Not Hard - Just Different

Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power

and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee. Jeremiah 32:17

Have you ever heard a song that brought back a memory to you? Maybe a love song that reminds you of your parents, or a crazy song that reminds you of your teenage years, or better yet a worship song that takes you back to wonderful experiences you've had in God.

I recently heard a song that took my mind back to a lesson I was taught years ago that is one of the best lessons I've ever learned in regards to faith. I was privileged to take voice lessons with a master vocalist for a time. She was fun and a little eccentric - everything a voice teacher should be. She took me through crazy exercises to strengthen my voice and help me achieve some goals I had in singing. One goal (that I believe she actually decided) was that I was going to learn to sing an octave higher than I had been singing. I had sung since high school and knew I had a very low voice and normally sung in the alto 2 section, which was the lowest female voices. I could with a little stretching reach up and help the alto 1 section now and then, but that was my limit.

So, our goal was for me to have the ability to sing as a second soprano - only one step down from the highest female voices. When she announced this goal I have to admit I thinking - "I can't do that!" She must have read my mind because she said something that has stuck with me for almost 20 years now. "Debbie, don't think about singing higher as hard. The higher notes are not hard, they're just different." Wow - that was a revelation. I had always seen higher notes as too hard to reach, something that was simply beyond my ability. Yet someone was telling me that it wasn't hard and I could do it if I changed my way of thinking. She knew how to do it, and she was going to help me get there. She had the ability I needed and as a team we were going to accomplish our goal.

Did you get that... pretty sure I just saw a few lights go on and the word "Bingo!" pop into someone's head. So often we look at life through the eyes of what we think we can do. We may have never even tried something, but because of past experiences or the opinions of others about who we are and what our abilities are, we simply step back and say, "That's too hard. I can't do that." Why? Because thats what we think and believe in our hearts. The unfortunate fact is that if we believe we can't, we are right, we won't be able to do it. If I believe I will never lose those extra pounds, then I won't. If I believe I'll never find the right mate who will love me the way Christ does (especially if I had a bad marriage before) then I won't. If I believe that my income will never increase because I don't have the "right skill set", then it won't. Wow - Deb - that's not good news! No, it's not, but it's the truth! We will never go further than the point to which we have developed our faith.

The Bible clearly teaches us that we accomplish the will of God in our lives by and through faith. Hebrews 11 is filled with folks who did great things for God, and they all did it the same way - by and through faith. That's the good news! If we begin to deal with the heart of the matter, study and meditate on what God has said we can do and begin to act on it, then we will begin to accomplish more in life than we ever imagine. It's true - we really can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us! We can lose those pounds. We can find (or ladies, be found) by the right mate - even if it's the second time around. We can believe and experience a fresh love and passion in our marriage. We can have financial increase no matter what our skill set or education is.

How? By faith! You may not even realize it, but you've already worked the faith process. When you got born again, you did it by faith. Romans 10 tells us that in order to be saved, we had to believe in our hearts that God raised Jesus from the dead, and confess with our mouths that Jesus was the Lord of our lives. That was it...that's faith in a nutshell! I must believe the Word of God no matter what, and I must be willing to act on what I believe. If we did that to receive salvation, then we can keep working the same process to receive ANY promise if God. All of the promises of God are received this way - believing what the Word says and then acting on it.

Often the greatest act of faith is simply saying what the Word of God says is true. If we really spend enough time getting the Word in our hearts, so that it becomes natural for the Word to come out of our mouths - even in private moments of frustration and pain - then we will be able to change our circumstances with the Word. If I feel sick or the doctor has given me a bad report about my health, what do I do? I must believe what the Bible says; I must believe that I am healed by the stripes of Jesus. I must search out the scriptures and find the ones that show me that through what Jesus has already done for me I am already healed - right now. I must listen to people anointed to teach and preach about healing. Then I must intentionally believe that and say only that - no matter what.

What if it looks like it's getting worse? Believe and speak healing anyway. What if my doctor says I'm going to die? Believe and speak healing anyway. What if I'm scared? Believe and speak healing anyway. What if I knew someone else who didn't get healed. Believe and speak healing anyway. Never live on the way you feel, the reports you are receiving, or the experience of others, but rather choose to only live by the Word of God.  I must keep myself surrounded with the Word of God and not let anyone or anything talk me out of it. This is called the faith process - intentionally believing and acting on what the Bible says is true in any area of life. When we understand how to work with  the Word - the Word will work for us - and it will work for us every single time.

