Monthly Archives: April 2013
Initiate Your Blessing
eVotional is extracted from, Woman Thou Art Loosed Holy Bible (NKJV) – TD Jakes (General Editor)
7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. — Matthew 7:7-8 NKJV
You must initiate your blessing. Go to God with the facts of your situation and lay them out in a systematic order, not with wild wailings and flailings. Never allow the enemy to use your emotions against you!
If you never ask for anything, you will never receive anything. Many people are so passive that they hang around life as limp as old rag dolls and never stand up to circumstances or enforce change. At the other extreme are the people who argue about everything. They are bitter and mean, priding themselves on being overbearing and outspoken.
Neither is effective. Overbearing women isolate themselves because men find them so obnoxious that they had rather hide from them than confront them. Passive women are taken for granted and abused because they feel powerless to provoke change. God wants women who will speak up without ranting and raving. The trick is to balance the two extremes.
However, even God will not release blessings to someone who will not speak up. He teaches emphathetically the necessity of being an initiator. If you don’t initiate it, nothing significant will ever occur in your life. It is totally up to you. If there is no asking, seeking, and knocking, there will be no giving, finding and opening. Can you see why many women are living in frustration? They are filled with wonderful memories and fantasies, but their reality may not be what they desire.
Too many people sit around and wish something would happen. This will make you stagnant and miserable. If you have dreams and aspirations, move toward those goals with vigor and precision. Most Christians feel that God will do it all. That’s not true. If Hannah had not prayed in the spirit for a child (faith) and then slept with Elkanah (works), there would have never been a Samuel (fruit). You can find this story in 1 Samuel 1:20.
You have to make your actions line up with your convictions, or you will live a fruitless life. What is even worse is the fact that in your old age, you will have to eat the fruit of what you did in your youth. Be careful what you cook. Initiate your blessing.
Health Benefits of Honey & Cinnamon
Article re-posted from Jennifer Messing-Buehler Facebook Page
Drug companies won’t like this one getting around. Facts on Honey and Cinnamon:
It is found that a mix of honey and Cinnamon cures most diseases. Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world. Scientists of today also note honey as very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. Honey can be used without side effects which is also a plus.Today’s science says that even though honey is sweet, when it is taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm even diabetic patients. Researched by western scientists:
HEART DISEASES: Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, put it on toast instead of jelly and jam and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol and could potentially save one from heart attack. Also, even if you have already had an attack studies show you could be kept miles away from the next attack. Regular use of cinnamon honey strengthens the heart beat. In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as one ages the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and the veins.
ARTHRITIS: Arthritis patients can benefit by taking one cup of hot water with two tablespoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. When taken daily even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week (out of the 200 people so treated) practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain — and within a month, most all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis now started walking without pain.
BLADDER INFECTIONS: Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it. It destroys the germs in the bladder….who knew?
CHOLESTEROL: Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water given to a cholesterol patient was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours. As mentioned for arthritic patients, when taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol-could be cured. According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS: Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and, clear the sinuses, and it’s delicious too!
UPSET STOMACH: Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomach ache and also is said to clear stomach ulcers from its root.
GAS: According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that when Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
IMMUNE SYSTEM: Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles (where DNA is contained) to fight bacterial and viral diseases.
INDIGESTION: Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food is eaten relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals
INFLUENZA: A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ‘Ingredient’ which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.
LONGEVITY: Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Use four teaspoons of honey, one teaspoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of boiling water to make a tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans increase and even a 100 year old will start performing the chores of a 20-year-old.
RASPY OR SORE THROAT: When throat has a tickle or is raspy, take one tablespoon of honey and sip until gone. Repeat every three hours until throat is without symptoms.
PIMPLES: Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it off the next morning with warm water. When done daily for two weeks, it removes all pimples from the root.
SKIN INFECTIONS:Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin Infections.
WEIGHT LOSS: Daily in the morning one half hour beforebreakfast and on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. When taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet.
CANCER: Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been
cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder three times a day for one month.
FATIGUE: Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, even when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, when taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M., the vitality of the body increases within a week.
BAD BREATH: People of South America, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water first thing in the morning so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
HEARING LOSS: Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing.
Remember when we were kids? We had toast with real butter and cinnamon sprinkled on it!
