Monthly Archives: August 2012
On Your Side!
Today’s Scripture:
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31, NIV.
Today’s Word:
Joshua chapter six tells the story about how the odds were stacked against Joshua and the people of Israel. They were standing at the massive walls of Jericho that many thought were impenetrable.
I’m sure as he was standing before the well-fortified walls and gates of the city, many around him didn’t think his future was too bright. But you see Joshua had something others overlooked; he had the promise of Almighty God. Joshua had faith because He knew God was on His side, and God had already determined the victory. Sure enough, just as God promised, the people marched around the city for six days, and on the seventh day, they shouted the victory and the walls came tumbling down!
Today, don’t look at the walls in your life; look at the promise of God. He is for you, and if God is for you, nothing can stand against you. Get a vision of victory and don’t let it go. Keep moving forward in faith and obedience knowing that when you do, the Most High God is on your side!
Prayer for Today:
Father God, thank You for Your favor, grace and victory in my life. I choose to trust You. I choose to follow Your leading. I choose to be faithful to You because You are faithful to me. I love You and bless You in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
What To Wear Today
Posted by Victoria Osteen on 8/7/2012
If you’re like me, when you wake up in the morning, you start thinking about your day—where you’ll be going, who you’ll be seeing, and what the weather will be like. Then you go to your closet and choose something to wear that will work for all those different scenarios. But there’s one thing that the Bible tells us we need to “put on” if we are going to be fully equipped for everything we will face each day—and that is love.
Love is a one-size-fits-all solution to every situation you will ever encounter with your family, friends, coworkers, and even the grocery clerk. When you’re wearing love, you are setting yourself up for success because the Bible tells us that love never fails. And—love never goes out of style, either! It never gives up, wears out, or becomes old. It’s the perfect thing for every occasion.
So, how do you put on love? It’s interesting that with the principles of God, we always have to do something. Wouldn’t it be nice if God would just come and put love on us? You know, like when you’re in the middle of a heated discussion or someone cuts you off in traffic; it would be nice if He would just come and drop love right on us so that we would always do and say the right thing! But that’s not how it works. We have to choose love. We have to choose to be patient, kind, humble and giving. We have to choose His Word. In every circumstance, we have to decide between what our mind is screaming and what our heart is whispering.
I encourage you today, read what First Corinthians 13 says about love. When you choose to read and meditate on God’s Word, you are “putting on love” and empowering yourself to make the right choices. And, even if you’ve made some mistakes in the past, today is a new day. Receive God’s love and forgiveness. Put on His royal robe of righteousness so you can move forward. Put on love and be fully equipped for everything you will ever face!
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which ties everything together in unity.” (Colossians 3:14, ISV)
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
Fried Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich
Are you hungry tonight? LOL. Well do I have a Hunka Hunka Burning Love sandwich for you, Fried Peanut Butter & Banana. Even though this recipe does not include bacon it has been referred to as a favorite of Elvis Presley who was famously renowned for his food cravings. So here’s to the “King”. “You’re Always On My Mind.”
Ingredients
for sandwiches:
2-3 Ripe bananas
8 Slices whole wheat bread
3/4 cup crunchy peanut butter
3 tablespoon honey
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup butter
for topping:
1/4 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
Instructions
1. In a small bowl mix together peanut butter, honey and cinnamon. Slice bananas into 1/4 thick slices. Spread the peanut butter mixture on four slices of bread and cover with banana slices. Top with remaining 4 slices of bread. Spread whipped butter on both sides of sandwiches.
2. In frying pan melt 3 tablespoons of butter – make sure butter does not burn. Grill sandwiches in frying pan until each side is golden brown.
3. Combine sugar and cinnamon in shallow plate. Coat grilled sandwiches with mixture. Cut diagonally and serve hot.
*CHEF’S TIP – Want a little variety? Try Nutella or add some marshmallow creme, or some bacon. For all I care throw some jelly on that thang. Be creative and just let your imagination run wild.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Sometimes I run across a recipe that seems to good to be true! And this is one of those recipes!
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies???
How has something so delicious-sounding eluded me all my life? I have always adored peanut butter and chocolate together. Whoever invented that combination deserves a Nobel Prize as far as I’m concerned. The fact that I have never tasted these little morsels before….well, it’s simply unacceptable and must be remedied….immediately!
INGREDIENTS
1 box of your favorite brownie mix
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray or grease 40 mini-muffin cups.