Was it easy to get saved? Yes! God made it easy for us to receive salvation. There may have been challenges along the way, but we knew it belonged to us. Is it easy to receive healing? Yes! We receive it the same way. There may be challenges along the way, but if we continue in faith, we will win! I am not saying you're not in a fight - but if you want to prevail you must know and believe it is a fight you are going to win!! If God can rescue you out of the kingdom of darkness and change your heart for eternity - there is nothing He can't do for you! It doesn't matter what promise of God you need to receive right now - stop looking at it as hard. Nothing is too hard for God. This fight isnt too hard for you and God together. Remember, it's not hard - it's just different.

And yes, to this day, I can sing the part of a second sorprano. How about that! :)

Remember you're a winner!!

Debbie Beck 

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Autumn Hash

      

   Autumn Hash

Autumn Hash is a delightful meal that is both nutritious and filling.  The flavors meld together to create a unique and complimentary dish to warm your palate. You can serve it with corn bread, pumpkin muffins, sliced apples, a grilled panini sandwich or with a bowl of your favorite soup.   

Ingredients:
1 Package of smoked sausage (turkey or pork)

2 small/med sweet potatoes

2 cups of fresh brussel sprouts or preferred vegetable

1 red bell pepper

1/4- 1/2  tsp of fennel

1 tsp of oregano

1/2 tsp of salt to taste

2 cloves of garlic

2 tbsp of grape seed or olive oil

To prepare ingredients: Simply dice the sweet potatoes and bell peppers.  For the brussel sprouts, cut of the ends, pull of any damaged leaves, and cut in half or 1/4's.  Slice the smoked sausage and press the garlic.  

Cooking instructions:  Heat oil in a large skillet, add garlic and let simmer for 30 seconds. Add diced sweet potatoes, wedged brussel sprouts  and cook on medium, stirring often until slightly soft (about 10 minutes).  Add bell peppers, smoked sausage and seasoning to taste.  Allow to simmer together for 15-20 minutes on medium- low.  

Serve immediately or let cool and refrigerate for the next day.  

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Mimi's Banana Pudding

Southern charm in a glass dish ~ Just in time for the holidays!  

Mimi's Banana Pudding:
1 Package Instant Vanilla Pudding
1 Can of Eagle Brand Milk
2 Cups 2% Milk
8 Bananas
1 Box Vanilla Wafers
1 Tub Cool Whip

Place one layer of the vanilla wafers in a 9 X 13 glass dish.  Next, layer with sliced bananas. In a separate dish, combine vanilla pudding powder, Eagle Brand Milk and the 2% milk.  Stir well and after thoroughly mixed, fold in the Cool Whip.  Pour this mixture into the glass dish over the vanilla wafers and sliced bananas.  Crush a few wafers and sprinkle on top.  Best when chilled for at least 2 hours!  Enjoy!    

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Snicker Dip

Snicker Dip

This dip is a hit with the college crowd!  They LOVE it!  I have served with graham crackers and with pretzels - they all prefer the pretzels.

16 oz. Cream Cheese

8 oz. Cool Whip
1/4 C. Brown Sugar

6 Regular Size Snickers or 12 Fun Size - cut into small chunks

Mix all together and refrigerate for several hours.  I do overnight.  The refrigeration is key for the flavors to gel.

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"FIX YOUR THOUGHTS"

I don’t love everything about myself.  I can easily become discouraged when I fail at something.   I don’t want to explore a new friendship because I might get hurt.  If I start something new I may not be able to finish strong.  If I write the book, it won’t be publishable.  If I try to eat healthy, I’ll end up crashing my diet.  Stepping out and trusting God to accomplish His purpose in me?  That’s risky business.  I’m just getting started.  These are only a few of the thoughts that may pass through my mind in a moment.  Hurt. Rejection.  Disappointment.  Failure.   Do these words find their way up to the surface of your thoughts?  They have made their bed in mine.    

