.......This book is entirely dedicated to taking the "I can't" out of sharing your faith. So, lose the I-can't-disease and get equipped with God's grace, wisdom, and protective armor to say I CAN do this for His praise and glory!

Everybody knows the song/nursery rhyme "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," so let's sing it together now:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.

Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky.

Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!

 

I happily admit one of my all-time favorite songs is "This Little Light of Mine." When there are candlelight services at church for various holidays and celebrations, I always think of this message and hum it to myself. I also remember Y.E.S. and Chrysalis weekends that, as part of the fourth-day commission, we would hold small candles, lift our voices and sing to God:
 

This little light of mine, I'm gonna get it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, let is shine.

 
I accepted Christ as my Savior at Vacation Bible School when I was 13 years old. I remember the day as if it were yesterday; it was a personally and spiritually special day. But, as a mature in age - and in faith - I am constantly aware that I am in continuous transformation. Evangelism, I've learned with this book, is a layered process, offering our light, over time, in multiple degrees of brillance to those whom God puts into our lives. Sometimes dim. Sometimes clear. Other times bright and clear. The fact of the matter is, simply, my light is always on.  
 

Evangelism is a process...We need to shine, and shine, and continue to shine...While we don't have control over when and how the one in darkness will respond - that is truly the work of the Holy Spirit - we do have the choice to be bright lights to light the way of hope for others. In time, the results will be revealed.

 

We live in a dark world. But God's light has come into us, and he calls us to twinkle...We need to move beyond a posture of fear, face the possible dangers of simple approaches, and make room for what God is doing in new ways of thinking. Nothing around us is a surprise to Him.

 
I want to share the story below (also from the book) because it truly defines the significance we each have within ourselves. I love this story for its truth, and inspiration, to never - ever! - give up. There are so many lessons to be learned if we are willing to accept their truths. I think this is a great philosophy for teachers too, you never really know the impact you might have on ONE student. Beautiful.
 

A young boy walked along the beach one evening. He came upon a starfish, stranded yards from the tide, struggling for life. The boy reached down and gently lifted the starfish and returned it to the ocean.

 

A man approached the boy and asked, "Why are you bothering with that starfish? They die up tide all the time, by the hundreds. That won't make a difference."

 

Raising his eyes to the man, the young boy said, "It'll make a difference to this one."

 
Other truths and declarations I CAN do now:

...accept people just as they are.

...be a friend.

...be real.

...help the children in my life know the Jesus I know.

...offer hope in the daily minutes of life.

...partner with others.

...offer help and hope in crisis.

...serve.

...accept the doubts in others.

...share my faith at holidays.

...leave room for wonder.

...keep trying even when it seems hopeless.

...trust God with the results of my efforts.

...leave a legacy of light.

Twinkle, twinkle litte star. This little light of mine, I will make it shine for others to see. I can make a difference with my God-given light.

Peace and love,
Nicole

Book #13: How Women Help Men Find God

I'm on a reading rampage - book #13: "How Women Help Men Find God" is complete.

This book is dedicated to three women:

She who prays for a man but sees no change; she whose son has abandoned the faith; and she who searches for a Christian mate but finds none. THERE IS HOPE.

Let me preface this post with this: I think there are good things, great things, and not-so-great things in this book. But I bought it for two reasons, I love the title and I want to know how to help men find God. Afterall, I have several men in my life that I continuously pray will accept, deepen, and strengthen their relationship with God. It's a prayer of mine, but not a priority of theirs. But I have hope. That's enough for me.

To me, this book is an instructional manual to get males in the pews. I'm sure you've heard it before, "A man wants to be a man.....they are adventurous and take risk.....flowers and lace in the church drive men crazy.....he'll lose Man Points if he hold hands with strangers during prayer.....a nagging wife pushes the husband over the edge."

Blah.....blah.....blah. I hope (and pray!) that I do not cause my husband to be anything except himself. He can proudly carry his "Man Card," I certainly don't want it - I'm perfectly happy with my Woman Card!!!!!! And Lord, if I nag, please stop me.

Certain requests of my husband have been silenced - truly, it's not worth the discussion - but my prayers to God are loud and clear - - - remember, I have hope!