Taste Of The Kentucky Derby
Chucrhill Downs, Run for the Roses, Chow Wagon, Pegasus Pins and Thunder Over Louisville are the tall tale signs that THE KENTUCKY DERBY is here. And in Louisville the Derby is a big deal. It’s almost in a since a national holiday and being a fellow Kentuckian I have experience this phenomenon more than once. So Ladies get your Best & Biggest Hat ready. It’s time to go to the races!
1. Chocolate-Bourbon Pecan Pie
Derby pie is a pastry created in the Melrose Inn of Prospect, Kentucky, USA, by George Kern with the help of his parents. It is often associated with the Kentucky Derby. The pie is a chocolate and walnut tart in a pie shell usually with a pastry dough crust. It is also commonly made with pecans, chocolate chips and Kentucky bourbon. Popular additions are butterscotch, caramel, and other types of nuts.
The name “Derby Pie” is a registered trademark of Kern’s Kitchen, which registered the name in 1968. The company uses the name in the form “DERBY-PIE®” in official literature and advertisements. The company has filed several lawsuits over the years to protect its commercial rights. Because of this, others who make similar pies have had to alter their recipes slightly and/or use a different name (such as “Pegasus Pie”, a reference to the Pegasus Parade at the Kentucky Derby Festival and May Day Pie, in reference to the First Saturday in May, the day of the Kentucky Derby).
Recipe & Photo is courtesy of MyRecipes.Com
Ingredients
- 1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated piecrusts
- 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
- 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate morsels
- 1 cup dark corn syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon or water $
- 4 large eggs $
- 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted $
- 2 teaspoons cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Fit piecrust into a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate according to package directions; fold edges under, and crimp.
- Sprinkle pecans and chocolate evenly onto bottom of piecrust; set aside.
- Combine corn syrup and next 3 ingredients in a large saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Whisk together eggs and next 4 ingredients. Gradually whisk about one-fourth hot mixture into egg mixture; add to remaining hot mixture, whisking constantly. Pour filling into prepared piecrust.
- Bake at 325° for 55 minutes or until set; cool on wire rack.
2. Mint Julep
The mint julep is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, associated with the cuisine of the Southern United States. It is traditionally made with four ingredients: mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water. Traditionally, spearmint is the mint of choice used in Southern states, and in Kentucky in particular. In the use of sugar and mint, it is similar to the mojito. Traditionally, mint juleps were often served in silver or pewter cups, and held only by the bottom and top edges of the cup. This allows frost to form on the outside of the cup. Traditional hand placement may have arisen as a way to reduce the heat transferred from the hand to the silver or pewter cup. Today, mint juleps are most commonly served in a tall old-fashioned glass, Collins glass, or highball glass with a straw.
Recipe & Photo is courtesy of KentuckyDerby.Com
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups water
- Sprigs of fresh mint
- Crushed ice
- Early Times Kentucky Whisky
- Silver Julep Cups
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup by boiling sugar and water together for five minutes. Cool and place in a covered container with six or eight sprigs of fresh mint, then refrigerate overnight. Make one julep at a time by filling a julep cup with crushed ice, adding one tablespoon mint syrup and two ounces of Early Times Kentucky Whisky. Stir rapidly with a spoon to frost the outside of the cup. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
3. Kentucky Buttermilk Pie
Buttermilk pie is a custard-like pie. Traditional of the United Kingdom, it almost unknown today but is now a traditional pie of the southern United States and is well known in Texas. It is similar to, and sometimes confused with, chess pie but it does not include cornmeal. The basic filling consists of a mixture of sugar, butter, eggs, buttermilk and wheat flour. Variations on the recipe may include flavorings such as vanilla or lemon zest. Buttermilk pies are made with a pie crust. The filling is poured into the crust and baked until the mixture sets. The pie is best eaten at room temperature after being allowed to cool, but may be eaten either warm from the oven or after being chilled.
Recipe & Photo courtesy of Sweet Tea And Cornbread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 Tbs. self rising flour
- 1 stick melted butter
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 2 Tbs. KY bourbon
- 1 deep dish pie shell
Instructions
- Mix together butter and sugar. Add flour, eggs, and buttermilk and mix well. Add vanilla and bourbon.
- Place the pie shell on a cookie sheet and pour the mixture into shell. Place on the center rack of the oven set at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Decrease the temperature to 300 degrees and bake for 45 minutes. Remove and cool before slicing.