My thoughts can be my worst enemy, holding me back from my dreams, desires and the simple pleasures of life.  They can hold me back from trying something new, building relationships, accomplishing dreams, fulfilling destiny.  They leave me stranded in my own self worth, measured by past experiences, hurtful words, disappointments, or failed attempts to follow my dreams.  

The truth is my thoughts are not true.  They are more like a broken compass, its needle spinning out of control, unwilling to lead me out of the stagnant swamp.  But when I look to Jesus, He will point me true north.  And His thoughts are not comparable to anything I have heard, even from those who love me the most.  We are His workmanship.  He made us in His image, breathed life into our inner beings, and said, “It was very good.”  

God’s word will not lead us astray.  When He asks us to do something for Him, it is never outside of our limitations.  You may feel unworthy, inadequate, unequipped, but He who handcrafted you, knows exactly what you have been created for.  God is not saying, “Let’s see what you are made of.” No -- He wants to show you what you are made of.   He created you with a purpose and has equipped you to fulfill it.  He is not giving you big dreams that you can’t obtain.  He breathed His greatness into you and His thoughts for you are beyond what you can think or imagine! 

All through the Bible, God asked ordinary people to do great things for Him.  They had inadequacies, and did not hesitate to remind God that they could not speak well, were too young, had a family to provide for, had done murderous things… the excuses for why God should not choose them could fill an empty page.  Yet they risked everything they had to follow God’s plan for their life and God was faithful to fulfill His promises in and through them.  

God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8).  God makes it clear in His word what we should fix our thoughts on:

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them].   
    Philippians 4:8 Amp

When we meditate on truth, we will wash out the deception that has rooted in our thought life.  God’s word remains forever and His love never fails us.  

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” 

Psalm 100:5 ESV

Saying yes to God will require you to give your time, resources, and energy.  But your reward will be greater than what you sacrifice to follow the plan He has for your life.   

“If you are willing and obedient you shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:19 ESV

When you face discouragement or loneliness in the midst of your journey, fix our thoughts on God’s promises.  

“… You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will turn into joy.” John 16:20 AMP

The truth is, my thoughts become void when I meditate on God’s word.  He maps out His destiny for my life and takes me on a journey that ends at a promise.  I don’t have to be afraid to leap out in faith when God gives me a task.  And when my compass alters, I can reset it to the magnetic field of God’s word.  We can trust Him to fulfill the dreams He’s ignited in our hearts, by equipping, providing, and assuring us of our worth.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.  For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.”  Colossians 3:1-4 NLT

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Apple Butter

Apple Butter

Not only is this recipe delish....it makes your house smell heavenly!  Enjoy!

4 lbs Apples
2 C. Sugar
2 T. Apple Cider Vinegar
2 t. Ground Cinnamon
1/3  C. Water
1/4 t. Ground Cloves
1/8 t. Ground Allspice
1/8 t. Ground Nutmeg

Peel & core the apples.  Put all the ingredients in the crock pot and stir.  Cover and cook on high 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally.

Use a potato masher when the apples are soft to mash them down for chunky apple sauce.  You can also put in the blender if you like it without chunks.

You can put the apple butter in hot canning jars and put the lids on and they seal.  Or, you can freeze the apple butter.  It will store in the refrigerator for about 3 weeks.

Makes 4 1/2 pints.

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Oh So Sweet Lemon Bars

Oh So Sweet Lemon Bars

Crust:
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 cups all purpose flour

Filling:
4 eggs
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/4 cup all purpose flour
The juice of 2 lemons 

This recipe was a hit at prayer last week so I thought I would share this with you all.  This is adapted from allrecipes.com

Preheat the oven to 350*F.  In a medium bowl mix together the butter, sugar, and flour like making pie crust.  Press into the bottom of a 9x13 in pan.  Bake for 15-20 minutes or until firm.

In the meantime add 4 eggs, sugar, flour and lemon juice (make sure to not get seeds in bowl) in a medium bowl and whisk until blended. Pour on crust.

Bake for another 15-20 minutes at 350*F.  The lemon bars will be done when the filling is firm, but not too firm (they will set more as they cool).

When cool cut into bars and sprinkle powdered sugar to top!

Serve and Enjoy :)

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Pull Hard....And Don't Let Go!

Pull Hard...And Don't Let Go!