So what did I learn about bringing men closer to God? These three things:

1. Let go. - God, I acknowledge you are all powerful, all knowing, and all I need. I step aside to allow the Holy Spirit to work in me, through me, and with me to fulfill your purpose with all the men in my life. Not my will, but thine.
2. Keep an open mind. - I am willing to accept what God provides.
3. Commit. - I will allow God to use me in whatever way possible in order to fulfill His purpose, for His glory and praise.

This book has been an excellent source of suggestion for teaching and engaging boys. I'll use many of these tactics in my future classroom, because I think it's important to engage ALL students, not just the participatory ones. It's not my favorite book, but I enjoyed it. Afterall, I did read it in less than 12 hours!

Peace and love......and women, keep praying for your men,
Nicole

BOOK #12: Think Like Jesus

Another week, another book - I'm right on track!

During my conference period at school today, I finished "Think Like Jesus - Make the Right Decision Every Time" by George Barna. It's an interesting, thought-provoking read that I enjoyed; on Shelfari I rated it with four stars.

I like the decision-making suggestions that are Scripture-based, alas the foundation of a Christian livelihood, but my natural tendancy is to question everything I read! Remember, I recently read Borg too!!!

I wholly agree that I must be pushed, by my own choice or God's divine intervention, outside of my "comfort zone" and into His purpose. I also believe that nothing, NOTHING, happens by accident, or luck, or coincidence - God's holy plan is at work at every moment. But, can I honestly say that every decision I make, at every moment in my life, is based on biblical principles for the sole purpose of glorifying God?

...I try to understand what Jesus was like and to imitate His ways. I fall short more often than not, but God seems to understand that weakness and encourages me to keep trying, keep improving. That's the relationship part - Him guiding, encouraging, understanding, disciplining, rewarding - all the stuff you'd expect in a true relationship: honesty, joy, disappointment, love.

I, too, seek the genuine relationship that Barna describes. I am more than aware that my human ways will cause disappointment, but I am assured that God's grace will lead me back to His path every time.

At the core of Barna's book is developing a biblical worldview. What exactly does that mean?

A biblical worldview is thinking like Jesus. It is a way to making our faith practical to every situation we face each day. A biblical worldview is a way of dealing with the world such that we act like Jesus twenty-four hours a day because we think like Jesus.

+++++++++++++++++++++

A biblical worldview is a means of experiencing, interpreting, and responding to reality in light of biblical perspective. This life lens provides a personal understanding of every idea, opportunity, and experience based on identification of application of relevant biblical principles and commands.

I have the uncanny sense, and honest observation, that my worldview is not, at the moment, too biblical. But I am guarenteed God's grace, love, protection, and wisdom because "the more we devote ourselves to emulating the thought and behavioral patterns of Jesus, the more God is able to bless us and use us for His purposes."

Can I get an AMEN! for these principles by Barna:

• 
  
  You become what you believe.
• 
  
  Developing a strong Bible-based foundation from which to think and act is the only reliable safeguard against the complete demise of our culture, the loss of meaning and purpose in life, and the rejection of all that God holds dear and significant.
• 
  
  It is never too late to commit yourself to knowing, loving, and serving God more completely.

++++++++++++++++++++

Barna introduces his readers to seven fundamental questions required to develop a solid, genuine, and doubtless biblical worldview:

1. 
   
   Does God exist?
2. 
   
   What is the character and nature of God?
3. 
   
   How and why was the world created?
4. 
   
   What is the nature and purpose of humanity?
5. 
   
   What happens after we die on earth?
6. 
   
   What spiritual authorities exist?
7. 
   
   What is truth?

++++++++++++++++++

I leave you with simple instructions: if you want to learn how to develop your personal biblical worldview and answer these seven questions, READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!

Tangy Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Another tasty treat from "Taste of Home" (February/March 2010 issue) and this one is super easy, prepared in the handy-dandy Crock-Pot.

TANGY PULLED PORK SANDWICHES
1 pork tenderloin
1 cup ketchup
1/2 cup brown sugar
3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 Tbsp. spicy brown mustard
salt and pepper, to taste
Kaiser rolls, split

Cut tenderloin in half, place in a slow cooker. Combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt and pepper. Pour this mixture over the pork.

Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until meat is tender. Remove meat to board or large platter; shred with two forks. Return to slow cool; heat through. Serve on kaiser rolls.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This is so incredibly easy and very tasty. As much as I love beef and chicken, pork is an outstanding alternative to white meat. And, it's very lean and low-fat. This recipe allows the pork to cook very slowly, keeping it tender and moist. I prefer a sweeter sauce, so I use more brown sugar than the recipe indicates. You can personalize it to your own taste by adjusting the sweetness and even adding more heat and spice.

* HAPPY * FAT * TUESDAY *

I've not been to New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but I'm sure the paaar-tayyyy is still going strong as the City celebrates the Saint's Super Bowl victory and Drew Bree's fantastic leadership as Most Valuable Player. The brief moment of Drew Brees with his son on the field afterwards was heartwarming.

Mardi Gras is French for "fat Tuesday" and is celebrated on the Tuesday prior to Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. Just as red symbolizes Christmas, Mardi Gras also has signficant colors: purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold represents power. Let the good times roll, Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday" will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 16, 2010.

I'm sure somewhere down the ancestory line, I've got some Cajun in me....but at least for the next few minutes I'll intensely pretend that I do and share one of my favorite Fat Tuesday recipes.

I was originally introduced to crawfish tail at The Feedmill Restaurant in Morganfield, Kentucky, also home to the most fabulous, most delicious, and most tasty fried gator tail you will ever put in your mouth. If I wasn't working full-time, and if it weren't so far, I would drive to Kentucky every week for my gator and crawfish fix!!!

I've deep-fried crawfish tails at home before, but I especially like the recipe below for appetizers, or tapas. I found this recipe in "Taste of Home" (Feb/March 2010 issue) and it's incredibly easy to make.

CRAWFISH BEIGNETS WITH CAJUN DIPPING SAUCE
1 egg, beaten
1 pound cooked crawfish tails, chopped (shrimp may be substituted)
4 green onions, chopped
2 tsp. butter, melted
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/3 cup bread flour
Oil, for deep frying

Dipping Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 tsp. horseradish
1/4 tsp. hot pepper sauce

In a large skillet, heat oil to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the egg, crawfish, onions, butter, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir in flour until blended. Drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, a few at a time. Fry until golden brown; drain on paper towels.

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, and pepper sauce. Serve with beignets.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Record-breaking snowfall + dinner at Blue Mesa with Rev. L + an evening with "The Shack" author Paul Young = PRICELESS

Thursday began just like any other day except one little detail: SNOW!!!! Now, unlike others my age, I watch the local and national news for the latest headlines and weather forecasts. I grew up watching NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, and yes I cried when he announced his retirement, but I've become accustomed to Brian Williams. For local news, I watch WFAA Channel 8, an ABC affiliate. I'm now partial to Gloria Campos, John McKaa, and the oh-so-adorable-weather-man, Pete Delkus. Speaking of Pete, he warned North Texas that snow was a-comin' and to be prepared. At noon, the snow was heavier and falling faster. Several local school districs, except Burleson, had early dismissals. When Burleson schools finally dismissed at normal-hour, nearly six-inches of snow was on the ground.

More than 8 inches of snow at our house on Friday!!!!

For more than two weeks, I had been scheduled to be at Texas Christian University for an evening with Paul Young, the author of the mega-hit, "The Shack." In fact, there were 20 people from First United Methodist Church in Joshua planning to attend. Despite the snow and deteriorating road conditions, Rev. L and I were determined to be there! She was already in Fort Worth for a prior appointment, and I left Burleson about 4:30 and slowly, and very cautiously, made my way to the TCU area of southwest Fort Worth. Roads were covered with a messy slush of snow, but the temperatures were steady around the 34-degree mark.

Since the rest of our church family decided to stay home, Rev. L and I met at Blue Mesa Grill for dinner. Speaking of delicious-ness, this place was awesome! They have these homemade sweet potato chips that are amazing, and even better dipped in the tableside guacamole. For our entrees, Rev. L had goat cheese enchiladas and I had chicken and spinach enchiladas. I already have menu items selected for my next visit, this place was really, really tasty! And, they are very allergy-friendly too. The waiter was knowledgeable of the menu and the chef was extremely courteous when he personally brought my entree and assured it had been prepared with oil instead of butter. Two thumbs up for this place, I am a big fan and will definitely visit again. Check out their website, they also post several of their popular recipes, including specialty drinks.