4. The Hot Brow
A Hot Brown Sandwich is a hot sandwich originally created at the Brown Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, by Fred K. Schmidt in 1926. It is a variation of traditional Welsh rarebit and was one of two signature sandwiches created by chefs at the Brown Hotel shortly after its founding in 1923. It was created to serve as an alternative to ham and egg late-night suppers.
Recipe & Photo is courtesy of Brown Hotel
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Whole Butter
- 2 oz. All Purpose Flour
- 16 oz. Heavy Cream
- 1/2 Cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, Plus 1 Tablespoon for Garnish
- Salt & Pepper to Taste
- 14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast
- 2 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
- 4 slices of Crispy Bacon
- 2 Roma Tomatoes, Sliced in Half
- Paprika
- Parsley
Instructions
- In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk heavy cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and set them alongside the base of turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top, sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.
21 Simple Ways To Strengthen Your Marriage
Article re-posted from DaveWillis.Org
There are millions of way to strengthen your marriage. In no particular order, here are twenty-one…
1. Have more SEX, but make sure you’re ONLY having it with each other!
2. Don’t keep secrets from each other. COMMUNICATE about everything.
3. Argue less. Cuddle more.
4. Don’t get deep in debt and if you’re already there, work together to get out of it!
5. Pray together, find a healthy church and make FAITH a foundation for your life together.
6. Turn off your phones. Talking with each other is better than texting with someone else!
7. Pull the car over and make out more often.
8. Leave LOVE NOTES for each other.
9. Send flowers on unexpected days, not just holidays.
10. Don’t ignore problems in your relationship. Deal with them quickly and aggressively.
11. Be quick to remember each other’s positive traits and quick to forget each other’s flaws.
12. Don’t hold grudges. Forgive and seek FORGIVENESS when you’ve wronged each other.
13. Don’t waste time or energy comparing your lives to anyone else’s. God’s plan for you is masterfully unique.
14. Go on long walks and HOLD HANDS.
15. Make “DATE NIGHT” a priority! Time alone together is vital for your continued growth and health.
16. Give COMPLIMENTS constantly, and never give insults.
17. When you’re happy, laugh together. When you’re sad, cry together. Whatever you do, do it together!
18. Show LOVE and RESPECT to each other even in those moments when you don’t feel like it.
19. Keep dreaming new dreams and making big plans together. Don’t get stuck in a predictable rut.
20. ENCOURAGE each other. Build each other up so much that nothing in the world can tear you down.
21. NEVER give up on each other!
Kiwi Popsicles
Okay all week I have been telling my husband I want Popsicles. But that’s no surprise I Love Them. Popsicles, Popsicles, Popsicles. Oooo, I just thought about the bomb pops from the ice cream truck. Mmmmm 🙂 I WANT A POPSICLE! OK focus Tameca. Now back to the post, this is a cool refreshing kiwi fruit pop. A perfect snack on a Hot Summer Day!
Recipe & Photo is courtesy of Divas Can Cook
Ingredients
- 4 ripe kiwi
- 1½ cups pineapple juice, naturally sweetened
- ½ teaspoon sugar *optional* (you could also use honey, agave or more pineapple juice to make it sweeter naturally)
Instructions
- Carefully slice the kiwi in half and spoon out the flesh.
- Place the kiwi into a food processor.
- Pour in pineapple juice.
- Blend on low speed for a few seconds. Be careful not to over blend to avoid the seeds breaking or it will produce a bitter taste.
- Give it a taste. You may add a little sugar, honey or agave to sweeten.
- Pour the mixture into the popsicle mold.
- Insert popsicle sticks. Freeze for 6 hours or until completely frozen.
- Run the popsicle mold under warm water to remove the frozen popsicles.
Nutella Popsicles
I remember when I first introduced myself to Nutella. I was like, “Where have you been all my life?” And now I have discovered they have a nutella popsicle recipe. Oh My Goodness! I just died and went to Heaven.
Recipe & Photo is courtesy of Divas Can Cook
Ingredients
- ½ cup Nutella
- ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup soy milk
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a bowl.
- Mix until creamy.
- Pour into popsicles molds.
- Freeze overnight.
- Run molds under warm water to loosen the popsicles.
- Enjoy.
Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles
OMG! Who loves cheesecake? I DO! And I found another recipe that would fit the bill for these EXTREMELY HOT summer days ahead. And here in the great state of Florida the summer never ends. LOL. So try this recipe on for size. I think that you might like it. I sure do. Hello Summer 🙂
Recipe & Photo courtesy of Divas Can Cook
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups strawberries, diced
- 1 Tablespoon water
- 1-3 Tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet the strawberries already are)
- 4-6 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
- ¼ cup milk (I used almond milk)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, over medium heat add water, strawberries, sugar.
- Cook until strawberries are soft enough to completely mash with a potato masher or fork.
- Taste and add more sugar if needed. It should be sweet yet still have a little natural tartness.
- Removed mashed strawberries from heat and let cool.
- Place strawberry mixture in a blender and blend until completely pureed.
- Refrigerate until cold.
- In a large bowl cream together cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract (if using).
- Layer the mixture into popsicle molds. Starting with a little bit of the strawberry mixture or any way you desire.
- Use a wooden skewer to swirl the mixture if desired.
- Freeze overnight.
- Run popsicle mold under warm water to release the frozen popsicles.
- Enjoy!
*Chef’s Tip: This is a great recipe to BYOC (Be Your Own Chef). Try & experiment with different fruits like blueberry, cherry or better yet chocolate. The options are endless!
Raspberry Lemonade Yogurt Pops
Me love myself some popsicles. And with the warm weather upon us I am all in! So today I have a new recipe that I came across that I sooo had to share. RASPBERY LEMONADE YOGURT POPS, WHAT! Hope your taste buds are ready. Cause they are in for a cool, refreshing treat.
Recipe & Photo is courtesy of The Slow Roasted Italian
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoons lemon zest (zest of one lemon)
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons juiced)
- 1 ½ cups plain yogurt
- 6 ounces fresh raspberries, cleaned (large ones cut in half)
Instructions
- Evenly distribute raspberries between ice pop molds. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine lemon zest and sugar. Smash lemon zest with a fork until all sugar is coated in lemon. Add lemon juice and yogurt. Stir until well combined.
- Pour into molds. Cover with aluminum foil and add sticks. Freeze for 4-24 hours.
- Eat & Enjoy!!!
Our Daily Bread – Our Legacy
Read: Psalm 127
Children are a heritage from the Lord. — Psalm 127:3
A friend of mine wrote recently, “If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children’s lives?”
Why do we sometimes exhaust ourselves rising up early and going late to rest, “eating the bread of anxious toil” (Ps. 127:1-2 esv), busying ourselves to make our mark on this world, and overlooking the one investment that matters beyond everything else—our children?
Solomon declared, “Children are a heritage from the Lord”—an invaluable legacy He has bequeathed us. “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth” (v.4) is his striking simile. Nothing is more worthy of our energy and time.
There is no need for “anxious toil,” working night and day, the wise man Solomon proclaimed, for the Lord does take care of us (Ps. 127:2). We can make time for our children and trust that the Lord will provide for all of our physical needs. Children, whether our own or those we disciple, are our lasting legacy—an investment we’ll never regret.
Our children are a heritage,
A blessing from the Lord;
They bring a richness to our lives—
In each, a treasure stored. —Fasick
The Good Days of Marriage
By: Marjorie Holmes
Read: Proverbs 5:15-23
May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. — Proverbs 5:18
Dear Lord, thank you for the good days of marriage. The days when we wake up pleased with each other, our jobs, our children, our home and ourselves. Thank you for our communication- the times when we can really talk to each other; and the times when we understand each other without so much as gesture or a word.
Thank you for our companionship– the times when we can work together at projects we both enjoy. Or work in our separate fields and yet have that sense of sharing that can only come when two persons’ lives have merged in so many others for so long. Thank you that we don’t feel cut off from each other, no matter how divergent the things we do. Thank you for our times of privacy. Our times of freedom. Our relaxed sense of personal trust.
Thank you that we don’t have to clutch and stifle each other, that we have learned to respect ourselves enough to respect the other’s individuality. Thank you, Lord, that despite the many storms of marriage we have reached these particular shores. Help us to remember them. Help us to hold fast to them, Lord. Be blessed!
Additional Scripture Readings: Ecclesiastes 9:9; Ephesians 5:25
I Am Lady Fab 