Our youngest daughter, Michaela is 10 years old.  For the past two years, she has been dealing with lactose and gluten intolerance.  Although we have meds that allow her to consume dairy products with no ramifications, there are no meds available for the gluten issue.  So, the end result is a gluten-free diet.  This can be a bit of damper when it comes to birthday celebrations and parties at school as cookies, cakes, snack type finger foods, etc. most generally all contain gluten.  

Since we uncovered the issue two years ago,we have been standing in faith believing for complete healing and restoration in her digestive system.  But she is a child, and so occasionally I get the questions of, "Why is it taking so long for healing to come?"  Great question and one we often ask ourselves even as adults.

I am a person who LOVES analogies, so I began pondering an analogy that would help her understand this whole faith walk and what our responsibility is.  

You may have heard it said that Jesus has already done all that He can do for our healing.  In Is. 53:5, it says that by his stripes we ARE healed.  Stripes here refers to the wounds that were on His back from the scourging.  That ARE is current tense.  So, if we ARE healed, how do we explain why we still deal with the physical issues?

I explained to Michaela that there is a Spiritual realm (the heavenlies) and a physical/natural realm in which we live.  In the Spiritual realm, she is healed.  But the natural/physical realm is different.  These are two separate 'domains' so to speak.  Although that is true, we must remember that we can change the physical realm, by bringing down the Spiritual realm.

Have you ever seen a roller shade?  It is a type of venetian blind.  It is nothing more than a rod with a vinyl type covering wrapped around it.  The ends of the rod are then finished off with a type of toggle that allows the shade to operate once installed at the window.  When the roller shade is raised or completely up, there is no evidence to the natural eye that it will come down and cover the entire window.  It simply looks like a rod covered with vinyl mounted at the top of the window.  

However, if we will grab the bottom of that shade and pull it down, we will find that the entire window can be covered, cutting off the outside world.  We pull that shade, believing that it will come down and that the window will be covered.

And so it is with healing, or any other promise from God's Word.  It has been installed in the spiritual realm.  Our job is to grab a hold of it and pull it down until the entire situation is covered in the physical realm.  We do that through prayer and declaration of the Word, holding fast that what God has promised is coming down.  Entertaining doubt and questioning sends that shade right back up to the top.  We must grab hold of that shade and not let go.  By faith we pull and pull and pull until the whole situation is covered by the promise and we see a change in the physical realm. 

Grab hold my friends...it may take a while, but oh how sweet the victory will be.  

Be Blessed!

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

1/2 C. Butter (softened)
1 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
3/4 C. Pumpkin
1 1/2 C. Flour
1 t. Baking Soda
1/2 t. Salt
1 t. Ground Cinnamon
1/2 t. Ground Nutmeg
1/4 t. Ground Ginger
Mini Chocolate Chips (quantity to your liking)

Cream the first 4 ingredients until smooth.  Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.  Add desired amount of mini chocolate chips.  Put in greased loaf pan.  Bake for 60 minutes at 350 degrees.  Enjoy!

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Trust the Mirror

Hello friends! I had a simple experience yesterday that sparked some thoughts I hope will be a blessing to you.

I was on my way out to work when I opened my garage door to find that a friend who was watching our girls for the day had parked right behind where I needed to pull out. At first I thought I might have to go back in and ask her to move her car so that I could leave, but then I thought I'd better take a closer look. With 5 girls up and about, I knew a quick trip into the house could turn into a 20 minute adventure!

So, I got out of the van and took a closer look and saw I had some room, but I still wasn't sure if I could make it. I got back in the van and began to turn the wheel and look in my mirrors to see if it would work. I could see in the mirrors there really was enough room to maneuver, but I was still pretty nervous. It almost seemed that what I saw on my own and what my mirrors were telling me were two different things. What seemed impossible to the natural eye alone looked possible in the mirrors. After a moment of hesitation, I told myself - "Debbie, just trust the mirror!" Within just a few moments of adjusting my wheels and paying close attention to what I saw in the mirror I was on my way!

In James 1:22-24, the Bible compares looking in the Word to looking in a mirror. The Scripture tells us that if we look in the mirror of the Word, but don't trust it enough to do what it says, then we have deceived ourselves. If I had looked in the mirror on my van and saw that what I needed to do was possible, but had walked away and not done it I would have deceived myself into believing that I couldn't do it, when in reality it was simply that I wouldn't do it.