BLUE MESA GRILL

Since TCU had cancelled classes and their campus was closed, "The Shack" event was moved next door to the University Christian Church, a beautiful, and traditional church located on South University Drive. The limestone columns, colorful stained glass murals, and grand pipe organ was breathtaking. Walking into the sanctuary, I knew God was meeting me in this place. Seating was at a premium with inclement weather, it was a very intimate evening with Author Paul Young.

If you've not read "The Shack," it's a book that I highly recommend to any reader. It's a story of tradegy, surprise, healing and grace. Whatever notion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit you have, reconsider the possibility of imagination. This is a book that I've read, and loved very much, but now hearing Young's story in his own voice, I want to read it again. I made connections I had never considered before. It's a picture into our own souls, reminding us to let go of the secrets that haunt our lives and to never put God into a box.

I left University Church around 8:30 and pulled into the garage at 9:45. The roads were still a slushy mess (and getting messier each mile!), but traffic was minimal and it was a gorgeous, peaceful, and wonder-filled night to drive home without rush. The snow was beautiful, reminded me of Kentucky winters. Driving in the snow doesn't bother me, of course I worry about the other drivers, but the traffic that I met this night were overly-cautious and driving very slow. I carefully passed them and continued on my way. I never exceeded 40 mph and never, EVER touched the brakes when on a bridge or overpass - DUH!!!

Call me crazy or stupid; say whatever you want about me driving in record-breaking snowfall and "risking my life to hear a silly author talk about his book." I enjoyed the evening, and I would do it again.

Thank you Brite Divinity School for hosting this most special event. Thank you Rev. L for having dinner with me and sharing laughs! Thank you Paul Young for your beautiful story. And, to my Heavenly Father, thank you for the band of angels that kept me safe on the drive to and from Fort Worth, and for Your infinite grace.

Peace and love,
Nicole

Texas Chili......Kentucky style!!!!

When I moved to Texas, I learned quick-fast-and-in-a-hurry that chili is pretty much King in the Lonestar State - along with BBQ, football, and fried foods at the State Fair. Well, they didn't know, but this Kentucky Girl had her own chili recipe.

In theory, it's the nastiest thing to look at, but one of my secrets to great chili is Field's condensed chili rolls - which, of course, you can only purchase in small town Kentucky groceries. Field is a company based in Owensboro, and each time I'm home I always bring some back. I guess for the non-culinary talents of the world, they simply add water to the chili roll and call it a day. Not me. Oh no, it's just the beginning!!!

I also have the incredible privilege to have parents that garden until their fingers bleed. This garden should be considered as one of the Wonders of the World..........sweet corn, tomatoes, various kinds of peppers, green beans, lima beans, okra, and the list goes on. But, as much labor as it requires, I love going home to help Mom and Dad collect their bounty. My favorite is probably corn relish, I literally eat it out of the jar with a spoon. I'm also a stickler for homemade tomato juice. Dad likes to season everything with hot peppers, but because I'm a sissy with heat, he makes a special batch of tomato juice for his favorite only child: ME!!!!!

When I'm making vegetable soup or chili, the ingredients stay the same, but the quantity is as random as a lottery winner. No matter what, though, I start with the biggest pot in my arsenal: my Paula Pot (no doubt, from the Paula Dean collection).

Nicole's Dee-Lish Chili
3 lbs. ground beef
1 lb. sausage
2 Field chili rolls
2 quarts tomato juice
2 cans (15 oz. each) tomato sauce
1 can (12 oz) tomato paste
1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. paprika
4 Tbsp. chili powder

In a large stock pot, over medium heat, cook ground beef and sausage until no longer pink. Drain well. Add chili rolls, tomato juice, sauce, paste, pepper, paprika, and chili powder. Stir well, reduce heat to simmer, and cover. Simmer at least an hour, 3-4 hours preferred, stirring often.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The chili rolls include beans, but you could add additional cans if you prefer. Personally, I don't like lots of beans in my chili. You could also add crushed tomatoes, mushrooms, and even more heat. This is a basic recipe that you can adjust to suit your own likes.

And, before you even ask, this is NOT remotely close to healthy or good for you. It's comfort food. It's supposed to stick to your ribs.

Salmon Patties

What a long, very exhausting day. Sitting in a truck for hours wears me out, but thank goodness for books.