2. Prepare boxed brownie mix as directed. Spoon batter evenly into muffin cups (about 3/4 full). Bake for 13-15 minutes or until top is set and a toothpick inserted into center comes out slightly wet. After brownies are out of the oven, wait for centers to fall. This will happen upon cooling. If not then tap the centers with the back of a teaspoon to make a hole for the peanut butter.
3. Place peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 45 seconds then stir. While brownies are still warm spoon about half a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie. Top with semi-sweet chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Cool completely in pan.
4. Indulge with a tall glass of cold milk.
Source: onegoodthingbyjillee.com
Honey Mustard Chicken Club
So my daughter, niece and nephew LOVE themselves some honey mustard. Just as much as they LOVE ranch dressing. Well one day my husband and I decided to try this stuff they love so much. Just to see what all the rave was about. And you know what, WE FELL IN LOVE TOO! I know I am a little late to the party but this stuff is the bomb. So whenever I find a recipe that calls for honey mustard I am all over it. Give this one a try. It is sooo good!
Ingredients
for marinade:
1/2 cup Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup Honey
1/2 whole (juice Of) orange
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon Salt
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
zest of one orange
for sandwiches:
8 slices of sourdough bread, toasted
2 whole Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
8 slices Turkey Bacon
4 slices sharp provolone cheese
4 slices swiss cheese
Lettuce
Tomato
Mayo
Canola Oil
Instructions
1. To begin, make the marinade. In a large bowl mix together 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, 1/2 cup honey, juice of 1/2 orange, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, minced garlic, dried basil and orange zest; whisk until smooth. Set Aside.
2. Next, rinse the chicken breasts and cut (lengthwise) into half. Next, add the chicken to the bowl with the marinade, cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 hours or overnight.
3. After the chicken is marinated, pan fry the bacon, drain and set aside. When finished cooking bacon clean out the skillet and heat up canola oil in clean skillet over medium high heat. Also preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
4. Remove the chicken from the fridge and pour off excess marinade. When the grease is nice and hot add two pieces of chicken to it. Cook until brownish/blackish, about 1 to 1 ½ minutes per side. Remove chicken to a large baking sheet. Repeat skillet process and remove finished chicken to baking sheet until all chicken breast are cooked. Place the chicken in preheated oven and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from oven.
5. Lay 2 pieces of bacon over each chicken breast. Place a piece of provolone and swiss cheese over the top of each chicken breast. Return pan to oven for an additional minute or two, or until cheese is melted and bacon is sizzling.
6. Toast sourdough bread and spread each slice with mayo. Garnish one slice with lettuce and tomato; then top with chicken breast. Crown with the second slice and cut in half. Serve immediately.
Grilled Pesto Chicken
What doesn’t pesto work with? You could rub it on my shoe and I would eat it. But add it to some chicken & grill it and you have this great easy chicken recipe you will want to share with everybody.
INGREDIENTS
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup Classico basil pesto
salt
black pepper
gralic powder
onion powder
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place the chicken breasts in a ziploc bag and add the pesto. Toss
the chicken to coat and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight or up to 2 hours.
2. Preheat an indoor or outdoor grill. Lightly oil the grate.
3. LIGHTLY season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
4. When the the grill is hot and ready, cook chicken about 5 -7 minutes on each side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove chicken from the grill, Cover with foil and let chicken rest for a few minutes.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
25 Top Heart-Healthy Foods
With the help of these nutrition experts from The Cleveland Clinic and the American Dietetic Association, we’ve put together a list of the “best of the best” heart-healthy foods.
The foods listed here are all top-performers in protecting your heart and blood vessels. We’ve also got menu ideas — so you can easily bring heart-healthy foods into your daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
These 25 foods are loaded with heart-healthy nutrients that help protect your cardiovascular system.
1. Salmon
Omega-3 fatty acids.
Grill salmon with a yummy rub or marinade. Save a chunk to chop for a pasta or salad later on.
2. Flaxseed (ground)
Omega-3 fatty acids; fiber, phytoestrogens.
Ground flaxseed hides easily in all sorts of foods — yogurt parfaits, morning cereal, homemade muffins, or cookies.
3. Oatmeal
Omega-3 fatty acids; magnesium; potassium; folate; niacin; calcium; soluble fiber.
Top hot oatmeal with fresh berries. Oatmeal-and-raisin cookies are a hearty treat.