Have you ever looked in the Word and read something incredible, but walked away thinking - "I can't do that or that's for people with a special call or special anointing." Although you may not feel like it in the course of your everyday life, my friend, you are a supernatural force in this world with all the power of Heaven behind you! If you believe in Jesus Christ and have confessed Him as Lord, there is nothing more special than that! I love Mark 16:15-18 because of these words in verse 17...."And these signs shall follow them that believe...." I remember the day I got the revelation that the supernatural power of God was available to me for one simple reason - I was a believer. Not because of a title, or who I studied under, or what country I lived in, or anything else....I could operate in the supernatural because I believed in a supernatural God.

So, the next time you are looking in the mirror of the Word and the Holy Spirit illuminates a Scripture to you and prompts your heart to step out in faith and "walk on the water" so to speak, don't be so quick to think - "I can't do that!" Take a good look at what He's asked you to do, then look at the mirror closely. If the mirror - the Word - says you can, make whatever adjustments you need to make and start moving that direction. Before you know it you'll be on your way to fulfilling one more part of the beatiful destiny God has prepared just for you.

Dear sister, He knows you and He loves. He will not lead you on to fail, but if you trust Him you will find yourself in a place of fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams.

All for Him,

Debbie Beck

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Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing

Chocolate Cake with Peanut Butter Icing ~ A moist chocolate cake with a 'cup of coffee' added ~ This one's a Winner - Delicious!

2 Cups Brown Sugar
2 Cups Flour
3/4 Cup Baking Cocoa
2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
1 Teaspoon Baking Powder
2 Eggs
1 Cup Milk
1 Cup Hot Coffee (Regular or Decaf)
1/2 Cup Oil

Combine all ingredients.  Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 45 minutes or until done.

Peanut Butter Icing:

1 Cup Powdered Sugar
3/4 Cup Butter (Real Butter)
3/4 Cup Favorite Peanut Butter
(* You can alter these ingredients to taste depending how sweet you want your icing)

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Got a Moment?

Can life be busy?  Absolutely.  Can we let precious moments pass us by?  Without a doubt, the answer is yes.  I’m convinced that significant moments happen on purpose; we learn to seize the brief occasions that would otherwise disappear & we plan our schedules to include special times before they are forgotten. Ephesians 5:15-16 echoes this so well as it says, “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity…”

I’m sure you know that I’m going to wrap this up by talking about our moments with God, but first let’s just look at those relationships close to us.  I truly feel the same way about both. Have you ever been on a road trip that was like a race from beneath? You know, the one where you have a time limit in the bathroom & eat every meal in the car, all this just to arrive a few hours earlier.  Oh man, you can tell I’m not up for that & I’m quite the traveller.  Alas, my husband isn’t that man any more! (smile) After trying a trip my way a few times, he’s learned to slow down & enjoy the journey.  Mind you, I still have to be in the car on time, but now we plan memorable stops & simply embrace special junctures as they come.  Yes, that might even include the drive through dinosaur museum, but I have some of my favorite photos from that spot.

It can start simple, like making sure your family has meals together.  Then, you might find that rather than everyone running for an electronic device, you actually like to sit on the porch & watch the sun set together. Those who are close to me know I’m a sucker for that one!  I’ve found that almost always others enjoy it too.  We as women have to be “facilitators of fellowship.”  Now, there is a good way to put it.  It is not just about money, it’s about time.  It’s icing cookies, a stroll down your lane or an unexpected stop by Grandma’s house.  That's are what we call serendipity. They usually happen when we purposely grab a moment that others would have allowed to go on by.  They are some of the sweetest times!

God’s all about creating moments with us that we won’t forget too.   You see it in the beginning when He put Adam & Eve in the garden in Genesis chapter 2 & 3.   He would come down in the cool of the day just to be with them.   How about the burning bush in Exodus chapter 3? Wow, that was a moment between Moses & God that none of us will ever forget!  When you carry it forward into the New Testament, we see our Lord washing the disciples feet, taking them away from the crowd to spend time with them & enjoying extraordinary meals together.  Yes, He is our example & we are created to be with Him.  I Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son…”

I may not know some of you personally, yet I imagine I could guess that your schedule is as full as mine.  I’m a wife, mother, homeschool teacher & co-founder of our ministry to the nations.  There are days when it seems like within my home & around the world people are calling my name, all at the same time.   All the while, the creator of the universe doesn’t push, rather woos me to remember Him. 