Kevin and I left our home in Joshua this morning pulling a trailer to Sulphur Springs, approximately 150 miles east of Fort Worth. We stopped in Rockwall for diesel and a quick lunch, sold the trailer, and drove to Kevin's parent's house near Emory. We visited with them for a couple of hours before loading boxes with 250 lbs of frozen beef into the bed of the truck - - - Kevin's family has always raised their own steers for processing, and I must admit that the quality is second to none. I'm spoiled on this beef!!!!!!

When we finally got home tonight (about 8:00), we were starving. While Kevin fed the horses and unloaded the truck, I put a pizza in the oven for him and started making salmon patties for me. I should have done something quicker, but my options were limited - I had no lunch meat, no ingredients for a salad, and a PB&J just wasn't going to silence my growling stomach. I would have taken a picture of my salmon creation, but I was too hungry. I'll fix these again soon, I promise pictures next time.

SALMON PATTIES
2 cans (6 oz. each) pink salmon (skinless, boneless)
2 eggs
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crushed saltine crackers
1 Tbsp. minced onion
1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Louisianna Fish Fry season mix
Non-stick cooking spray

Preheat oven to 400*.

Drain salmon. In medium bowl, mix eggs, onions, salt and pepper. Add salmon and cracker crumbs, blend well. In seperate bowl or plate, add fish fry mix. Divide salmon mixture into quarters. Roll mixture into a patty and coat with fish fry mix. Place patties on greased cookie sheet; bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, turning once.

Makes 4 large patties.

Tri-Color Pasta Salad

Tri-Color Pasta Salad
1 box (16 oz.) tri-color Garden Rotini
3 large Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
4 green onions, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 jar artichoke hearts, rinsed
1/2 cup black olives, thinly sliced
1/2 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced
juice of 1 lemon
1 cup Honey Mustard Vinegarette, recipe below
salt and pepper, to taste

Prepare pasta according to package directions. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, onions, artichoke hearts, olives, and mushrooms.

Drain pasta and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Add pasta to vegetable mix, along with vinegarette, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Cover with plastic wrap, chill at least four hours, or overnight.

Honey Mustard Vinegarette
2 Tbsp. honey
3 Tbsp. apple juice
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp. grainy mustard
5 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

In an electric blender, combine honey, apple juice, vinegar and mustard. While blender is on, slowly add olive oil until blended. Cover and chill at least three hours, or overnight.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

This salad is so simple, and very light and delicious. You can add every variation imagineable, this particular recipe is dairy-free and vegetarian but you could add chicken, seafood, fresh cheese, or another dressing to suit your needs and own tastebuds. My mom makes a version with crab meat, parmesan cheese, and italian dressing.

The vinegarette can be made with more or less olive oil and apple juice but for this salad I wanted to keep it as light as possible. I add more apple juice to make it thinner. You make it as thin, or thick, as you'd like.

Make it your own!!!!

Book #11: 90 MINUTES IN HEAVEN

Are you scared of dying? Are you afraid of death? Do you have faith and assurance in your salvation? If I had answered these questions earlier today, I would have said, “Yeah, I’m OK.“

I just read “90 Minutes in Heaven” and I am no longer satisfied with being mediocre with my salvation. I had doubt, skepticism, even fear about death. I was afraid and unwilling to admit this truth.

I went to the Christian bookstore this morning, mostly out of boredom and needing to spend time in the company of a good book. I hadn’t bought any books for a while; I am trying to stick with a budget and away from frivolous spending. Kevin enjoys team-roping and I have books - I love my marriage!

I left the house this morning with cash in my pocket, budget in mind, and seeking direction from God in my heart. This was going to be a good day. And a good day it was: 31 books, including “90 Minutes In Heaven” by Don Piper, for less than $40. Not bad, not bad at all.

I didn’t think much about this book except I like the cover design; it said, “A True Story of Death and Life” and it sounded interesting. While driving home, I was thinking about lunch - imagine that! - and Mallory Ervin in the Miss America Pageant. I remember watching her sing during the talent portion and a bubble appearing on the screen saying she sky-dived from 15,000 feet. I also remember watching another television program where a couple went bungee-jumping together. I asked Kevin, “Would you do something like that?” And his response surprised me, “Yeah, probably.”