4. Black or Kidney Beans
B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate; magnesium; omega-3 fatty acids; calcium; soluble fiber.
Give soup or salad a nutrient boost — stir in some beans.
5. Almonds
Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Mix a few almonds (and berries) into low-fat yogurt, trail mix, or fruit salads.
6. Walnuts
Plant omega-3 fatty acids; vitamin E; magnesium; folate; fiber; heart-favorable mono- and polyunsaturated fats; phytosterols.
Walnuts add flavorful crunch to salads, pastas, cookies, muffins, even pancakes.
7. Red wine
Catechins and reservatrol (flavonoids).
Toast your good health! A glass of red wine could improve “good” HDL cholesterol.
8. Tuna
Omega-3 fatty acids; folate; niacin.
Here’s lunch: Salad greens, fresh fruit, canned tuna. Keep “Salad Spritzer” – a light dressing — in your office fridge.
9. Tofu
Niacin; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Tasty tofu is easy: Thinly slice “firm” tofu, marinate several hours, grill or stir-fry.
10. Brown rice
B-complex vitamins; fiber; niacin; magnesium, fiber.
Microwavable brown rice makes a quick lunch. Stir in a few chopped veggies (broccoli, carrots, spinach).
11. Soy milk
Isoflavones (a flavonoid); B-complex vitamins; niacin; folate, calcium; magnesium; potassium; phytoestrogens.
Soy milk is great over oatmeal or whole-grain cereal. Or, make a smoothie with soy milk.
12. Blueberries
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); anthocyanin (a flavonoid); ellagic acid (a polyphenol); vitamin C; folate; calcium, magnesium; potassium; fiber.
Cranberries, strawberries, raspberries are potent, too — for trail mixes, muffins, salads!
13. Carrots
Alpha-carotene (a carotenoid); fiber.
Baby carrots are sweet for lunch. Sneak shredded carrots into spaghetti sauce or muffin batter.
14. Spinach
Lutein (a carotenoid); B-complex vitamins; folate; magnesium; potassium; calcium; fiber.
Pick spinach (not lettuce) for nutrient-packed salads and sandwiches.
15. Broccoli
Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); Vitamins C and E; potassium; folate; calcium; fiber.
Chop fresh broccoli into store-bought soup. For a veggie dip, try hummus (chickpeas).
16. Sweet potato
Beta-carotene (a carotenoid); vitamins A, C, E; fiber.
Microwave in a zip-lock baggie for lunch. Eat au naturale, or with pineapple bits.
17. Red bell peppers
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.
Rub with olive oil, and grill or oven-roast until tender. Delicious in wraps, salads, sandwiches.
18. Asparagus
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex vitamins; folate; fiber.
Grill or steam slightly, then dress with olive oil and lemon. It’s a pretty side dish.
19. Oranges
Beta-cryptoxanthin, beta- and alpha-carotene, lutein (carotenoids) and flavones (flavonoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.
Got orange juice? Check out the new nutrient-packed blends.
20. Tomatoes
Beta- and alpha-carotene, lycopene, lutein (carotenoids); vitamin C; potassium; folate; fiber.
For a flavor twist, try oil-packed tomatoes in sandwiches, salads, pastas, pizzas.
21. Acorn squash
Beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium; fiber.
Baked squash is comfort food on a chilly day. Serve with sautéed spinach, pine nuts, raisins.
22. Cantaloupe
Alpha- and beta-carotene and lutein (carotenoids); B-complex and C vitamins; folate; potassium; fiber.
A fragrant ripe cantaloupe is perfect for breakfast, lunch, potluck dinners. Simply cut and enjoy!
23. Papaya
Beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein (carotenoids); Vitamins C and E; folate; calcium; magnesium; potassium.
Serve papaya salsa with salmon: Mix papaya, pineapple, scallions, garlic, fresh lime juice, salt and black pepper.
24. Dark chocolate
Reservatrol and cocoa phenols (flavonoids).
A truffle a day lowers blood pressure, but choose 70% or higher cocoa content.
25. Tea
Catechins and flavonols (flavonoids).
Make sun tea: Combine a clear glass jar, several tea bags, and hours of sunshine.
Your Guide to Nutrients in Heart-Healthy Foods
Phytoestrogensare substances in plants (like flaxseed) that have a weak estrogen-like action in the body. Studies suggest that flaxseed lowers the risk of blood clots, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias. It may also help lower total and LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides, and even blood pressure.