I have had to purposely plan my time with Him or my day gets away from me.  These are the most sacred minutes of my life.  I thought I didn’t have time to give him; I learned I couldn’t have accomplished it without Him. I need Him!  These moments define who I am.  Truly, it is no sacrifice at all.

Let’s create a moment,

Judi Jo

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Spicy Spaghetti

I had barely walked in the door when my fifteen-year-old-always-hungry teenager says, "Mom, what's for lunch?"

Quick on my feet, I tell him I have ground beef thawed out and could make spaghetti. "What kind?" he asks. "My kind, of course."

"Spicy?"

"Of course sweetie. What other kind is there?" I replied.

So while whipping up a batch of his favorite spaghetti, I thought of INSPIRED WOMAN!

I think you'll love this recipe that originated from a lack of ingredients and a need to make my spaghetti sauce thicker!

You'll need these ingredients:

• 1 lb. Ground Beef
• 1/2 pkg. Spaghetti Sauce Mix (dry)
• 1 can Fire Roasted Tomatoes (or Rotel will also work)
• 2 Tbsp. Dry Peppered Gravy Mix
• Spaghetti Noodles

Brown your ground beef (I like to add some season salt to mine) and start boiling your water for the noodles. In a blender or bullet, mix the canned tomatoes and dry seasoning with 1/2 can WATER to make the sauce. After meat is cooked thoroughly, drain the grease and add the sauce mix. (The water will probably be ready for noodles by now so don't forget to cook!)

Now for the secret ingredient: Add your dry peppered gravy mix to the sauce and meat as it begins to bubble a bit. I used to get this at Sam's (it's great for Saturday morning biscuits & gravy --a southern favorite!) but now our local Walmart sells it as well. Use your spatula or spoon to mix into sauce and allow to bubble a few more minutes. The sauce color will change some, but the results are fantastic! Not only does this add a little kick to your spaghetti, but it also creates a nice, thick sauce.

Serve with your favorite veggies and/or garlic bread! Voila! Hopefully this will become a new favorite for your family too! Enjoy!

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Great principle to teach tweens and teens is the "Eyeball Principle."  Live today as if your future husband or wife could see into your life.  Would they be embarrassed or jealous by the way you treat the opposite sex?  Proverbs 31:12 says "She does him good and not evil ALL the days of her life."  "All" means before you even know them!  Teens should live every day in a way that brings honor to their future spouse.  (Eric and Leslie Ludy)

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What Are The 7 Pillars Of Your Home?

Parents have been given a supernatural responsibility by the Lord when a child has been placed in their care.  The Bible says, “Children are an inheritance from the Lord.  The fruit of the womb is his reward.”  Children are gifts from God and He entrusts parents with the commandment of training them up in the ways of the Lord.  It is our God given job to raise them to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind. 

Any home that is going to withstand storms of life begins with a strong structural base.  Many times when you see buildings being erected, the first foundational parts will be strong metal pillars.  The Bible says in Proverbs 9:1-2, “Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars.”  What are the seven pillars of wisdom that I am putting into my children?  What do I want them to capture while living at home?  What habits do I want to develop in them that they will subconsciously pass on to the next generation?

Here are my seven pillars of wisdom that I want my children to learn from their time at home:



1.       Love God’s Word and prayer. 

Josh 1:8  This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth;
but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest
observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

2.       Be faithful to the house of God. 

Heb 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as
the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much
the more, as ye see the day approaching.

3.       Be respectful to all authority. 

Eph 6:1-3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.  Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

4.       Be grateful and thankful for everything you have. 

Phil 2:14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings

                                                        5.       Discipline the flesh and work hard. 

Prov 22:29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings…

       6.       Be humble, teachable and quick to repent. 

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

       7.       Live holy, be a person of integrity, and hunger for God. 

Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:










In order for these principles to be caught by my children, I must model them.  The Bible says in Deut 11:19-20,  

“And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.   And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:”

Today think about the seven pillars of your house, write them, and set them before your children so that their spiritual structure can be developed while they are in the nest.  Then, when they spread their wings to fly they will be equipped to soar like the eagles. 