They live their life with no fear, absolute trust in Our Heavenly Father. I'm not saying I would jump (literally!) at the opportunity to skydive or bungee-jump, but why not? What do I have to lose? Perhaps I should live my life more vividly, without hesitation, and open to experiences in extreme situations. Maybe I should widen my comfort zone. Live my life without regrets. What would that be like? I'm honestly not sure.

“90 Minutes In Heaven” recounts Don Piper’s extraordinary experience of dying in a car accident, visiting heaven, and waking up in ICU at a hospital in Houston. His journey is remarkable, often hard to imagine, but encouraging to all believers. I don't want to play down the part of him dying and going to heaven and returning back to earth, but I believe God is capable of anything and saying this isn't possible is putting God in a box - and God is without limits. And, I'm a huge fan of "The Shack" and would totally be up to camping in the mountains and go fishing with Jesus dressed in carpenter pants and a plaid shirt. Or eat pancakes made by God - I wonder if He uses cow's milk or soymilk?!?!?!

OK, back to "90 Minutes in Heaven"

Don Piper, an ordained Baptist preacher from South Texas, was involved in a car accident involving an eighteen-wheeler truck and a narrow bridge across Lake Livingston, near Houston. The truck crossed the center line and hit Piper head-on, smashing his small car between the bridge railing and the truck‘s cab. Medical personnel arrived shortly after the accident and Piper, without a pulse, was pronounced dead.

A couple, acquaintances of Piper, was driving along the same roadway when they came upon the stopped traffic, caused by Piper’s accident. The man, also a preacher, went to paramedics and asked to help. While his wife shared her coffee with another accident victim, the man went to Piper’s car, crawled through deformed steel and shattered glass and under a tarp that shielded Piper’s body to pray. Prayer, what an amazing gift to give and receive.

…the biggest miracle: People prayed and God honored their prayers.

Piper offers so many life-lessons, including the need to surrender pride and allow others to offer their gifts of love during our time of deepest desperation. And, ultimately, to be still and hear the whispers of God.

I knew how to give generously to others, but pride wouldn’t let me receive others’ generosity…I’m eternally grateful for that lesson of allowing people to meet my needs. I’m also grateful because that lesson was learned in a hospital bed when I was helpless…to trust that God knew what he was doing through all of this…God forced me to be still…The longer I lay immobile, the more open I became to God’s quietness and to inner silence.

My prayer life isn’t too much to brag about, until now. However, I’m convinced that great changes are coming with my newfound perspective. I had fallen into the oh-pitiful-me syndrome of going to God AFTER all my efforts had failed. Of course, that never works how I'd like! It’s the same story, all over again: Surrender control. Let go and let God.

Besides my own miraculous experience, four things stand out from my heavenly journey. First, I’m thoroughly convinced that God answers prayer…second, I have an unquestionable belief that God still is in the miracle business…third, I want as many people as possible to go to heaven…and finally, I don’t want to see others die without Jesus Christ.

Lord, please grant me the ability to be your prayer warrior and give me the heart of a servant. I want to do Your will. I expect to witness Your miracles in the lives of those around me and give You all the glory and praise. I want to be a vessel that leads others to You, I want everyone to experience this joy and peace that You so freely give to all Your children. Your grace is truly amazing, please teach me how to share it more freely.

…God brings people into my life who need me or need to hear my message, giving me the opportunity to touch their lives.

What is my purpose in life? What message does God want me to share?

The restlessness that I felt earlier today has been erased by God’s grace and reassurance and replaced with genuine peace resting in my heart. After reading these 205 pages, I am convinced that my faith, my trust, and all my hope rests firmly on my Lord, and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Praise be to God!

*I highly recommend and encourage you to visit Don Piper's website, http://www.donpiperministries.com/, or http://www.90minutesinheaven.com/, to learn more about his heavenly experience, remarkable recovery, and his truly amazing testimony to faith. I can only hope, and pray, that we all can experience true joy in our pilgrimage to know God deeper, and more fully while on Earth. But I am definitely looking forward to the day that I arrive at my permanent dwelling place with loved ones and singing hymns of praise with Jesus!