Phytosterols are plant sterols that chemically resemble cholesterol — and seem to reduce blood cholesterol. All nuts and seeds, including wheat germ, have phytosterols.
Carotenoids are heart-protective antioxidants in many colorful fruits and veggies. Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lutein, and lycopene are carotenoids.
Polyphenols are another set of antioxidants that protect blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce LDL “bad” cholesterol. Flavonoid polyphenols include catechins, flavonones, flavonols, isoflavones, reservatrol, and anthocyanins. Non-flavonoid polyphenols include ellagic acid (found in all types of berries).
Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fatty fish like salmon) and alpha-linolenic fatty acids (found in plant foods like walnuts) help boost the immune system, reduce blood clots, and protect against heart attacks. They also increase good HDL levels, lower triglyceride levels, protect arteries from plaque buildup, are anti-inflammatories, and lower blood pressure.
B-complex vitamins — like Vitamin B-12 (folate) and vitamin B-6 — protect against blood clots and atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Niacin (vitamin B-3) helps increase HDL “good” cholesterol.
Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that protect cells from free radical damage. Magnesium, potassium, and calcium help lower blood pressure. Fiber-rich foods help lower cholesterol levels.
Source: webmd.com
Greek Tomato Salad
Adapted from a version by chef Gavin Kaysen, Emily says that she made this salad for her friend Linda Lou, who is Greek and is notorious for stealing olives out of unsuspecting martinis. “She loved it, so I consider it to have the official Greek stamp of approval.”
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups feta cheese
- 2-3 pounds assorted heirloom tomatoes, cut in quarters or wedges
- 2/3 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1/4 red onion, sliced as thinly as possible
- Sea salt and pepper
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh chopped oregano
INSTRUCTIONS
Put the feta in a bowl and add a little bit of cream at a time, whisking with a fork, until the cheese becomes creamy and smooth. Spread ¼ of the cheese onto the center of plate. Top with ¼ of the tomatoes, onions, and olives and season a bit with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and garnish with the chopped oregano. Repeat on 4 more plates and serve.
Source: thedailymeal.com
Our Daily Bread – Plugged In
Read: Isaiah 40:27-31
My wife was working at home on her computer recently when she suddenly noticed her laptop battery power was low and the computer was about to shut down. The computer was plugged in, though, so it shouldn’t have been using the battery. Following the laptop cord to the extension cord, she finally noticed that the extension cord was actually plugged back into itself instead of the wall outlet! She looked at me, amused, and said, “There’s a devotional in there somewhere.”
As she said it, I was reminded of a passage of Scripture on the power of God: Isaiah 40:27-31. Isaiah identifies the true and unending Source of strength from which we must draw ours—“the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth” (v.28). Then he speaks to those whose strength is ebbing, encouraging them to wait on the Lord to find their strength renewed (vv.29-31).
Jesus spoke of us as branches abiding in Him as the Vine (John 15:4-5). It’s a parallel to Isaiah’s powerful closing, which promises that if we’re plugged into God we will “run and not be weary, . . . walk and not faint” (Isa. 40:31).
When we find ourselves weary and distressed, we need to plug into the true Source of strength and life.
Through Him who loved us so;
The Christ who dwells within us
Is the greatest power we know. —Carmichael
New Levels
Today’s Scripture:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7, NLT.
Today’s Word:
God’s desire is that we continually progress, that we reach higher heights and go to new levels. Oftentimes, as soon as we make the decision to step out in faith and obey God, the enemy brings in fear to try to stop us. He’ll bring thoughts like, “What if you fail? What are other people going to think? You don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince us to shrink back and stay where we are.
The Bible says that fear is a spirit. It plays on our emotions and holds us back. But the good news is that we have power over fear! The Bible says that perfect love casts out all fear. When we receive God’s perfect love, we will have confidence about the future because we know His plans are for our good. I’ve heard it said that fear is an acronym for False Evidence Appearing Real. Understand that fear is a lie. Today, choose to believe God’s Word and receive His love so that you can overcome fear and move forward into the good life He has prepared for you!
Prayer for Today:
Father in heaven, thank You for taking me to new levels. I know You have equipped me with a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. Fill me with Your confidence and assurance to embrace everything You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Copyright © 2012 Joel Osteen Ministries
I Am Lady Fab 