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Crock Pot Beef Burritos

Are you a busy mom and need help getting dinner on the table? Never fear, a make ahead crock pot freezer meal is your answer! This meal is Dillingham family approved and is now a favorite of the whole clan! Getting five boys to agree on anything is quite the accomplishment around our dinner table.

You can either combine all of these ingredients in one bag and freeze, or compile them on the day you plan to cook it. If you do freeze it, just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator the day before, or the microwave before placing in the crock pot.

Ingredients:

• 1 London Broil or top round roast (about 2 lbs.)
• 1 diced onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons whole peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
• 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, I took out the seeds to reduce the heat, but you could certainly leave them in - use just 1 pepper! (It's in a can, and then freeze the other peppers)
• 1 and 1/2  teaspoons  chili powder (you can adjust this according to your taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin  

Instructions:

1. Add all of the above ingredients in a gallon sized freezer bag and freeze.

2. When you are ready to cook the meal, dump the thawed contents of the bag into the crock pot and cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours.

3. When the meat is cooked, strain the juices (to remove the peppercorns and onions) and then add the juice back to the slow cooker. Shred the meat and add back to the juice in the slow cooker for about 20 minutes.

You will also need:

• 16 burrito sized flour tortillas
• Any toppings you prefer on burritos, such as cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomatoes, etc. 

 I also highly recommend making and adding Cilantro Lime Rice to your burritos!! This made it sooo yummy!! Just cook up some rice on the stove top or in your rice cooker and add lime juice, chopped cilantro and salt to taste.

Our children actually ate the leftovers the next day!

This is a way of preparing and cooking meals that I discovered and  I love it! One Saturday for a few hours, my wonderful husband and I were able to put together 7 meals and stockpile the freezer. On a busy day, I just pull a meal out and throw it in the crock pot. It couldn't be easier!

*I used a 4 quart slow cooker for this recipe.

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A Graceful Walk

Ladies,

We did it!  Today, on this lovely fall morning, we open our hearts once again and welcome you to TheInspiredWoman.org as a blog. We’re back with an updated look, new contributors and fresh inspirations for your day!  As before, I’ve filled this site with wisdom from women that I most respect and am confident have a message just for you.

Speaking of you, my purpose as we kick off our blog is all about YOU. Recently I spoke at a women’s brunch where I realized just how much we women nurture everyone and everything in our lives, except often we fail to do the same for ourselves.  We have such “full plates” and  “all our balls in the air”; however, we neglect to care for the one that needs to be strong to hold it all in place.  So today this blog, truly this entire site, is a time just for you. 

Galatians 5:25 says, “If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”  We have a choice how we go through this life.  We can go through it gracefully or truly it can be ugly to look upon.   Galatians 5 talks about both of these so well! Our responses in life can vary from selfishness, envy and jealousy to self-control, peace and joy.  So, my question to you today is simple.  How do you want to go through this life?  Let’s choose a graceful walk together.

I imagine that you, like me, don’t want to choose ugly.  Yet, we’ve all seen ugly!  Obviously I’m not talking about how one looks, but rather how one acts. Have you ever seen an adult throw what seems to be a fit?  They may as well be that kid in the check out line at the grocery that doesn’t get her candy.  Why is that?  Could another choice have been made?  Absolutely!

Why doesn’t someone choose to act the way they truly would like to act?  It’s simple! Matthew 26:41 says, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.”  The only way we will make the ultimate choice we desire is when we are strong in spirit.  Like an athlete, the only way to have this kind of strength is to do what’s required to get it.  In this case, the answer is time in His presence. 

2 Corinthians 4:18 talks about this higher way of living.  It says, “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal.”  We all need some eternal time, those moments spent looking at God.  Those times when we receive strength that only comes from His Word and His presence.  In this place, He is magnified to us and our problems are minimized.  Now, we respond differently when the problem looks so small, because our God looks so big.

Proverbs 18:14 depicts what I’m saying so well since “The spirit of a man sustains him, but a broken spirit who can bear.”  In other words, when one's spirit is strong she will stand in troubled times, but if one's spirit it broken down how will she remain on her feet.   So, ladies, I know we are busy and that everyone else seems to need our care; yet, if we don’t care for ourselves we really can’t give those who we love our best. 