"Healthier" Cinnamon Buns & Pinto Beans

Thanks to Cooking Light magazine, I found a recipe for cinnamon rolls that I'm so excited to share because each roll is less than 240 calories and 7 grams of fat. Amazing! If you're like me (allergic to dairy products), the calorie count will adjust with soy, dairy-free, and vegan products. Instead of butter, I use Smart Balance Light (which is vegan); and, instead of heavy cream, I use Silk's soy creamer. Silk makes a vanilla-flavored creamer, but I use the regular for this icing. Besides, I prefer the taste of real vanilla. I use regular, granulated white sugar in my baking, but I'm sure Splenda, or another variation, would work just as well if you are sugar conscious. (Another note: The recipe below makes 18 rolls, but it's easy to adjust the quantity of ingredients to make more or less. Try these, you won't believe they're guilt-free!!!)

Seriously, how good does this look?! Good enough to lick your screen!!!!!

Cinnamon Rolls:
1 cup warm fat-free milk (100° to 110°)
6 tablespoons melted butter, divided
1/3 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 package quick-rise yeast
16.88 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3 3/4 cups)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cooking spray
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Icing:
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar

To prepare rolls, combine milk, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and yeast in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups. Add egg and remaining granulated sugar to bowl. Stir in 4.5 ounces (1 cup) flour; let stand 10 minutes.

Add 11.25 ounces (about 2 1/2 cups) flour and salt to milk mixture; stir until a soft dough forms (dough will be sticky). Turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 6 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands. Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray; turn to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 35 minutes or until doubled in size. (Gently press two fingers into dough. If indentation remains, dough has risen enough.) Punch dough down; cover and let rise 35 minutes or until doubled in size. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 5 minutes.

Combine brown sugar and cinnamon. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface; roll dough into an 18 x 11–inch rectangle. Brush remaining 3 tablespoons melted butter over dough; sprinkle evenly with brown sugar mixture. Beginning at one long side, roll up dough tightly, jelly-roll fashion; pinch seam to seal (do not seal ends of roll). Cut dough into 18 (1-inch) slices. Arrange 9 slices, cut sides up, in each of 2 (8-inch) square baking dishes coated with cooking spray. Cover and let rise 35 minutes or until doubled in size.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Uncover rolls. Bake at 350° for 22 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool 10 minutes in dishes on a wire rack. Turn rolls out onto wire rack; cool 5 minutes. Turn rolls over.

To prepare icing, combine 3 tablespoons softened butter and cream; stir with a whisk. Stir in vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar; stir until blended. Spread icing over rolls; serve warm.

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I woke up early this morning when my phone rang, it was a school district calling with substitute jobs available. Before crawling back into my warm bed, I put pinto beans in the Crock-Pot for tonight's dinner. Kevin absolutely, positively LOVES pinto beans and cornbread. I really believe he could eat this everyday! I like just a little beans with a nice slab of cornbread, but Kevin's just the opposite. I have to brag about my cornbread, just for a moment. The secret ingredient is Hellman's regular mayonnaise.

NICOLE'S FAMOUS CORNBREAD
1 pkg. "Jiffy" corn muffin mix
1 large egg
1/4 cup milk (or plain Silk soymilk)
1 Tbsp Hellman's regular mayonnaise
1 Tbsp jalapeno relish
2 heaping tablespoons corn relish

Preheat oven to 400° and place a greased iron skillet on the middle rack. I use a paper towel to wipe the inside and sides of the iron skillet with oil. Make sure the skillet gets HOT.

Prepare corn muffin mix according to package directions, but use only 1/4 cup of milk. Add mayonnaise and homemade relishes (optional), stir until just blended. Let this mixture rest at least 10 minutes - don't touch it, don't beat it, don't even look it!!!

When oven is preheated and the iron skillet is piping hot, carefully pour the mixture into the skillet. The mixture will sizzle and the edges will be extra crunchy. Bake for 30-40 minutes until lightly golden, but DO NOT OPEN THE OVEN until after 30 minutes. Magic happens inside that oven, don't open the door! Do the "toothpick test" after 30 minutes; cornbread is done with toothpick comes out clean. Let stand about 5-10 minutes before serving.

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Let me just say that the homemade relishes are from my parent's beautiful, and bountiful garden located in Sebree, Kentucky. I won't share all the family recipe secrets (unless Dad tells me otherwise!) but they grow jalapenos and other super-hot peppers, as well as sweet corn, tomatoes, and bell peppers used in the relish. Seriously, if I have a jar of the corn relish and a spoon, I'm a very happy camper!!!!