You know, there really is no choice at all.   It’s a mandate from Heaven that we must heed, called time in His presence.  The results will have you walking graceful in no time at all.  “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:30, now that is a picture of graceful!

Walking graceful together,

 Judi Jo

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Caramel Apple Salad

Caramel Apple Salad

Now here's a great recipe for all those tasty apples that are harvested in the fall!

1 3oz pkg Instant Butterscotch Pudding
1 8oz ctn Cool Whip
1 8oz can Crushed Pineapple (in juice)
3-4 cubed and unpeeled Apples
1 C. Miniature Marshmallows
1 C. Dry Roasted Peanuts
2-3 Snickers Bars (chopped)

In a medium bowl, combined pudding mix, Cool Whip and pineapple.  Stir until well blended.  Stir in apples and marshmallows.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Before serving, fold in peanuts.  You may add in chopped Snicker bars along with the peanuts.

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Peanut Butter Bundles

Oh, my!!!  These are so addicting, so quick to make & disappear so fast! Here's the simple Recipe:

1 cup dark Karo Syrup
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Peanut Butter
6 cups Special K Cereal 

Simply bring the Karo Syrup & Sugar to boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.  Let boil for one minute & remove from heat.  Stir in the Peanut Butter until melted, then pour on top of the Special K cereal.  Now, drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper & they will be ready to eat as soon as they cool. 

Enjoy,
Judi Jo 

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Not Forgotten

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at
Arlington National Cemetery

Hello dear friends! I am so excited about the Inspired Woman going to a blog format. I've not been a blogger before, so this is a new adventure for me. So glad you've joined us!

Recently I was able to spend some very special time with my husband in Washington, DC. This year in September we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary...woooohoooo! Not only have we made it, but every day, week, month and year has gotten better and better as we live out God's wonderful plans for our lives. Since we have 5 beautiful little blessings to care for, we decided to just pick the date that worked best and go celebrate. That happened to be Memorial Day weekend. Pat and I are both history buffs and had a great time visiting all of the memorials, museums and national landmarks we could fit into 3 days! On Memorial Day we decided we would visit Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Not having been to Arlington before, I was not prepared for what I was about to see. There was a special ceremony planned that day, and so we were shuttled up to the amphitheater on a tram. On the way, I was stunned by the thousands upon thousands of gravesites we were passing. I read the stones as quickly as I could as we rode through. I was amazed as I read names on stones placed as early as the mid-1800's for people of all races, ethnicities, backgrounds and ranks who died in service to our country.

When the ceremony was over, we were able to visit the Tomb and see the changing of the guards. It was incredible to watch. I believe the thing that struck me the most was the inscription. It reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God." Due the unfortunate events of war, the body of the soldier lying in that tomb was never identified, yet the memory of his life of sacrifice lives on - he is not forgotten.

Sometime in the everyday routine of life, we may feel as though God has lost sight of where we are and the dreams in our hearts. It can be difficult to carry big things in your heart that haven't yet manifested. I remember many days of battles in my mind when the enemy would come and tempt me to give up on the plan of God and set my own course. There seemed to be easier paths to take that would bring a sense of instant satisfaction, but I knew on the inside nothing would ever satisfy me except for the perfect will of God!

Years later as I sit and write this blog, I can testify to being one of the happiest women alive! Today I am living the dreams God placed in my heart from my childhood. I can say with the songwriter, "Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come." This path has not always been easy, but is has brought me more blessings and fulfillment than I could have ever dreamed! The sacrifices God required of me were simply seeds sown that have now blossomed into a life filled with the supernatural power of God. I have watched God lead my family down paths that I could have never forged on my own, and work miracles that only He can get the glory for.

So my friend, today I want you to know this - God knows right where you are and He is doing everything He can to bring your destiny to pass. My counsel to you is to give Him what He needs to work with! Stay in faith, walk in love, pray, and whatever your assignment in this moment, give God your very best! Your faithfulness today is qualifying you for the days of glory that lie ahead. Some days the sacrifices you make may seem great, but they are working in your favor as they open the door for the supernatural to flow through your life. You have His Word that in this life He will never leave you, nor forsake you. Hold fast your profession of faith dear one - you are not forgotten!

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